Kentucky: known for horses and bourbon. And it is Derby time! “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
The Kentucky Derby occurs in Louisville, KY at Church Hill Downs the first Saturday in May every year. It is dubbed “The Run for the Roses” because of the beautiful blanket of roses that are draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown.
The crowd ranges at over 150,000 in attendance, that’s a lot of people to watch two minutes! You can watch from a box or win big in bets! There is also a massive derby party at Keeneland in our home town of Lexington.
We won’t make it this year, sulking a little. So in honor of the races and so we can all dream about sunny days at the track, I’ll let ya in on some super cool Kentucky Derby Traditions:
The Mint Julep
A Kentucky Derby standard drink. It is an iced drink to chill you out on a beautiful May Saturday that consists of BOURBON (duh), mint and a sugar syrup. It is traditionally served in a frosted silver julep cup but at Churchhill Downs you will probably see someone sipping from the souvenir glass.
Millionaire’s Row
Ah, Millionaire’s Row, can’t say I have got to experience this one, it’s the first two floors at Churchhill Downs. This is where you see the celebrities! Possibly even a queen. Seeing the princesses and princes from around the world with their massive security guards around them is pretty amazing.
Culture
If anything, seeing all different people in one grand stadium is pretty great. The Derby is one of those great events that brings people from all over together. You can meet people from all over the world here, one of our favorite parts.
The Hats!!!
Freaking Fabulous. The hats are works of art! I love all of the Derby Hats. Might be my favorite Derby tradition and quite possibly the most famous. These hats are custom made and can go for up to $2000!
Tip: You wanna get there early because the crowds are crazy! Or if you don’t mind to miss the first few races go in a few minutes late and spend your time tailgating in the parking lot. This is a crowd favorite at horse racing events around Kentucky.
One Response
Playing the supposed second best horse this year, seems fitting since it is from the Lexington area. Betting on my Jeannie’s hat to win the Florida Derby Party…. Red roses and Sea Horses racing around the brim.