Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs: schedule, tickets and what to know

Churchill Downs' Spring Meet opens with a seven-day Kentucky Derby Week and the Kentucky Oaks has a new 8:40 p.m. Friday post time that will air in primetime on NBC.

Churchill Downs' Spring Meet begins with Kentucky Derby Week, a seven-day slate of racing that leads into the Kentucky Derby. Organizers have announced several changes for this year, including a new post time for the Kentucky Oaks and added wagering options. The week includes the draws for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks on Opening Day and the return of Sunday racing to Derby Week for the first time since 2010. Spring Meet racing continues beyond Derby Week and runs through June 28. Key details: - Spring Meet opens with Kentucky Derby Week and includes seven days of racing beginning April 25. - Opening Day (Saturday, April 25) will host the draws for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. - Sunday racing returns to Derby Week on April 26 for the first time since 2010. - The Kentucky Oaks has been moved to an 8:40 p.m. Friday post time on May 1 and will be televised live in primetime by NBC. - New wagering options announced include the Jackpot 8, Odd vs. Even and Matchup (head-to-head betting). - Derby Week parking on Churchill Downs property is reserved for pass holders; the Kentucky Exposition Center will offer free parking with free shuttles to the track. Summary: The announced changes shift the Kentucky Oaks into a primetime Friday slot and introduce new bet types during Derby Week, while Sunday racing returns to the schedule. Spring Meet continues through June 28 with racing on designated days in May and June, and Derby Week events run April 25 through May 2.