It is usually a fun time, since, because of our jobs, we are rarely able to enjoy the weekday races. While Churchill Downs by day is a fun, exciting, casual event, Downs After Dark is a completely different animal.
The people dress as if they, themselves, are competing for something. The lights flash, drinks are everywhere, music fills the paddock, and horses ramble down the dirt track, lit by huge overhead spotlights. It is an interesting mix of both horse racing and clubbing at the same time.
Once I went with my friend, Maggie. We were going to meet up with James later, he had gone, separately, with his friend. We paraded down the red carpet into the paddock. Disco balls twirled and drinks poured. The band was getting set up in one corner and lounge areas surrounded the usually standing-room-only paved brick.
We actually were able to run into Mine That Bird's trainer in 2009 when he miraculously ran away with the Derby win.
It is always hot, it is always crowded, it is always loud, much like a regular nightclub, but here you share the spotlight with excited, anxious thoroughbreds, ready to race.
Another time James and I attended the Downs After Dark races was with my former employer. We were able to get suite tickets, inside. This meant not having to stand in line for drinks, and air conditioning. Whew. We were also able to step out onto the rood of the stands, where they had arranged the area to look a lot like a posh South Beach nightclub. The breeze blew billowing gauzy curtains around the seating areas, filled with plush, white chairs. We bet on a few races, but came up empty.
It is always interesting to attend these night races because the atmosphere and experience is so much different than what we are accustomed to. Although I still prefer the day races, night racing is definitely something everyone should experience at least once.
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