Racing clubs figure to fill paddock for Pat Day Mile

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – With both the Churchill Downs Racing Club and Fair Grounds Racing Club intending to run a horse in the Pat Day Mile on the Derby undercard, paddock passes will be at a premium before that race.

Each of the partnerships comprise 200 members. Gary Palmisano Jr., who helps manage both groups, said a random drawing will be held to determine which members will be allotted a paddock pass. Every ownership entity in every Derby-weekend stakes is given about a dozen paddock passes.

Churchill will be represented by Warrior’s Club, trained by D. Wayne Lukas, and Fair Grounds by Excitations, trained by Al Stall Jr.

“After the horses leave the paddock for the race, every club member will be granted access to the paddock, and we’ll all watch the race on the big TV screen there,” said Palmisano. “If we’re lucky enough to win, the win photo will be taken there instead of trying to cram everyone into the winner’s circle.”