Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer in more ways than one. Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colorado's only venue for horse racing, opens its 2011 season on May 28. Through late August you can enjoy thoroughbreds, quarter horses, Arabians, paints and appaloosas racing and spend as little, or as much dough as you want.
Even better, Colorado's two-time thoroughbred of the year, Vannacide, was spotted working out yesterday.
The 10-year-old granddaughter of the immortal Seattle Slew has won a major stakes race at Arapahoe Park every year since 2003 and was said to be retired and off to the breeding shed after last season. Could it be that life on the farm didn't suit her? Another question: Track announcer Craig Braddick has been signed to call races at Yavapai Downs in Prescott Valley, Arizona. Who will fill his shoes here at Arapahoe?
On Fridays admission is
FREE and Saturday/Sunday admission is only $3 for adults. Seniors pay $1. Kids are always
FREE. Parking is
FREE. Programs are $2. A cold beer and a burger will run you about $10. If you're feeling flush you can get an air-conditioned clubhouse table for $10 and the clubhouse buffet, pricey at around $25, is a delicious treat. They typically put on a great spread for Father's Day too.
Now, this is Colorado not Churchill Downs, but most people still choose to dress nicely for the races. Kids are welcome although they need to be supervised. Arapahoe's crowd and staff is very friendly. Racing is held Fridays through Sundays with the exception of Memorial Day, May 30, which will feature a full card.
Arapahoe Park races start at 1PM. 26000 East Quincy Ave.
Website here.
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