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Kentucky Derby

Equestrian

Kentucky Derby Tickets

Events7 Results

United States

About

About The Kentucky Derby

Sports institutions don't get much more classic than The Kentucky Derby, one of the oldest and most popular sporting events in the world. Crowds well in excess of 150,000 turn out every year on the first Saturday in May to watch this thoroughbred stakes race, taking part in a piece of American history. 

Lovers of the racing, the excitement, and the pageantry have been turning out to see The Kentucky Derby every year since 1875. That's when Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of legendary explorer William Clark) first brought the finest horses around to race at a new track in Louisville, Kentucky, that would later be dubbed Churchill Downs. 

Ever since then, no matter what else was going on in the country — The Great Depression, World War I, World War II, or any other calamity — The Kentucky Derby went on, an irreplaceable part of the fabric of American life. Over the years, an entire culture has grown up around the race affectionately known as The Run for the Roses. Racegoers enjoy traditional mint juleps and burgoo stew to the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home," while the ladies show off lavish derby hats. 

There's no thrill quite like the one that happens when you're watching world-class horses and jockeys work their way across the track on what has come to be widely known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports." 

Naturally, the Derby tradition is rich with legendary jockeys — including record-breakers like Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack — and historic horses like Old Rosebud, Whirlaway, and Secretariat. More contemporary winners like Mike E. Smith on Justify and Victor Espinoza on American Pharoah carry the torch forward, bringing the best of horse racing to one of the world's most fabulously fun athletic events year after year.

Reviews

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 based on 346 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Grandstand

    by L. F. on 9/23/23

    We had tier 1 grandstand. We will move up a bit next year but in my opinion the tickets were worth the price tag. They are all inclusive food and beverages, including parking - lines are hit or miss in length but I have no complaints either way. Research what to bring! The ponchos we brought saved the day at the end when rain moved in waiting for buses to the parking. Bring sunscreen, a throw away poncho, an empty tote to fill for your purchases (flip flops) etc. one of the best days ever.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Expect to wait for everything if your an infielder

    by Infielders have it hard on 5/16/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Well,! The walk to the infield was insanely long!!!! Walking through parking, then a parking lot, then through a shppoing center, then an underpass which looked pretty dangerous if you walked there at night. Luckily there were bike officers riding around that area. Finally through this long tunnel to come upon the infield. I'm so glad i brought my sneakers. Lines were long everywhere, the wager wi dows were not all being used due to lack of employees. You can dress down but website says you can't. If you do not cash in your ticket and you are from out of town, you have to mail it in certified mailed. Ridiculous! Takes 8 weeks to get your winnings. WE STILL HAD A BALL!! Met really nice people. We will do it again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Bucket List Must!

    by Brittany on 5/16/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Going to the Kentucky Derby has been on my bucket list for years and I'm so glad that it was. We got infield seats and had the best day. It was an amazing experience and I cannot wait to go back again.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Misinformed on website

    by Kentucky Fried but not chicken on 5/14/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Getting to the infield was a very long walk around a park, through some parking lot, underpass looked a little dangerous. Then you have to go through a tunnel. Crazy!!! The website told us that you can park at the L&N Federal Credit Union Parking lot and walk 3/4 of a mile which was not true. It was about 3 miles. Lines were so long for food.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    Meh

    by Stargirl on 5/11/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Our tickets clearly stated we would not have a view of the track, but we chose to attend anyway since we heard the infield is the place to be. From the long lines at concessions to the lady who straight up dipped from her post at the betting station (after having waited in line for 20 minutes, and she never returned!) it wasn’t the most fun I could have had on a Saturday. We watched the races that were happening right behind us on a huge screen which was something we could have enjoyed more at a bar. All in all, I can mark Kentucky Derby off my bucket list and not go again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Epic

    by Trathom on 5/10/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    What happens in Kentucky, stays in Kentucky! Had an amazing time.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Kentucky derby

    by Giulia on 5/10/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    First time I attended. Nice event. Although huge lines. If an online ordering system can be added that would help. And please open more gates for exiting the event, very crowded on the way out

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    concessions were bad. run out of refreshments, lines to long

    by B-rad on 5/10/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    IN the infeild. LInes for refreshments over 1 hr long. ran out of water, limited choice of drinks due to low supply, long lines for food with limited choice due to ran out of food. The worst part was trying to exiting of the infeild. There was of lot of confusion, with very little instructions. I listened to lots of complaining on the way out. For me, this was 1 and done

  • Rating: 1 out of 5

    Don’t waste your time

    by Jake on 5/9/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Not very fun. Thought it would be cool but it was pretty lame. Only reason to go is to say you’ve been I guess. Plus it took over an hour to get out because they were letting people out of the venue for some reason

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    Meh

    by Jpie on 5/9/23Churchill Downs - Louisville

    As much money goes into this thing you think it would be a little better planned. Also basic necessities such as even outlets or charging stations would be a plus. At some points there was over an hour wait just for a drink.