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The Eclipse at Kentucky Downs

Raise Money for Old Friends

GEORGETOWN, KY – AUGUST 16, 2017 – On Monday August 21, Kentucky Downs Racecourse in Franklin, KY will welcome followers of the Great American Total Solar Eclipse to come and raise money for Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement.

As the track is in the eclipse’s path of totality, Kentucky Downs will offer visitors a prime parking and viewing option with funds benefiting the non-profit organization that cares for over 175 retired race horses.

On August 21, Kentucky Downs will open its parking lot to eclipse visitors beginning at 7:30 am.  The charge for parking will be a $10 donation per car, with all proceeds benefiting Old Friends.

The parking lot will be clearly marked, concessions will be available in the track’s pavilion area, and restroom facilities will be also be available.

Due to customer request, the track is selling parking passes presently at its Players Club, again, for the $10 donation. The Players Club, located inside the front lobby of the pavilion, will be open until 4 am on Aug 20-21 for convenient pre-purchasing.

Kentucky Downs is home to “Old Friends at Kentucky Downs,” a satellite division of the Old Friends farm based in Georgetown, KY. Old Friends at Kentucky Downs features nine pensioned Thoroughbreds, including Kentucky Turf Cup winner Rumor Has It and Kentucky Turf Dash winner Good Lord. Tours to meet the equine athletes are offered daily through the Simpson County Tourism Office (for schedules and information call: 270- 586-3040).

The Total Solar Eclipse will darken skies from Oregon to South Carolina along a stretch of land about 70 miles wide. The shadow of the moon will also pass through Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Anyone within the path of totality will witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.

The duration of this rare celestial event varies by location, but in Franklin, KY, it is expected to begin at approximately 11:58 am with totality reached approximately 1:28 pm.

Please note: Approved eclipse glasses (those that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard) will NOT be available at the track. Sky watchers should NEVER look at a partial solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Looking directly at the sun, even when it is partially covered by the moon, can cause serious eye damage or blindness. For a complete guide on how to view the eclipse safely, visit nasa.gov.

Located at 5565 Nashville Road in Franklin, KY, Kentucky Downs conducts its live turf racing meet each September on the only “European-style” race course in North America. (In 2017 live racing will take place September 2, 7, 9, 10 and 14.) The meet is staged in an informal festival setting and features the annual running of the Grade III Kentucky Turf Cup race. Additionally, Kentucky Downs is home to over 600 Vegas-style gaming machines, live music and entertainment, year-round simulcasting, and charity bingo events.

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 175 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org

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