The Championship Meet 2015 at Gulfstream Park

The Championship Meet 2015 at Gulfstream Park: What: Opening Weekend of Gulfstream Park’s Championship Meet. When: Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 6. Where: 901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009.

Thursday, December 3
Progressive Dinner to Benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital: West Elm, Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn will play host to a culinary journey of great food, drinks and festive fund to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Begin at Pottery Barn with drinks and starters, then its onto Williams-Sonoma for entrees and music, then desserts and espresso at West Elm. ROK:BRGR Burger Bar + Gastropub, Brio Tuscan Grille and Bomba Tacos & Rum will supply additional treats. RSVP at stores with a $30 donation per guest. Event starts at 7 p.m.
Symphony of Lights: Champions Plaza, 6-11 p.m.

Friday, December 4
First Friday Happy Hour: Kick off the month with the ultimate happy hour, featuring live music, raffles, drink specials and bar bites beginning at 5 p.m., at ROK:BRGR Burger Bar + Gastropub.

Oil Water Bronze Opening Reception: Three distinct artists, Nadine Robbins, Ali Cavanaugh, and Gary Weisman come together for Oil Water Bronze, anew exhibition at Sirona Fine Art from 6-9 p.m. Three notable talents, three separate media, one exciting night. RSVP by calling the gallery at 954.454.9494.

Symphony of Lights: It’s a special night at Champions Plaza beginning at 6 p.m. as Santa and Mrs. Claus join the party along with holiday entertainment, stilt walkers, toy soldiers and jugglers.

Saturday, December, 5
Opening Day Featuring $1.1 Million Claiming Crown: The 77th season of championship racing begins at Gulfstream Park featuring a record 73 stakes and $11.61 million in purses. Champion jockey Javier Castellano will attempt to win his fifth consecutive riding title, trainer Todd Pletcher will attempt to win an unprecedented 13th consecutive training title, and many of the country’s top classic contenders and turf stars will race through April. Castellano will be joined by many of the country’s top riders including John Velazquez, Julien Leparoux, Irad Ortiz Jr., Paco Lopez. Joel Rosario, Jose Lezcano and Edgar Prado. Pletcher will be challenged for another title by Bill Mott, Chad Brown, Kiaran McLaughlin, Graham Motion, Eddie Plesa Jr., Nick Zito, Shug McGaughey and Christophe Clement.

Opening Day will feature the $1.1 million Claiming Crown, nine races drawing full fields and horses from throughout North America.
First Race Post: 12:05 p.m.

Breakfast at Gulfstream: From 7-10 a.m., you can catch the world’s top thoroughbreds working out during the popular Breakfast at Gulfstream. Meet special guests and get a free tram tour of the barn area while enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet ($10+tax adults, under 3 is free). Breakfast is hosted by Triple Tiara-winning jockey Abby Fuller.

Specials guests on Opening Day include Gulfstream’s track announcer and the voice of NBC’s Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup telecasts Larry Collmus, handicappers Ron Nicoletti, Gabby Gaudet and Andy Serling, trainer Peter Walder, and Bob Fortus, co-author of the new book Ride to Win: An Inside Look at the Jockey’s Craft.

Free 2016 Gulfstream Calendar: Gulfstream’s 2016 calendar, featuring Gulfstream’s most popular stakes winners photographed by Adam Coglianese and staff, will be given away free while supplies last Opening Day at all entrance points to the track.

Ten Palms Restaurant: Doors open at 11 a.m. for a sumptuous Opening Day buffet for $49.99 per person. Sunday’s brunch will include two free Mimosas for $49.99 per person.

Concert: U.S. Stones, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the walking ring after the last race.

Symphony of Lights: It’s another special night at Champions Plaza beginning at 6 p.m. as Santa and Mrs. Claus join the party along with holiday entertainment, stilt walkers, toy soldiers and jugglers.

Sunday, December 6
Racing: First race post time is 12:35 p.m.
Ten Palms Brunch: The best Sunday brunch in South Florida features Prime Rib, Shrimp Cocktail, Turkey, Omelet Stations, Salad Bars, Chicken, Fish, Dessert Bar and, just because it’s the best brunch, two free Mimosas. It’s $49.99 per person (tax and gratuity not included) and half price for kids 12 and under.

Symphony of Lights: Champions Plaza, 6-11 p.m.

Source: Gulfstream Park