Churchill Downs kicked off their spring meet Saturday night with a full slate of racing and festivities despite a cold chilly rain and a threat of severe weather.   The storms held off and the rains came after several races were complete.   The rains kept the expected large crowd down, but it was still a busy and hopping place.

Tony and the Tan Lines provided live music between races for guests as part of the entertainment package for the night. Several bridal brides to be took as their opportunity to have their bachelorette parties.  Other groups were there as well.

Despite the weather, guests were still dressed in their best “Derby” attire.  Women in flamboyant hats and formal dresses as well as gentlemen in tuxes represented around a third of the crowd.

And…. their off.  Horses break from the gate during the Kentucky Derby Festival Queen & Royal Court race.

A bridal party poses in front of the statue of Aristides, the first Kentucky Derby Champion during Downs after Dark in the paddock area of Churchill Downs.

Horses head into the first turn during the second race of the night lead by Miesque Amour (3) and Miss Reditore (6).

Jockey Calvin Borel leaves the paddock aboard Louwala Clough, before the 2nd race.

Flattermejim walks around the paddock waiting for saddling before the first race of the night.
Flattermejim, with Julien Leparoux aboard, a heavy favorite, cruises to victory in the 1st race of the season.