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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.
One of my favorite sporting events ever! The box was a little bit cramped because it is split between 2 levels so you can't rearrange the chairs in another format but the view of the track more than made up for it.
Oaks and Derby were as great as ever! I learn a little more every time I go....and it's always a different experience. Good stuff!
Great Time, get there early, but get ready for a great full day of FUN!
Can see the turf races okay from our seats but not the dirt track at all and I'm 6'1".
Churchill ran out of bracelets for the entire lower clubhouse, inexcusable. The section was flooded with people by the time of the derby and they were pushing and shoving and entering boxes.
Food was more like ball park food, not what we expected for price
Took my two children and their spouses. We had a blast. Traffic in and out of the Downs was pretty easy going in and coming out. Local police do a great job of crowd and traffic control. On the first Saturday in May, there is only one place to be, Churchill Downs!!! This was the 30th Derby for my wife and I.
We sat in section 110 and fairly close to the track. I've not sat in any other section so I have nothing to compare it to. Our tickets included food and drinks and they were very good! I was impressed with the cleanliness of the bathroom trailers too! We are so glad we took the shuttle from Kentucky EXpo center rather than hike to parking. We were dropped off and picked up right out front. There was a bit of a line getting out but that was the only time we waited for anything.
What great experience!! The Derby is an amazing event. It was so much fun socializing with people from all over the country. People come from all directions to enjoy this event.
Had an amazing time. Absolutely wonderful day at the track.
The horse racing was excellent. Do not buy tickets in Section 110. The view is very limited and the food is extremely poor.
It was so much fun to be on hand for the excitement of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Besides the magnificent horses, the fashion parade was a thing to behold: the hats, the dresses, the suits, etc....and the weather was perfect: even a brief rain on Derby Day couldn't ruin the atmosphere. I am so glad we downloaded the free TwinSpires betting app, so there was no need to stand in line to either make bets or cash tickets. My only criticism is the cost. Hotels in Louisville triple their prices during Derby week, and with the seats, you have to pay a fortune for a really good location. We had box seats near the first turn, which gave us a decent view down the track, but we were too far from the finish line, and even the tote board was really hard to read. Still...an unforgettable experience!
The Derby is always great. The seats made it easy to bet and get food and drinks.
I would pay for seats higher in the stands! Everyone stands and I could not see the track!
If attending the Oaks and the Derby isn't on your bucket list, it should be. There is nothing like it. We had very high expectations for the weekend and every one of them was exceeded tenfold. Make sure to do your homework to learn about traditions and areas of Churchill Downs not to be missed. I spent a lot of time researching all things Derby and Churchill Downs so we knew exactly what to expect and how to spend our time. If you don't like crowds, walking, or fashion, skip Derby weekend and let those tickets for someone who will truly appreciate the Derby for the spectacular piece of Americana that it is.
Attending the Derby should be on everyone's bucket list! The atmosphere and energy is unmatched! I would definitely go again! Women, wear that crazy hat and men, don't be afraid to dress in colorful suits and bow ties! And the mint juleps are a must!
