LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Fall racing returns to Churchill Downs as the track begins its 12th annual, 14-day September Meet Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. with the first of three Twilight Thursday programs. 

The racetrack said Thursday’s eight-race opener lured 94 entries for an average of 11.8 horses per race. A field of 10 older horses was entered for the featured seventh race, a $141,000 third-level allowance/optional claiming event at 7 1/2 furlongs. Two-year-olds also will be on display in Races 5 and 8, both of which are six-furlong, $120,000 maiden races, and a $127,000 first-level allowance/optional claiming race for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs (Race 6).

The September Meet will run through Sept. 29 and feature racing on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Outside of Twilight Thursdays (Sept. 12, Sept. 19 and Sept. 26) and Downs After Dark Sept. 28 at 6 p.m., racing will begin at 12:45 p.m. daily. 

Here’s a look at some Opening Week highlights:

• Twilight Thursdays (Thursday, Sept. 12) — Churchill Downs will host Twilight Thursday in the Paddock Plaza from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with highlights including $2 select domestic can beer, food trucks and live music.
• Military Appreciation Day (Thursday, Sept. 12) — In partnership with USA Cares, an organization committed to supporting post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, military members who show a valid military ID will receive free general admission or can purchase discounted tickets to Millionaires Row or Sky Terrace by calling 502-636-4450. 
• Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Kickoff (Saturday, Sept. 14) — The road to the 151st Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks will launch with the first points-bearing prep races for each series. The Road to the Kentucky Derby starts with the $300,000 Iroquois at one mile, where the top five finishers will receive points to qualify for the Run for the Roses next May. The $300,000 Pocahontas at one mile begins the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. 
• College Day (Saturday, Sept. 14) — College students with valid college ID will receive free general admission. Full-time students are eligible to enter drawings for $20,000 in scholarships thanks to a partnership with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders: one $10,000 scholarship and five $2,000 scholarships that include one designated scholarship to children of the track’s backside workers and another to a student enrolled in the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program. Churchill Downs added there will also be a prize drawing for exclusive Downs merchandise and a $250 gift card to The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass, as well as giveaways of limited-edition Churchill Downs ball caps in area college colors and Churchill Downs tote bags.
• Stakes Room Brunch (Sunday, Sept. 15) — The racetrack is offering a brunch special in the Stakes Room. The package, which is $87 for adults and $34 for children, includes a seat in Stakes Room on the Clubhouse’s fourth floor and all-you-can-eat access to the brunch menu, including traditional breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, French toast, bacon, sausage patties, fresh fruit and garden vegetables. 

Check out the track’s website for tickets and additional information.