Texas native Carl Nafzger sends out Street Sense as the early favorite in the 133rd run for the roses for the nation’s top three year olds. Street Sense will attempt to break the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile jinx as the first colt to win the top 2-year-old race and then the Derby.
Doors open Saturday, May 5 at 9:30 a.m. with the first race from Churchill Downs at 10 a.m. Fans can watch and wager on over 350 thoroughbred and greyhound races until 1 a.m. with the Derby set for 5 p.m.
Valley Race Park in conjunction with Sam Houston Race Park will offer their guests the chance to win $1 million in the Pick the Derby Finish Contest. There is no purchase necessary to enter and is limited to fans of the two Texas racetracks to select the exact order of the complete finish of the Kentucky Derby field. Derby Day festivities includes a $16.95 lavish buffet luncheon, a best Derby bonnet contest for women, mint juleps in a souvenir glass and prize giveaways. Admission is $2. Advanced wagering on the Kentucky Derby is also available anytime Friday after 9:30 a.m. at Valley Race Park.
Following the Kentucky Derby, round two of the sports doubleheader features one of the most talked about boxing matches in years as six-time divisional champion Oscar de La Hoya battles four time champ and the undefeated “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather for the world junior middleweight championship.
Admission to the boxing party is $10 (plus $2 racetrack admission) with the undercard beginning at 8 p.m. For super sports fans, a $25 package that includes admission to all of the racing action including the Kentucky Derby, the buffet lunch and the boxing is available by reservations only.
The Fast Tracks Sports Bar features the biggest and most screens in the valley for sports action including the 10 foot SuperScreen and the new 65’ flat screens. Reserved screenside tables and a VIP party will also be available.
This Sunday, April 29, the WWE’s Backlash will be featured in sports bar at 7 p.m. Fast Tracks will be open early and fans can come for dinner and nonstop winning action. The main event is four man match including champion John Scena and Shawn Michaels. The WWE is free with $2 racing action admission.
Valley Race Park is located on S. Ed Carey Drive in Harlingen off Expressway 77. Simulcasting is offered daily until past midnight. For more information call 956-412-RACE or visit ValleyRacePark.com.
VALLEY RACE PARK
2601 S. Ed Carey Dr.
Harlingen, TX (956) 412-RACE
ValleyRacePark.com
Open Daily 11am – 1am; Simulcasting of over 350 Thoroughbred and Greyhound Races. 500 TV monitors, full wagering, Fast Tracks Sports Bar
Special Events
Sunday, April 29, 7pm WWE’s Backlash; $2
Friday, May 4 First Race 10am; The Kentucky Oaks (Churchill Downs)
Saturday, May 5 First Race 10am; The Kentucky Derby at 5pm; $2
De La Hoya vs. Mayweather Boxing 8pm; $10