Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin has seen plenty of changes in the past few months.

Backed by new ownership, the track has undergone extensive renovations and some new features have been added - giving fans a completely different atmosphere to enjoy races from tracks across the country.

As Kentucky Downs prepares for six days of live racing beginning Saturday, general manager Ryan Driscoll promises one thing hasn't changed.

“There are a lot of real positive changes going on here, but our core product - the racing - our fans can expect to see the same high standards they have seen in the past,” Driscoll said.

Kentucky Downs began selling alcohol on Sept. 1 and the facility has seen a complete overhaul - including the restaurant, which has been remodeled and renamed Winning Colors. Kentucky Downs also has added a sports bar that features the NFL Sunday Ticket television package and upgraded the facilities' monitors, with new flat-screen TVs.

The renovation also includes extensive painting throughout the building, a new logo and a new sign.

But the biggest change is the elimination of the $2 entrance fee - Kentucky Downs now offers free admission and parking.

“There is a lot of interest in the place right now,” Driscoll said. “We've taken the necessary steps to make sure that people are wowed when they walk in this place. We've done things to make the facility more modern.

“It's all about showing our existing customers how much we appreciate them and trying to let new customers know that we are a first-class facility from top to bottom.”

While Kentucky Downs continues to evolve, Driscoll said it was important to continue to offer the same quality racing and down-to-earth atmosphere that has made the live racing season a success in the past.

One of the biggest selling points for Kentucky Downs has been the intimate atmosphere that allows fans to feel like they are part of the action, with a grandstand right next to the paddocks.

“The outside area is still the place to get up and close with the action,” Driscoll said. “That's one of our strongest selling points down here. It is a very intimate setting where you can get up close to the horses and you can see the jockeys preparing to go out and ride. It's got a real personal feel about it.”

The Downs' six-day card begins Saturday and will feature six races - two more than previous years - along with simulcasts from Turfway Park and other tracks across the country.

Saturday will also feature the fourth annual Wiener Dog Challenge - a charity event that will crown the region's fastest dachshund - and a free kids area that includes face painting and bounce houses. The kids area will also be open on the following Saturday.

The track will offer full 10-race cards on Monday and Tuesday before hosting its annual six-race Turf Festival card. The Turf Festival includes the $50,000 Yaqthan Stakes, the $100,000 Kentucky Cup Turf Dash, the $100,000 Ladies Turf and the $200,000 Kentucky Turf Cup.

“We are working very hard to ensure that we have the best horses and the best jockeys all here so we can bring big time racing back to Franklin, which we do every September,” Driscoll said.

That includes a pair of jockeys - Calvin Borel and Robby Albarado - who have been staples at the meet and have enjoyed a lot of success this year. Borel was aboard Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby, while Albarado rode Curlin to a win in the Preakness.

“It's been a lot of fun this year watching Calvin Borel and Robby Albarado - two of our regulars down here - enjoy the kind of season they have,” Driscoll said. “It's a lot of fun to think that people that come down here and ride on a regular basis are sharing in the national spotlight. We hope to get both of those riders down here at some point in the meet.”

Kentucky Downs is 1.5 miles from Interstate 65's Exit 2. Post time is 1:45 p.m.

- For more information, visit http://www.kentuckydowns.com or call (270) 586-7778.