Fair Grounds Announces New Susan G. Komen Partnership

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Jim Mulvihill
Communications and Pari-Mutuel Marketing Manager
504-948-1233
james.mulvihill@fgno.com

•  Fair Grounds Oaks Presented by Susan G. Komen Set for March 31

• "Pink Out" Event Will Feature Champagne, Cooking, Hats, Survivors Parade and More

NEW ORLEANS (Wednesday, March 21, 2012) - Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will partner with the Susan G. Komen Foundation to present a full afternoon of fun while raising funds for breast cancer research on Fair Grounds Oaks Day, March 31. The racing action will include four stakes restricted to fillies and mares, highlighted by the meet's richest race for females, now known as the $500,000 Fair Grounds Oaks Presented by Susan G. Komen.

One dollar from each Fair Grounds Oaks Day admission will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, with the majority staying in-state for breast cancer outreach in Southeast Louisiana, while the rest will go to the national Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer research.

All guests on Fair Grounds Oaks Day are encouraged to wear pink, which is closely associated with breast cancer causes. Special events throughout the day will include complimentary Chandon Sparkling Pink champagne courtesy of Glazer's and pink macaroons courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton for the first 250 arrivals in the tent; cooking demonstrations by the new Criollo Restaurant at Hotel Monteleone; makeovers by Dior ($10 donation per person); best hat competitions; a book signing with the authors of the Stable to Table cookbook with recipes from throughout the equestrian world; face painting; and a charity raffle with prizes including autographed New Orleans Saints memorabilia and Fair Grounds gift baskets.

A silent auction will feature two tickets to the Kentucky Derby and a variety of collectible items, including pink horseshoes custom-decorated by New Orleans-based celebrities and racing memorabilia, as well as spa certificates from The Ritz-Carlton, gift certificates to Acme Oyster House and Creole Cuisine, a hotel stay at The Bienville House, a House of Blues Foundation Room Membership and much more.

The ceremonies will be hosted by guest celebrity emcee Susan Roesgen of WGNO-TV's News With a Twist.

The trackside Miller Lite Beer Garden, outfitted in pink, will serve as the headquarters for all of the Susan G. Komen activities. Food and beverage options will include pink lemonade and cotton candy, as well as specialty fare by Messina's Catering. The "Pink Out" celebration will reach its apex with a Survivors' Parade, open to all breast cancer survivors, which will make its way through the Fair Grounds paddock and into the Winner's Circle between races.

"Fair Grounds is proud to help raise funds for such an important cause," said Fair Grounds President Tim Bryant. "I'm especially glad we were able to partner with the local affiliate so the proceeds will help save lives right here in Louisiana."

First post (the first race of the day) on Fair Grounds Oaks Day, March 31, is 12:10 p.m. The Survivors Parade will be at 3:30 p.m. and the featured race, the $500,000 Fair Grounds Oaks Presented by Susan G. Komen (Gr. II), will go off in the late afternoon, most likely around 5 p.m.

General admission on Fair Grounds Oaks Day is $5 and Clubhouse admission is $10. General admission is unlimited and can be purchased at the door. For Clubhouse reservations, call (504) 943-2200.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure, New Orleans

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, New Orleans Affiliate has provided more than $2.9 million for community grants in our eight-parish service area. Seventy-five percent of the net funds raised by Komen New Orleans stay here in our community to fund life-saving breast cancer treatment, screening and education programs. The remaining 25-percent goes to Komen national strictly for ground breaking breast cancer research grants. Our only focus is our promise and mission which is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality of care for all and energizing science to find the cures.

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 10 off-track betting parlors throughout southeast Louisiana. The 140th Thoroughbred Racing Season continues through April 1, 2012, highlighted by the $1 million Louisiana Derby for Kentucky Derby hopefuls on April 1. More information can be found online at www.FairGroundsRaceCourse.com.

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