Breeders’ Cup Kicks Off with Winners’ Circle Party at L.A. Live

Hundreds of Breeders’ cup participants, from horse owners and breeders to horseracing fans and a pool of press reporters flooded into the ESPN Zone restaurant in downtown Los Angeles last night for this year’s Winners’ Circle Welcome Party.

Sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka, the event featured free Grey Goose drinks and a hot food bar, both of which were enjoyed by the attendees to the tunes of “the “Band from TV”, a cover band playing danceable hits from yesterday and today.

The Band From TV lineup includes a powerhouse of well-known and acclaimed actors including: Greg Grunberg (drums), a veteran of shows such as Alias and Felicity and currently starring in the NBC hit HEROES; Teri Hatcher (vocals) currently starring in the ABC hit DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, James Denton (guitar), currently starring in the ABC hit DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES; Bob Guiney (vocals), who appeared on THE BACHELOR and is currently seen on TLC’s DATE MY HOUSE; Jesse Spencer (violin) currently starring in the FOX hit HOUSE; and rounding out the band are accomplished musicians Chris Kelley, Barry Sarna, Jon Sarna, Chris Mostert and child-star turned bass player Brad Savage.

The turnout was so large for the party that, according to one bartender, people were “shoulder to shoulder, wall to wall” within the first hour of the 7 p.m. party.

Even some flavors (most notably, regular) of the Grey Goose vodka were “sold out” by as early as 8:30 p.m. as guests enjoyed custom, horseracing-themed cocktails and flooded out into the L.A. Live square to enjoy their drinks.

Even still, spirits (the other kind) were flying high at the kick-off event.

The event also featured appearances by a number of celebrities (aside from those playing in the Band from TV) who paused at the front gate for a photo-op in front of the Breeders’ Cup banner. Our cameras missed the notable appearances (read: were busy eating), but reports include an appearance by Kristin Cavallari, a reality television personality and actress best known for her appearances in the MTV series Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and its spin-off, The Hills.

Also appearing on the blue & green carpet was Eliza Dushku, an actress known for roles in such films as True Lies and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, as well as currently producing and starring in the television series Dollhouse as Echo, created by Buffy and Angel creator Joss Whedon.

Last but not least in this extremely informal roundup of celebrities in attendance was Michael Chiklis, known for starring in the TV series The Commish (1991–1996) and The Shield (2002–2008) as well as for his role as The Thing in the Fantastic Four film series.

In addition to food and drink, the ESPN Zone sports bar and restaurant had set up displays of Breeders’ Cup memorabilia from years past for all to enjoy and to aid in the celebration of the prestigious event’s 25th annual meeting.

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