Continuing a commitment to new Kentucky Oaks Day traditions
The Kentucky Oaks (G1) will once again feature a “Ladies First” theme
For the third consecutive year, Churchill Downs will donate $1 to
Additionally, Churchill Downs will donate $1 to Horses and Hope, the
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Special Kentucky Oaks Day events will include a “Pink Out!” which encourages
all Oaks attendees to incorporate pink into their attire for the day to show
their support, a Survivors Parade and a Chambord Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest.
“When someone in the world dies of breast cancer every 69 seconds, it’s
imperative that we fund critical research, spread awareness and educate women
about breast health and breast cancer,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO
of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “As the first ‘First Lady of the Oaks’, I was
very moved by the generosity and passion Oaks Day supporters have shown this
cause. It’s a fun day for a serious mission, and we’re very appreciative to
Churchill Downs for making it a reality again this year.”
“We are so pleased and grateful that Kentucky Oaks fans and the Louisville
community have embraced our ‘Ladies First’ campaign and partnership with Susan
G. Komen for the Cure,” Churchill Downs Inc. President and CEO Robert L. Evans
said. “Our guests put on their pink apparel and turned out in record numbers to
enjoy the Oaks last year, with Kentucky Oaks 136 being the second-highest
attended racing event in the country, generating the eighth largest handle for a
U.S. racing event in 2010. No other city of this size could support the growing
Oaks event and the important causes tied to it the way our hometown of
Louisville does.
“This year’s ‘Pink Out’ will be bigger and better than ever,” Evans
continued, “and we’re crossing our fingers for another record attendance and the
chance to contribute significant funds towards breast cancer awareness, research
and prevention. To date, Churchill Downs has contributed $284,000 to the Komen
and Horses and Hope charities through our Oaks fund-raising efforts. We look
forward to sharing Oaks Day’s special experiences — from the pink carpet
fashion contest to the annual Survivors Parade — with our guests, the many of
breast cancer survivors who join us, and with a national television audience
through the new coverage we will enjoy on NBC Sports Group’s VERSUS Network.”
The official color of both the Kentucky Oaks and breast cancer awareness is
pink; therefore, Churchill Downs is staging its third “Pink Out!” at the track
on Oaks Day and encouraging all Oaks attendees to wear pink or to incorporate
pink into their attire for the day to show their support. Additionally,
Churchill Downs’ facility will be adorned in pink on Oaks Day, including
pink-colored bunting, flower beds, flags and jockeys’ and pony riders’ apparel.
Even Churchill Downs bugler Steve Buttleman will sport a pink uniform as he
calls horses to the post throughout the Oaks race card.
Survivors and supporters from the region, and around the world, are
encouraged to attend this very special event and, of course, show their support
by wearing pink. Even if supporters and survivors can’t make it to Louisville,
they can get involved by visiting
www.kentuckyderbyparty.com for a specially designed Susan G. Komen for the
Cure branded invitation and everything needed to throw an Oaks or Derby party as
a fundraiser at home.
To build continued awareness for the Oaks Day “Pink Out!” within the local
community, Churchill Downs is encouraging and challenging Louisvillians to wear
pink every Friday throughout the month of April. Each week, Churchill Downs’
“Pink Patrol” will make a surprise Friday visit to award two individuals or
establishments who excel at “pinking out” their homes, yards, businesses,
schools, cars, etc. with pink decorations, trim and products. The winners will
receive two box seats for the Kentucky Oaks. Further details about how to
participate in the contest can be found at
www.kentuckyoaks.com.
Ladies of all ages in attendance on Kentucky Oaks Day can enter the Chambord
Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest with the winner receiving an all-expense VIP trip
for two to Fashion Week in New York City. Entrants showcasing their finest Oaks
attire will be judged on the “Pink Carpet” inside the Aristides Garden.
Participants will be judged on how fashionably they incorporate pink into their
ensemble.
The Survivors Parade has provided some of the most memorable and emotional
Kentucky Oaks Day moments each of the last two years as breast cancer survivors
invited by Churchill Downs and Susan G. Komen for the Cure paraded Churchill
Downs’ main track shortly before the running of the Kentucky Oaks. The parade
will return in 2011 and all survivors will have a chance to participate through
an online nomination and voting process at
www.kentuckyoaks.com.
Guests can log onto the website and nominate themselves, a relative or friend
by sharing a brief personal experience that relates to breast cancer survival.
For the first time, guests may also submit an “In Memoriam” nomination to salute
the memory of an individual who lost their courageous battle with breast cancer.
Once the nomination process concludes on March 18, the stories will be shared
online and voting will be open March 19-30. Fans will vote for their favorite
and most inspirational stories and the 137 survivors with the most votes will
receive two free reserved seats to the Kentucky Oaks and lunch courtesy of
Churchill Downs (travel and hotel accommodations not included). The winners will
be announced March 31.
Churchill Downs and Susan G. Komen for the Cure have also teamed to bring
back a popular co-branded line of officially-licensed apparel and gift items
available online at
www.kentuckyderbystore.com. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of
co-branded products will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.