Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Ruidoso Downs Race Track Hosting Kentucky Derby Watch Party

Ruidoso Downs will host its annual Kentucky Derby party in the Turf Club on Saturday, May 6. The public may reserve a $100 table for four in the Turf Club for the afternoon. Reservations can be made online at tickets.raceruidoso.com/.

Wagering on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs: Simulcast wagering on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby will be held in the simulcast area starting at 8AM. Advance wagering on the Kentucky Derby will begin on Friday, May 5.

Here are the top three-year-old thoroughbreds expected to run in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 6:     

Horse, Trainer & Current Odds:

Forte, Todd Pletcher, 3-1

Tapit Trice, Todd Pletcher, 8-1

Practical Move, Tim Yakteen, 10-1

Kingsbarn, Todd Pletcher, 14-1

National Treasure, Tim Yakteen, 15-1

Reincarnate, Tim Yakteen, 18-1

Red Route One, Steve Asmussen, 20-1

Geaux Rocket Ride, Richard Mandella, 22-1

Confidence Game, Keith Desormeaux, 22-1

Verifying, Brad Cox, 22-1

Two Phil’s, Larry Rivelli, 25-1

Hit Show, Brad Cox, 30-1

Rocket Can, Bill Mott, 32-1

Blazing Sevens, Chad Brown, 35-1

Disarm, Steve Asmussen, 38-1

Skinner, John Shirreffs, 38-1

Awesome Strong, Jorge Delgado, 40-1

Derma Sotogake, Hidetaka Otonashi, 40-1

Angel of Empire, Brad Cox, 40-1

Instant Coffee, Brad Cox, 50-1

Raise Cain, Ben Colebrook, 50-1

Cyclone Mischief, Dale Romans, 50-1

Jace’s Road, Brad Cox, 50-1

Victory Formation, Brad Cox, 50-1

Banishing, Brendan Walsh, 50-1

Saturday, May 6 in the Turf Club: The Turf Club will open at 11AM. The public can simulcast wager on all cards, including Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. There will be new Turf Club menu and drink specials. Top the day off right with a Bourbon Rickey or a Classic Mint Julip.  

There are several events happening at Ruidoso Downs that coincide with Kentucky Derby Weekend:

Derby Dash For Cash: Patrons who attend the Kentucky Derby watch party will be given the chance to enter the $500 Derby Dash for Cash drawing. They will fill out an entry form, and put it in the horse’s box that they think will win to enter it in the contest. A $500 cash prize will be given to one person who selects the winning horse in the Kentucky Derby and wins a drawing that consists of only those patrons who also selected the winning racehorse. You do not have to be present to win the contest, and no purchase is necessary.

Derby Trivia: There will be trivia questions all day to win Kentucky Derby swag!

Derby Hat Contest: Patrons attending the Kentucky Derby watch party may enter to win a Derby Day Hat Contest in the Turf Club. There will be three top cash prizes for the best hats that are being judged for beauty and originality. No purchase is necessary to enter the hat contest. Trophies will be presented.

Billy the Kid Casino: The casino will be open all day starting at 10AM, and patrons can register to win $100 in free play in the hot machine drawing! Official rules are available at the Rewards Club booth located inside the casino.