Churchill Downs delivers thrills with $23K Pick 4 payout and last-minute scratches
Churchill Downs hosted a busy day of racing on May 25, with high stakes and big wins. Over 30 horses were pulled from races before the first event, while a massive late Pick 4 payout of $23,767 stole the spotlight. Meanwhile, betting expert Mr. Ed shared his top picks for the day’s key races. The track saw early changes as more than 30 horses were scratched before racing began. Despite the withdrawals, the action remained intense, with four jockeys—Danny Sheehy, Francisco Arriera, Irad Ortiz Jr., and Tyler Gaffalione—each securing two victories.
Mr. Ed’s selections included #9 Dontworryboutnothn and #11 Captain Gabe for Race 1, #7 Plaza Anth functions (3-1) for Race 3, and #2 Arthur’s Court (5-1) for Race 5. His strongest bet of the day was #2 Rational Theory (5-2) in Race 6. The weather cooperated, with clear skies forecast for Memorial Day and the first race starting at 12:45 p.m. ET. Off the track, ticket prices remained steep, with general admission for the upcoming Belmont at Saratoga Day set at $85. Earlier this year, Kentucky Derby Day admission packages at Churchill Downs reached $1,000, covering parking, seating, food, and drinks.
The May 25 card at Churchill Downs delivered excitement, from last-minute scratches to a record Pick 4 payout. With dry conditions and a full schedule, the event drew strong attention. High admission costs for major race days continue to reflect the sport’s premium pricing.
