by Mike Wandishin, publicity director, Bluegrass Downs

Paducah, KY — A big week is on tap for Bluegrass Downs as the Preakness will be held on Saturday (May 19) and the track will open at 8:30 a.m. that day for simulcasting.

As for the live meeting, applications to race are being accepted late as of now at (fax 270.442.1993). The gates will open on May 15 and training will be available starting May 17.

The box for the first qualifier will open at 9 a.m. on Thursday (May 17) and closes at 10 a.m. that day. There will be two qualifiers held pre-meet at noon on May 18 and 22.

Horsemen are reminded that the wording below is to be mailed to all horsemen that have submitted stall apps for the Bluegrass Downs meet. No horses shall be permitted on the grounds unless the requirements below are met, per Tim Schmitz, Presiding Judge.

All horses must have a current EHV vaccination on file (dated this year 2018) and negative Coggins (one year). All horses shipping into the track for the first time must present a valid certificate of veterinary inspection dated within 72 hours of entry with temperature on certificate.

The meet begins on Friday (May 25) with a first post this year of 6 p.m. for all racing nights. Bluegrass will race on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The meet will conclude on June 24.

Phone numbers for Bluegrass include the main office number (270.444.7117). Local number for entries is 270.442.4626 and long distance for entries is 888.932.0202.