Anderson, IN — In celebration of the two biggest days in horse racing, The Kentucky Derby and The Kentucky Oaks, Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino is set to host its annual Let’s Talk Derby celebration highlighted by a live simulcast of the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday (May 7) from Churchill Downs.

The day will include a full simulcast race schedule, official Derby merchandise, live harness racing starting at a special post time of 7:20 p.m., a derby hat contest, mega-bets, and a $1,000 cash drawing.

Known as The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports, the Kentucky Derby is slated for a post time of 6:57 p.m. EDT on Saturday. Harrah’s Hoosier Park offers convenient wagering for all races held at Churchill Downs and advance wagering for both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby is now available. Special wagers are also available, including a Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby double wager and a Pick-3 wager covering the Oaks, the Old Forester Turf Classic and the Derby.

Guests can also take home the official Kentucky Derby collector glass with the purchase of a traditional Mint Julep. The official Kentucky Oaks collector glass will be available with the purchase of a traditional Oaks Lily.

Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s regular dining outlets will also open earlier in the day for racing fans to enjoy while partaking in the Derby festivities.

Beginning at 2 p.m., guests can enter a $1,000 Triple Crown Drawing by visiting a Trackside Promotional Kiosk. All guests who correctly select the winner of the Kentucky Derby will be entered to win $1,000. The $1,000 drawing will take place at 9 p.m. Guests who make selections in all three Triple Crown Drawings for the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes on May 21, and Belmont Stakes on June 11 will be eligible for a bonus $1,000 drawing to be held on June 11.

A special Kentucky Derby Day hat contest will take place at 4 p.m. on The Terrace Showroom stage with a first-place prize valued at over $500. Registration for the hat contest will begin at 3 p.m. and is limited to the first 50 entrants.

At the conclusion of the Kentucky Derby, guests are encouraged to stick around for live harness racing on Saturday. Following Harrah’s Hoosier Park’s third race, five lucky winners will be drawn to win free race wagering prizes. The night will also feature winner’s circle giveaways and a t-shirt toss.

For more information on all the Let’s Talk Derby activities, guests are encouraged to visit www.harrahshoosierpark.com. Live racing at Harrah’s Hoosier Park will follow a Wednesday through Saturday schedule before adding Tuesdays to the racing calendar on June 7. Live racing will be conducted through Dec. 10.