The Kentucky Derby
Can a normal person go to the Kentucky Derby? Yes, General Admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks include an Oaks/Derby program and access to the infield, where you can bring your own chair or picnic blanket and watch the races on the video board. How much does it cost just to get into the Kentucky Derby? Ticket Price starts at $85 and you are encouraged to bring your own lawn chair or picnic blanket as the infield doesn’t include seating. An average of 80,000 onlookers pack the enclosed area.
Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports”. This race is really entertaining for all those who would be involved. On May 7th this year at its annual location in Louisville, the 148th running of the derby is part of the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. NBC Sports will have live coverage of all of the events starting at 2:30 pm, although the actual race is set to begin at 6:57 pm EST.
About The Race
The actual race is a Grade I stakes race that spans for a distance of one and a quarter miles. Three-year-old thoroughbreds can participate. Geldings and colts carry 126 pounds and fillies carry 121 pounds. This race is the first leg of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby is followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is unique as it’s been run yearly since 1875, unlike the Belmont and Preakness Stakes. Which didn’t run from 1891-1893 and then from 1911-1912. However, for the first time this year, a spot will be reserved at the starting gate for a Japanese horse, Epicarchis, who happens to be the grandson of Sunday Silence and won the 1989 Kentucky Derby. Epicarchis qualified by winning the Hyacinth Stakes on February 19.
The Winners
The winner is draped with a blanket of roses, which is why the race is sometimes referred to as “The Run For The Roses”. This blanket consists of 554 red roses that are awarded by the current Governor of Kentucky. This tradition started in 1896. For the horse who’s lucky enough to win the Kentucky Derby, he or she will then try to go for the Triple Crown by winning both the Belmont and Preakness Stakes. Even for those who don’t win the other two races, there’s still a $2 million guaranteed purse for winning the derby.
Food And Drink
One of the best parts about this event is what is available to eat and drink. A favorite among attendees is burgoo, a thick stew consisting of vegetables, pork, beef and chicken. Many attendees will wash it down with a mint julep consisting of sugar syrup, bourbon and mint. It’s served in a silver julep cup that’s ice-frosted. Several of attendees opt for a souvenir cup that is printed with the names of all the previous Derby winners.
Where To Sit
There is a spectator area, located inside the track, called the infield. While general admission prices are offered in this area, it’s a difficult place to see the race. If you are interested in actually just seeing the action and not just coming for the experience, “Millionaire’s Row”, is where the rich and famous sit. In addition, seats here will cost you a pretty penny and you definitely can’t forget your elaborate outfit and large hat. One of the perks of sitting here is that horses are paraded through the grandstands.
The Kentucky Derby
Race Traditions
The Kentucky Derby is filled with a lot of traditions, including:
Garland of Roses. Roses became popular when women that attended the Louisville Derby Party were given some of these flowers. Because of this, the president of Churchill Downs made the rose the official flower of the race. Now each year the winner is given a garland of roses.
Mint Julep. For around a century the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby has been the Mint Julep. This cocktail can be seen in the hands of attendees both before, during and after the race.
The Derby Hat Parade. Even those that aren’t into horse racing tend to watch the Kentucky Derby in order to see all of the stylish hats that are worn. Women, and sometimes men, can be seen wearing outlandish hats. For women the hats tend to be large, have a wide-brim and consists of ribbons, bows and flowers and match their outfit. For men the hat is generally a solid color.
My Old Kentucky Home. A favorite among everyone involved in the event is the playing of the song “My Old Kentucky Home”. When horses step out onto the track, a band starts playing this song and it generally turns into an emotional moment.
