WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY | Picture perfect day for Opening Day at Churchill Downs

Picture perfect day for Opening Day at Churchill Downs

By Lindsay English - bio | email
Posted By Mike Dever - email

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - It was clear, blue skies and plenty of sunshine for Opening Day of the Spring Meet at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

"I've been here for Opening Day 25 years in a row," said Kelly Reid. "I haven't missed an Opening Day, Spring or Fall.

Reid says it's a tradition he enjoys, without all the hype and sometimes hassle of Oaks and Derby. "It's been an enjoyable day. We've made some money," he said.

Pete Macon and his soon-to-be 5-year-old daughter, who was born on Oaks Day, says they make Opening Day a family affair every year. "We love being out here. We the love the track. We love the horses, being out here and seeing what we can see, always losing money though!" Macon said.

One group of 30 enjoying Opening Day Saturday was a group from Michigan in town for soccer tournament. They decided a side trip to Churchill Downs was worth it.

"I didn't really think the place was so big," said said Bob Zeffero from Brighton, Michigan. It doesn't look nearly this big on TV, but when you get down to the track and you look up at the grandstand, it's way bigger than you think." Bob was hoping for some beginner's luck in the wagering department.

With the track buzzing again with activity, you know the first Saturday in May is just around the corner. "Last year, the winner was Big Brown," said Darren Rogers, Senior Director of Communications for Churchill Downs. "He brought up a lot of excitement. He was kind of a one- horse show. This year, we have the potential of about five to six Big Brown type horses, and that energy is there and I think it shows so far on Opening Day," 

Also noticeable on Opening Day were the touches of pink all around the track - a reminder of the Oaks Day "pink out," with Churchill Downs encouraging everyone to wear pink. The track will donate $1 for every person in attendance, meaning a minimum of $100,000 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

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