TDN Weekend December 2016 Issue 9
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1033799
Opened this year, the 36 luxury Starting Gate Suites are the latest addition and feature indoor lounge seat- ing with a bar and private tiered balcony that overlooks the homestretch. In addition to providing more luxu- ry accommodations, the design of the Starting Gate Suites was meant to balance the exterior look of the existing Jockey Club Suites while incorporating new landscaping to soften the exterior of the building. Depending on location, single suits can accommo- date 18-40 guests, while double suites can hold 50-64 and triple suites around 108. Every detail is attended to, up to and including redecorating a suite with a visitor's preferred art work. Suite packages and costs differ based on where they are located, but catering, a full bar, reserved parking, exclusive restrooms, self-service wagering machines, live mutuel tellers, concierge services, and unrivaled views can be expected. Furthermore, for Breeders' Cup, additional celebrat- ed chefs Ouita Michel, Hugh Acheson, Jose Garces, An- thony Lamas, Amanda Freitag, and Marc Forgione will be stationed throughout the luxury seating options at the track. "The Mansion and the Starting Gate Suites, along with the other improvements Churchill Downs has made, make it extra special to bring the Breeders' Cup back for our 35th running," said Bryan Pettigrew, the senior vice president of marketing and sponsorships for Breeders' Cup. "We've had a lot of interest from our owners, nominators, and participants about the Breeders' Cup returning to Churchill Downs.