Kentucky Oaks Day Sets All-Time Wagering Record

Some early morning rain and a cloudy day did not dampen what would be a record day of wagering on the 13-race Kentucky Oaks Day card May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Wagering on the 145th edition of the $1.25 million Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) reached record levels as frontrunning Serengeti Empress captured the race before a crowd of 105,719 that braved early morning rain.

Wagering from all-sources on the Kentucky Oaks Day card, which featured six graded stakes, totaled $60.2 million, an 8% increase over the previous record of $55.8 million in 2018. All-sources wagering on the Kentucky Oaks improved 10% to $19.4 million from the previous race record of $17.5 million in 2018.

Attendance decreased 7% compared with last year, which had more favorable weather conditions. This followed a record-breaking Thursday "Thurby" crowd of 48,212.

"Congratulations to the connections of Serengeti Empress and special thanks to all of the horse owners, trainers, and jockeys who participated in today's races," said Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs racetrack. "Today's record handle shows that the Kentucky Oaks has established itself as one of the world's most popular events.

"Our guests were able to benefit from the most recent improvements to the facility, including the new Starting Gate Suites Rooftop Lounge that added approximately 500 new seats. We also made several improvements to dining areas inside the facility and replaced nearly 25,000 seats in our outdoor grandstand and clubhouse sections that enhanced the guest experience. We look forward to tomorrow for what we know will be a memorable 145th running of the Kentucky Derby (Presented by Woodford Reserve, G1)."

Churchill Downs held its 11th annual "Pink Out" in partnership with Derby Divas and in support of Norton Cancer Institute on Kentucky Oaks Day. 

The Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation donated $50,000 and helped raise an additional $23,877 through online donations to benefit the Breast Health Program at Norton Cancer Institute, a local nonprofit focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

Churchill Downs also donated $1 from each Friday sale of the Finlandia Oaks Lily, the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks, to Derby Divas, a group of dedicated volunteers who have partnered with Norton Healthcare to raise funds to ensure underserved women have access to mammograms and other key services to help prevent, detect, and treat breast cancer.

The Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade presented by Kroger celebrated 145 cancer survivors who marched over the Churchill Downs lawn prior to the running of the Kentucky Oaks to help raise national awareness of breast and ovarian health and honor survivors.