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Kentucky Oaks

Equestrian

Kentucky Oaks Tickets

Events7 Results

United States

About

About Kentucky Oaks

Pop quiz: What Grade 1 stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses happens every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, but isn't The Kentucky Derby? There's only one answer: Kentucky Oaks. 

The race has been the run-up to the Derby for as long as the latter has been around. The Oaks has been run annually since 1875, and it was started that year by the same visionary who founded the Derby, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of legendary explorer William Clark). 

As such, it's not only one of the longest-running sports institutions in America, it's also one of the most popular. The Oaks, much like the Derby, has gone from strength to strength over the years, and these days the turnout for the race is about 100,000 each year. Nicknamed "Lilies for the Fillies" after the lily garland that accompanies the winning purse, the Oaks is part of the Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing, otherwise known as The Filly Triple Crown (The Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and The Acorn Stakes are the other two). 

The rich history of the Oaks includes legendary jockeys like Manuel Ycaza and Eddie Arcaro and record-breaking runs like those of Bird Town and Sweet Alliance. In more recent years, the likes of Florent Geroux on Monomoy Girl and Mike E. Smith on Abel Tasman have carried the tradition proudly forward. 

Another important aspect of the modern-day Oaks is the Pink Out, in which the track is fabulously decorated in pink and attendees are asked to dress accordingly as part of the fundraising effort to fight breast and ovarian cancer. 

The Survivors Parade and the track's donation of a dollar for the sale of each Oaks Lily (the traditional drink of the Oaks) are part of the effort as well. Whether you're soaking up the fashion, the fun, or the aforementioned Oaks Lilies, every year on the Friday before the Derby you get to see some of the fastest thoroughbred fillies on the planet giving it their all.

Reviews

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Fun

    by Michele on 5/9/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    If we could have bought the all inclusive package for Oaks or Derby we would have liked to. Two days of all that drinking and eating is too much. Otherwise, it was a great experience.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    My Oaks Experience

    by grant on 5/9/22Churchill Downs - Louisville

    It was really fun but weather made it kind of miserable towards the end.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Kentucky Oaks 2019

    by E. C. on 5/6/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    The entire staff at Churchill Downs were great and made the experience enjoyable. The problem we faced is standing for 3 hours was too much and we probably would never buy general admission tickets again. The lack of seats to rest was a real problem especially for our elderly guests. If I can’t sit down and I can’t see the race then I will stay home and watch it on TV. I recommend grand stand seats in the infield facing the paddocks.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Oaks

    by J. W. on 5/6/19Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Had a wonderful tume in spote of early rain. Wish the numerous hospotality suites didn't dwarf the Twin Spires. They ruined the look of a clasic venue.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great day at Churchill Downs - Kentucky Oaks

    by Erisachick on 5/7/18Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Went to the Kentucky Oaks with a bunch of friends. Had a fantastic time! Facility is top notch. Needs to reassess the gate situation as leaving left a bunch of people stuck for 45 minutes trying to exit the facility and board the shuttle to the parking lot. Entering the track was easy but exiting was a disaster. Shuttle parking at fairgrounds was not well organized - lots of room for improvement. Enjoyed the day - great weather, great seats and great horse racing!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Kentucky Derby 2018

    by girlofrock on 5/7/18Churchill Downs - Louisville

    Absolutely love this event!!! Kentucky Derby 2018!!! Rain can't keep us away, will always go to this great race place!! Horses, juleps and infield party!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fashion was unbelievable!

    by Pinetopark on 5/7/18Churchill Downs - Louisville

    It was wonderful!!!the races, people,drinks and boneless chicken with fries awesome!

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    It was horrible

    by Aldigirl1 on 5/8/17Churchill Downs - Louisville

    It rained and was windy the whole time. There was no shelter at all. Next year if it rains will sell tickets. They should have more shelter and beers went up 4.00 from last year. Very disappointed

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Churchill downs is beautiful

    by Liza12345 on 5/8/17Churchill Downs - Louisville

    The grounds are beautiful and they do everything's possibke for you to have a good time. Very crowded and the weather sucked. Hoping for better luck next time!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    First time oaks goer

    by Peezy3 on 5/8/17Churchill Downs - Louisville

    I had a wonderful experience going to the oaks for the first time