1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119 www.fairgroundsracecourse.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian W. Spencer Racing Analyst/Racing Communications, 504.948.1233, brian.spencer@fgno.com
50 to 1 movie tour at fair grounds louisiana derby day, march 29
NEW ORLEANS (Tuesday, March 18, 2014) – Fair Grounds will offer more than $2.2 million in stakes purses on Louisiana Derby Day highlighted by the 101st running of the $1 million Grade II Louisiana Derby for sophomores looking to punch their ticket to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Yum! Brands on May 3. First post is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
In addition to hosting four graded stakes races (Grade II Louisiana Derby, Grade II Fair Grounds Oaks, Grade II Mervin H. Muniz, Grade II New Orleans Handicap), Fair Grounds will also host a stop on the promotional bus tour for the upcoming movie 50 to 1.
Produced, directed, and co-written by Academy Award-winning producer Jim Wilson (Dances with Wolves),
50 to 1 (www.50to1themovie.com) is based on the true story of horse racing legend Mine That Bird, who delivered a 50-1 upset in the 2009 running of the Kentucky Derby. In advance of the movie’s opening in Louisiana on April 4, select members of the cast will be traveling the country and will stop for a promotional appearance at Fair Grounds.
“We're bringing 50 to 1 to the people of America," Wilson said. “The tour mirrors not only the true story, but also the release, and will weave its way from town to town from New Mexico to Kentucky.”
Wilson will be joined on the bus tour by co-producer and co-writer Faith Conroy. Cast members scheduled to appear at the event include Christian Kane (Angel, Leverage), Todd Lowe (True Blood), Madelyn Deutch, and Hugo Perez.
Kane will sing the national anthem at approximately 12:00 p.m. prior to the day’s races, and will then join his cast mates for a meet and greet with fans.
Fans will get the opportunity to take a picture with the cast, and the first 200 fans will receive a 13x19 promotional poster to be autographed. A drawing will be held for a pair of full-size movie posters autographed by the entire cast of 50 to 1, and attendees may also bring one additional item with them into the facility that day to be autographed by a cast member.
Tickets for Louisiana Derby Day ($10 general admission, $15 clubhouse) are available online now at www.fgno.com/tickets.
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest racetrack, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 11 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 142nd Thoroughbred Racing Season – highlighted by the 101st running of the $1 million Louisiana Derby – will run from November 22, 2013 through March 30, 2014. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.
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