For more information contact:
Dale Day, Remington Park, (405) 425-3215
Kym Koch Thompson, Koch Communications, (405) 831-8668
Dale Day, Remington Park, (405) 425-3215
Kym Koch Thompson, Koch Communications, (405) 831-8668
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2010
October 1, 2010
Remington Park announces annual Oklahoma Derby Week festivities
Events: preview of Secretariat, famous jockeys, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby
Events: preview of Secretariat, famous jockeys, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby
OKLAHOMA CITY – Remington Park has released the lineup of festivities for Oklahoma Derby Week, Oct. 4-10. Among the major events is the preview of the Disney motion picture Secretariat, the annual Oklahoma Derby golf tournament, the Oklahoma Derby Cowboy Hat Gala and more, with every function leading to the state’s richest Thoroughbred race on Sunday, Oct. 10.
The $400,000 Oklahoma Derby is the marquee race on Remington Park’s fall calendar, annually drawing a top crowd that enjoys a full afternoon of great racing and family activities. This year, all guests can enjoy the experience of a rejuvenated Remington Park as the facility upgrades performed by new owner Global Gaming Solutions continue to draw rave reviews.
Remington Park president and general manager Scott Wells and his team vowed years ago to make the Oklahoma Derby a priority sporting event. The 22nd-running of the derby and the week of activities leading to the race exemplify the elevated stature of the event and its continued growth.
“Oklahoma Derby Week is not only a very exciting time for Remington Park but also for the entire community,” Wells said. “Since the Oklahoma Derby began in 1989 as a single race, it has evolved into a weeklong festival that showcases not only horse racing but also the strong relationships Remington Park has with other community partners, especially those within the Oklahoma City Adventure District boundaries. Whether it’s the golf tournament, special preview of a major motion picture or the marquee race of the Thoroughbred season, Oklahoma Derby Week has something exhilarating for everyone in the family.”
OKLAHOMA DERBY WEEK FESTIVITIES
• Remington Park Annual Golf Classic – Monday, Oct. 4
This 18-hole golf scramble takes place at Lincoln Park Golf Course in northeast Oklahoma City. During the round, competitors will have the opportunity to donate $20 to charity to allow 2-time World Long Drive Champion Gerry James to hit their ball down the fairway. All proceeds from the golf tournament and guest long-drive blast with Gerry James will be split between two local charities - Ally’s House and The Sky’s the Limit Ranch. For information on participating in the golf tournament, contact Joni Brakebill at 405-419-4403 or joni.brakebill@remingtonpark.com
• Sneak Preview of Secretariat, a Disney® motion picture – Tuesday, Oct. 5
Remington Park and Tinseltown Theatres have partnered to offer families a sneak preview of Secretariat. Otto Thorwarth, the actor who portrays Ron Turcotte (Secretariat’s jockey) in the film, will be in attendance that evening. Remington Park conducted a drawing via Facebook entries to determine who would receive the passes to the preview. All attending the preview will receive a complimentary Secretariat poster and have the opportunity to return to Remington Park on Sunday, Oct. 10 for a chance to have it autographed by both Otto Thorwarth and Ron Turcotte.
Remington Park and Tinseltown Theatres have partnered to offer families a sneak preview of Secretariat. Otto Thorwarth, the actor who portrays Ron Turcotte (Secretariat’s jockey) in the film, will be in attendance that evening. Remington Park conducted a drawing via Facebook entries to determine who would receive the passes to the preview. All attending the preview will receive a complimentary Secretariat poster and have the opportunity to return to Remington Park on Sunday, Oct. 10 for a chance to have it autographed by both Otto Thorwarth and Ron Turcotte.
• 2nd Annual Oklahoma Derby Cowboy Hat Gala – Thursday, Oct. 7
o The Oklahoma Derby Cowboy Hat Gala is hosted by Remington Park and benefits the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This unique, cowboy-chic event features a cocktail reception in the Paddock Gardens, seated dinner in the Eclipse Room and special program featuring keynote speaker, Chris McCarron. McCarron is a retired Hall of Fame jockey who rode many of the sport’s top Thoroughbreds throughout his career. He won nine Breeders’ Cup races, including five Breeders’ Cup Classics, and rode six winners in Triple Crown Races including a pair of Kentucky Derby winners with Alysheba in 1987 and Go For Gin in 1994. Guest magician Jeff Edmonds, will entertain Gala guests during the evening. Country-music group Restless Heart will perform throughout the evening. For ticket information, call (405) 478-2250, ext. 219 or go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
o The Oklahoma Derby Cowboy Hat Gala is hosted by Remington Park and benefits the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This unique, cowboy-chic event features a cocktail reception in the Paddock Gardens, seated dinner in the Eclipse Room and special program featuring keynote speaker, Chris McCarron. McCarron is a retired Hall of Fame jockey who rode many of the sport’s top Thoroughbreds throughout his career. He won nine Breeders’ Cup races, including five Breeders’ Cup Classics, and rode six winners in Triple Crown Races including a pair of Kentucky Derby winners with Alysheba in 1987 and Go For Gin in 1994. Guest magician Jeff Edmonds, will entertain Gala guests during the evening. Country-music group Restless Heart will perform throughout the evening. For ticket information, call (405) 478-2250, ext. 219 or go to www.nationalcowboymuseum.org.
• Oklahoma Derby Community Expo – Friday, Oct. 8, 5-9pm
The Oklahoma Derby Community Expo encourages metro-area businesses and non-profit organizations to set up a complimentary booth on the Remington Park Clubhouse Level. Admission to the expo is free.
The Oklahoma Derby Community Expo encourages metro-area businesses and non-profit organizations to set up a complimentary booth on the Remington Park Clubhouse Level. Admission to the expo is free.
• Oklahoma Derby Hat Contest – Sunday, Oct. 10
The Oklahoma Derby Hat Contest will feature extraordinary hats and the ladies who wear them from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Clubhouse Level. A panel of celebrity judges will award prizes in a variety of categories. Overall cash and prizes for this year’s Derby Hat Contest is $2,000!
The Oklahoma Derby Hat Contest will feature extraordinary hats and the ladies who wear them from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Clubhouse Level. A panel of celebrity judges will award prizes in a variety of categories. Overall cash and prizes for this year’s Derby Hat Contest is $2,000!
• 22nd Running of the Oklahoma Derby – Sunday, Oct. 10
The Derby Week’s festivities culminate during the 22nd Running of the Oklahoma Derby. The lone Sunday afternoon of the Thoroughbred Season begins at 1:30pm led by $400,000 Oklahoma Derby with the $200,000 Remington Park Oaks and the $150,000 Remington Green Stakes supporting on the undercard.
The Derby Week’s festivities culminate during the 22nd Running of the Oklahoma Derby. The lone Sunday afternoon of the Thoroughbred Season begins at 1:30pm led by $400,000 Oklahoma Derby with the $200,000 Remington Park Oaks and the $150,000 Remington Green Stakes supporting on the undercard.
Beginning at Noon in the Racing Entrance, fans can receive the 2010 edition of the collectible Oklahoma Derby glass, while supplies last as well as commemorative Secretariat movie posters.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet and obtain autographs from Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte and newly retired jockey, turned actor, Otto Thorwarth. Turcotte rode the famed Secretariat to his Triple Crown in 1973. Thorwarth, who rode at Remington Park in the late 1990s, portrays Turcotte in the Disney release Secretariat. Turcotte, an advocate for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will donate his appearance fee while at Remington Park to the PDJF.
About Remington Park
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com. Parking and admission are always free at Remington Park.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com. Parking and admission are always free at Remington Park.
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