The outsized world of horse-racing jockeys has been unveiled to audiences through the popular Animal Planet show, "Jockeys." What they lack in stature (the tallest jockey on the show is 5'6''), they certainly make up for in drama, as the reality series, with its tagline of "Win or Die Trying," attests. Live some of that excitement on Friday, March 13, when Stretch Run Sporting Club and Grille, a River North sports bar offering live horse race wagering, hosts a shindig celebrating the finale of "Jockeys."
In attendance will be professional jockeys from Cicero's Hawthorne Race Course, who will be on hand to sign autographs and dish on the behind-the-scenes scoop of the horse-racing life. The event will also feature a dress-to-impress competition, with guests encouraged to wear their best jockey get-ups for a chance to win a silk uniform worn by one of the riders. The event's "Dash to the Derby" contest will send the winner and four friends to the upcoming Illinois Derby, complete with a limo ride from Stretch Run to Hawthorne Race Course and back, a V.I.P. suite with a fully catered buffet and the chance to meet and greet some of racing's best-known jockeys and horse owners.
Fun food specials throughout the evening will include "6 Furlongs," six mini turkey burgers with Swiss cheese and chipotle mayo ($8.95); the "John Henry," a garden salad with teardrop tomatoes, green beans, carrots and goat cheese topped with a lemon vinaigrette ($5.95); and "Win, Place or Grouper," seared blue-nose grouper with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans ($10.95).
The "Jockeys" party takes place at Stretch Run Sporting Club and Grille (544 N. LaSalle St., 312-644-4477) from 6-8PM.
