LIVE UPDATES: Churchill Downs sees 'sloppy' conditions on morning of Kentucky Oaks

The 150th Kentucky Oaks, the second biggest day of racing at Churchill Downs, is finally here. And today is all about the ladies.

The Oaks, sponsored by Longines, is a $1.5 Million Grade 1 stakes race for 3-year-old fillies, and the winner is draped with a garland of lilies. Like the Kentucky Derby, the Longines Kentucky Oaks race is one of the longest continually held sporting events in American history, and one of the only horse races to take place at the original site of its inception, according to KentuckyDerby.com.

One of the most memorable parts of Oaks Day, always held the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, is the Survivors Parade, now in its 16th year, which celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting as they march on the historic racetrack before the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The day also features the popular Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest, where anyone can sign up to strut their stuff on the (pink!) carpet.

And the Courier Journal will be there for all the action. Our reporters will be covering a variety of undercard races, plus all the fashion, food, fun and entertainment taking place at the historic racetrack. Follow along for live updates and check back often for everything Kentucky Oaks.

11:15 a.m.: Snapping pictures at the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza

Geneva Barnes and Kermit Muhammad, a couple from Chicago, were in a radiant shade of tangerine orange amid a sea of pink on Kentucky Oaks Day. They were thrilled to be in Kentucky.

Geneva’s cousins were regulars to Kentucky Derby week, but this was the first time she’d been able to join them. The first race was just about 20 minutes away, as they were snapping photos in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza beneath a drizzly sky.

This new festival-like environment debuted in 2023 as a way to welcome guests into the historic track and create a more Super Bowl-like experience at the Run for the Roses.

11:10 a.m.: What do 'sloppy' conditions mean?

As of 10:03 a.m., Churchill Downs' dirt track's condition was listed as "sloppy." What does that mean for Friday's day of racing?

Per TwinSpires.com, a "sloppy" track is defined as "a surface with some moisture in the base." In horse racing forms, it's abbreviated to "sly." Going from "sloppy" to "muddy" track conditions is about saturation.

"Once the base is meaningfully wet," TwinSpires.com reads, "a dirt track is labeled muddy."

11 a.m.: Soaking in the Oaks

Rachael and Ben Snapp, newlyweds from Winchester, Virginia, were soaking in the vibes from the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Oaks — but their minds were also filled with the gratitude of Christmas as they came up the elevators and into the 300 Section.

Rachael’s parents brought the her family to the 150th Kentucky Derby week as part of a Christmas gift. This was their second time at Derby, but first time at Oaks. Ben wore floral navy and pink pants to match Rachael’s navy and pink hat.

Worried about your hat? Kirby Adams shared these tips for protecting it from the rain:

10:45 a.m.: Racing starts on Oaks Day; conditions 'sloppy'

Racing has started on Kentucky Oaks Day.

Sundance Feature took the first of 13 races scheduled for Friday at Churchill Downs.

The Secret Status race was 6-and-a-half furlongs with a purse of $120,000. The track condition is currently listed as "sloppy."

Sundance Feature, with Luis Saez aboard, was followed across the line by Thoughtful and Sally O'Malley.

10:30 a.m.: Can you bring an umbrella to Churchill Downs?

According to the Kentucky Derby website, umbrellas of any size are prohibited at Churchill Downs. Instead, attendees seen at the venue have donned ponchos during today's showers.

Find the list of what else is prohibited at the track here.

9:45 a.m.: Which horses run best in the rain?

With rain continuing into Saturday, here's a look at Kentucky Derby horses that have run in wet or sloppy conditions.

8:30 a.m.: Weather moves race off turf track

Because of the weather that has moved through the area, race officials have decided to move Race 4 to the dirt track from the turf track.

The other races scheduled for the turf track will be held as scheduled. Those stakes races are: Race 6: The Unbridled Sidney (14th running, Grade III), Race 8: The Modesty (67th running, Grade III), Race 10: The Edgewood (40th running, Grade II).

Due to the rain in the forecast, Derby organizers are reminding guests to check the list of items prohibited at Churchill Downs.

7 a.m.: Showers, thunderstorms expected throughout weekend

It could be a muddy day at Churchill Downs — and more rain is expected. NWS Louisville is predicting showers and thunderstorms today and throughout the weekend.

What to know about the 150th Kentucky Oaks

• Kentucky Oaks 2024 post positions are set. See the lineup, odds

• REPLAY: Watch the full Kentucky Oaks post position draw here

• Who were best fillies to wear lilies? Top performances in Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs

• Horses to bet on for Kentucky Oaks Day: Ed DeRosa's tips for 13-race card

• Kentucky Oaks favorite Tarifa among those who can make history with win

• Rain is in Friday's forecast. What to expect for Kentucky Oaks 2024 at Churchill Downs

• Going to Churchill Downs? Your parking, shuttle information

• Survivors Parade: Louisville woman battles 6 life challenges while fighting breast cancer

• What is an Oaks Lily? Here's how to make the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks

• Top 10 'Emerging Artist' to sing the national anthem at Kentucky Oaks

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Oaks 2024: Live updates from Churchill Downs