Ellis Park Opens This Weekend for an 88th Season of Racing

It's going to be a great summer at Ellis Park. It usually is. And Ellis Park's summer begins this weekend. The legendary race track opens today and live thoroughbred racing begins tomorrow. It's a great day for everyone when it's spent at Ellis Park, which has lined up an incredible series of events and activities for summer 2011.

WEINER DOG RACES

On the Fourth of July, admission will be free and the whole family will enjoy the Weiner Dog Trials. This is a blast; I am not kidding. Simply put, the dog's owners stand at one end of the makeshift track and call their dogs. I mean, if you don't laugh at a bunch of dachsunds hauling it down a track, well, you don't laugh. What a blast! Trials begin this Monday and continue on July 10th with championship coming up July 16th.

DOLLAR DAYS

Hey, if you're looking for a way to save money and still enjoy a day's worth of great entertainment, you gotta check out Ellis Park Dollar Days, every Sunday through September 3. This is awesome! Of course, the admission is free and Ellis Park offers $1 specials on certain food and drink items. It's a whole day of fun and racing excitement that will give your wallet a much-needed break.

LADIES DAY

Ladies, there's a special day coming just for you. While you'll likely be visiting Ellis Park throughout the summer, you will definitely want to mark July 23rd on your calendar. That Saturday will be filled specials and giveaways you won't want to miss!

KTA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AND LAPTOP GIVEAWAYS

If you're a college student, make sure you bring your college I.D. to Ellis Park on July 24th. You'll have a chance to win a $1000 scholarship from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. In fact, the KTA will be giving away one scholarship after every race! Amazing! Not only a fun day at the races, but an incredibly lucrative opportunity as well. But hang on, there's more! On August 14th, dust off that I.D. and bring it back to Ellis Park for the Kentucky HBPA College Laptop Giveaway! A laptop computer will be given away after every race.

CAMEL AND OSTRICH RACES

Yeah, it sounds like something out of a Disney movie. And, who knows? Maybe if you dig deep through the old Walt's animated archives, you just might find it. But you won't have to look very hard at all on July 30th. That's when the camels and the ostriches return to Ellis Park! This is a great for the kids because they'll get a chance to pet and feed these exotic creatures. Then you get to watch 'em race! Don't miss it!

GARDENIA STAKES

Are you ready for the big purse? On August 13th, it's the race of the year at Ellis Park--the $100,000 Gardenia Stakes. It's an exciting one-mile race with a hundred grand on the line. Do not miss this one. And make sure you arrive in time to nab your very own Gardenia Stakes souvenir glass. A limited number will be available absolutely free.

MASCOT DAY

And talk about fun! On August 21st the mascots will be out in full force. Last year our very own beloved BKR Bear participated in the 1st Annual Mascot Race. I'm not sure where he finished, but, alas, it wasn't first. But it was still a riot! And it will be again this year as mascots from around the tri-state take to the track to try to be the first to cross the finish line. Hilarious!

I hope I've just helped you put a serious dent in your calendar. The fun begins at Ellis Park this weekend as season 88 gets underway! Gentlemen, start your horses!