(WHAS11) Friday was a historic night at Churchill Downs; the first-ever night race.
More than 28,000 people attended the first ever "Downs After Dark" Friday night. A normal Friday night attendance is 1/4th of that total, at only 7,500. For those who wanted to pay a little extra than the standard $10 to get in, there was a gourmet dinner and balcony view complete with dancing under the lights.
Race lovers enjoyed live music, food, and cool drinks in this first race night under the lights.
"It's nothing new for us. I'm impressed with the way they have it set up this evening and I think its a step forward for the future," said jockey Robby Albarado.
"I rode before at night I rode for 8 years at night when I first started its a little different atmosphere, you know, but I think people around Churchill will get into it though," said Derby winning jockey Calvin Borel, who went on to win the big race of the night aboard "Cosmic."
As of now, Churchill Downs has two more night races scheduled for this season. One next Friday, the 26th, and again Thursday, July 2nd.
Churchill Downs officialls say if it is succesfull, night racing could become a regular fixture at the Downs.
