Anderson, IN — Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is set to celebrate the return of the most exciting event in horse racing, The Kentucky Derby, with the annual Let’s Talk Derby celebration on Saturday (Sept. 5). Highlighted by a live simulcast of the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs, the day will include a full simulcast race schedule, Kentucky Derby mega-bets, convenient drive-through wagering, live harness racing starting at a special post time of 7:10 p.m. and a virtual derby hat contest.

Known as The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports, the Kentucky Derby is a $2 million 1-1/4 mile race featuring the very best 3-year-old horses in Thoroughbred racing. Harrah’s Hoosier Park will offer wagering for all races held at Churchill Downs. Additionally, Harrah’s Hoosier Park will offer convenient drive-through wagering for guests beginning at 8 a.m. Guests can place wagers on any Churchill Downs race by visiting trackside valet without having to leave their car.

Advance wagering will be available at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino for both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Advance wagering for the Kentucky Oaks is available Thursday (Sept. 3) and guests can place their bets on the Kentucky Derby as early as Friday (Sept. 4). The signature Kentucky Derby race has an estimated post time of 6:50 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday (Sept. 5).

Guests at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino will enjoy a variety of traditional Kentucky Derby weekend favorites, including the Oaks Lily and the Kentucky Derby Mint Julep signature drinks. Guests can take home an official 146th Kentucky Derby collector glass with the purchase of a traditional Mint Julep and the official 146th Kentucky Oaks collector glass will be available with the purchase of a traditional Oaks Lily.

This year’s Kentucky Derby Hat Contest will be held virtually, so that guests may participate from home or on property. Contestants have from Sept. 1 through Sept. 5 at 2 p.m. to send in pictures with their Kentucky Derby hats. The top five contestants will receive a variety of great prizes all valued at over $100. Guests may enter by either sending a message to the Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing Twitter account or by sending an email to rflood@caesars.com.

Additionally, $100 Derby Megabet drawings will be held beginning at Noon. One guest will be drawn to win each hour from 2-6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to stay and enjoy live harness racing with an action-packed 14-race card beginning at 7:10 pm. Additionally, Churchill Downs’ full racing card will be shown throughout the Hoosier Park property. Admission is free and open to the public.

Live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will follow a Tuesday through Saturday schedule and be conducted through Nov. 21, highlighted by the return of the Breeders Crown Oct. 30 and 31. For more information on the upcoming entertainment or live racing schedule, please visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com.