Gulfstream Park Kicks off Florida Derby week for Charity

FLORIDA DERBY FESTIVAL TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITIES

Golf & Poker Tournaments Part of Week-Long Festivities
Events Kick-off March 25 with Jockey’s Race to the Bar
Kiss Country Pop-Up Concert with Surprise Grammy Winner
Official Derby Party CockTails & Horse Tales March 30

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – Gulfstream Park will offer fans a week of activities and attractions leading up to the $1 million Florida Derby on Saturday, March 31, including a concert by a mystery Grammy-winning country artist as well as golf and poker tournaments, a cocktail party with jockeys serving drinks, and the official Florida Derby cocktail party with live and silent auctions.

All money raised at these events will go toward The Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After-Care Program (www.gpaftercare.com) and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (www.pdjf.org).

“Led by our Chairman, Frank Stronach, the management and staff of Gulfstream Park believe it is our responsibility to reach out and meet the needs of the thoroughbred community at large,” said Gulfstream Park President and General Manager Timothy Ritvo. “Mr. Stronach has been an industry-leader and innovator in thoroughbred retirement and rehabilitation, and is a long-time supporter of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

“We hope the events leading up to the Florida Derby raise awareness and funds for both of these worthy charities while bringing our community together in celebration of the 61st running of the Florida Derby.”

In the first 60 runnings of the Florida Derby, 40 starters have gone on to win a remarkable 55 Triple Crown events. Past Florida Derby winners include Barbaro, Big Brown, Northern Dancer, Spectacular Bid and Foolish Pleasure.

The Florida Derby week of festivities include:

• Sunday, March 25
  Jockeys Race to the Bar
  6:30 p.m. Sport of Kings

  Jockeys tend bar with all tips going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Live DJ, silent and casual auctions, racing “goody bag” to first 100 people. Event t-shirts can be purchased. Hors d’oeuvres between 6:30-8 p.m.

• Monday, March 26
  Kiss Country Pop Up Concert
  8 p.m. (Line begins forming at 7 p.m.) Sport of Kings

  Grammy Award-winning artist to be revealed when the curtains open.

• Tuesday, March 27
  Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament
  10:30 a.m., Westin Diplomat

  Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey hosts the second annual Florida Derby Golf Tournament. Every other hole will have a satellite bar. There will also be a Burger Hole, 50/50 raffles, closest to the pin, longest drive and the Jerry Bailey Par-3 Challenge Hole. Tickets are $200 per person. Please contact Susan Stofsky at susan.stofsky@gulfstreampark.com or call 954.455.6672.

• Wednesday, March 28
  Post Position Draw
  12:30 p.m. Ten Palms American Kitchen & Stone Crab Parlor

  Draw Giveaway: Long sleeve Florida Derby t-shirt giveaway, Breezeway (free with program).

• Thursday, March 29
  $10,000 Aces for Aftercare Poker Tournament
  6:30 p.m. First floor casino.

  $150 Buy-in. Please contact Scott Poole at scott.poole@gulfstreampark or call 954.457.6336.

• Friday, March 30
  Official Florida Derby Party Cocktails and Horse Tales
  7 p.m. Walking Ring

  Light cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres, live band and silent and live auction with auction masters Ron Nicoletti and Ralph Pagano.

• Saturday, March 31
  $1 million Florida Derby
  First race post 12:30 p.m.
  Travel cooler giveaway with paid program
  Polo shirt with seat purchase
  $500 Ladies’ hat contest

  Party in the Park – 7 p.m. (free to the public after the last race)

• Sunday, April 1
  Lobsters & Libations
  Clam Bake/Sand Bake
  1-6 p.m. Frank’s Beach
  Cost $25