Kentucky Derby @ night?
 

"This is about doing something for the future of racing, and the future of racing at Churchill Downs," track President Kevin Flanery said at a news conference.

Asked if the Derby might some day be run at night, Flanery replied "you never say never," but added that the focus now is on operating racing under the lights and the experience for fans.

"Let's get that right first," he said.

http://www.dailymail.com/ap/ApTopStories/200911170661

There's been plenty written about the prospect of racing getting some of the big events on in prime time like most of the major sports...

Actually, this would be a great example of when to say never.

If the tv network wanted to come up with primetime money for the Derby then why not? Otherwise why bother?

Why bother - the audience and exposure would be HUGE - and be good for racing.

Considering what's going on in the sports marketplace that time of year I think the Derby at night is a terrific idea.

I also imagine the BC is tinkering with the idea of moving some of Friday's races into primetime provided the 2 day format stays. What the hell, ratings couldn't be any worse for the BC, unless it's moved to Versus.

NT

thats a peach hon..:tro:

Throw the Oaks in primetime Friday and see what happens. Sure would make for a really fun night in Louisville- though it's already one of the best weekends of the year.

I'm totally supportive of this idea. Really, since the Derby is always run at like 6:40 anyway, why would it matter if post time is at noon instead of 10:30 that day and they run the Derby at 8:10 instead of the current time?

What kind of money? If it isn't enough to fix some specific issue then forget it.

From a logistics standpoint it might be too difficult to pull off a Friday night Oaks, at least as long as CD has such an early post for the first on Derby Day.

i agree! push post back to 8:05 no later than 9:05. tv comes on 2-3hr before, shorten the time between races. it would do well.

Plus I would be able to bet a Derby non-hungover, getting drunk again maybe not at least not hungover. Last two Derby mornings have been HORRIBLE!!

Couple more hours of good drinking...Can't see any reason why it wouldn't be good

Arent Sat night TV ratings the weeks worst?

Caddyshack.

The Fri BC at night would make sense

I dont know, maybe 100 million for 5 years?

Saturday night is a dead night for TV.

But in this case, what is 'night' ? 10pm? 8pm? Or just extending the daytime hours to catch a better time say... 7:45pm?

i was going to say the same thing. post time is too early anyway and the race does not go off until late in the day. start at noon. the sport needs help and exposure would help. i just don't know how much changing the derby time would do though. its the derby after all and anyone that cares already knows about it. the friday night breeders cup deal would help more i think. most casual fans don't even pay attention to friday. the derby is "tradition", this friday breeders cup deal goes relatively unknown and uncovered.