The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, hence the name. This race, which actually lasts only around two minutes, is among the most badass horse races in the country and definitely the most famous. It is also called “The Run for the Roses,” referring to the roses placed on the winning rider and his horse, and “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” highlighting the length of the race. The Kentucky Derby attracts millions of visitors annually for a brief race followed by loads of celebratory events.
History of the Kentucky Derby
Every year, fans of horse racing from around the globe visit Louisville to participate in the Derby Festival and witness the iconic derby on the first Saturday of May. Featuring over 70 events, the Kentucky Derby Festival provides a diverse array of activities for both locals and tourists. In recent years, event attendance has surpassed 1.5 million pax. This is one huge crowd!
Let’s start with a short retrospective journey. The history of the derby goes back to 1875, when the first event took place. It attracted around 10,000 visitors, which is not bad for a start. In 1925, the event was first broadcast on the radio and called “The Run for the Roses.” In 1949, the race was shown on local TV for the first time. Since then, it has only gained momentum in attracting viewers and bettors. Now, it is one of the most sought-after race-riding events worldwide.
Planning Your Trip to the Kentucky Derby
The dates of the derby are always the same. With two notable exceptions, the event has always taken place on the first Saturday in May since its founding in 1875. Sad pages of our history intervened in the schedule. World War II pushed the race to be rescheduled for June in 1945, while the COVID-19 virus forced the 2020 edition to be moved to September of the same year.
We advise making plans in advance if you want to attend the Kentucky Derby. Due to the increasing interest in this event, tourists are making reservations earlier than they usually do. Louisville, which is a dream go-to destination in spring, has a lot of comfy hostels and fancy hotels on top of cozy homestays. You will not be disappointed by the choice as long as you choose your accommodation early.
Dressing for the Derby: Fashion and Style Guide
The Kentucky Derby is not only about race-riding, it is also about fashion. If you plan to attend the race, iron your best outfits! The founder of the derby got inspired to launch an exquisite horse race in the United States after being captivated by the mind-blowing and fancy races he saw in France and England. He was encouraging la creme de la creme of the American society to attend the derby in fancy and elegant outfits.
Now, fashion requirements have loosened a bit. For example, hats are no longer a must. However, the derby is a unique opportunity to stand out in something daring and striking. The most popular option for women is high heels paired with a lavish dress or headpiece; simple shoes or sneakers are just not appropriate. However, if your shoes are not good for walking on grass without sinking, you’ll have issues. Wearing stiletto heels is not advised. Otherwise, you will simply drown!
There are no strict limits on the use of color; the only rule is that the more vibrant the color, the better. Stick to pastel hues, such as pink, light blue, yellow, and white. On the flip side, wearing total black or dark hues is not advised. You should also cater to striking apparel and designs. The more extravagant the better!
Betting at the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the star highlight of American horse racing. It is usually the first leg of the Triple Crown, which is celebrated with fancy drinks and extravagant outfits. No wonder the Kentucky Derby and horse racing match bets go hand in hand. Many people in North America choose the Kentucky Derby as their first bet, making it the most popular horse racing event.
We will provide an express insight into betting on the Kentucky Derby. Usually, basic bets are placed during the event.
- Win bet. This is the most basic wager you can imagine. You choose a horse that you think will finish first and place your bet on this horse. As easy as that!
- Place bet. To place this bet, you need to pick two horses. One of them should finish the first or the second. This wager is less risky than the previous one, but it has a lower return.
- Show bet. If you place a show bet, you choose a horse that should finish within the top three positions. The payout is the same whether the horse finishes first, second, or third. Otherwise, you lose.
You can place your bet online or in person. We suggest that you follow weather patterns since muddy tracks in case of a spring rain can have a negative impact on the horses and their speed.
The Kentucky Derby Experience: What to Expect
The Kentucky Derby, like many other sporting events and festivals, has a long history that is especially precious for its visitors.
Race Day Events
On top of the race itself, during the Kentucky Derby, you will be able to enjoy amazing fireworks called “Thunder Over Louisville” for a reason, a steamboat race, a marathon, and a parade. You can check the detailed itinerary day-per-day on the official website of the event.
The schedule for the opening night and the derby in 2025 are still TBA. Stay tuned for more information coming up.
Food and Drinks at the Derby
All visitors of the derby have a great chance to indulge in the signature dishes served at the event. You can start with the official drink of the race called mint julep, which contains Kentucky bourbon, sugar syrup, and mint leaves. Some local spots introduced their signature versions of this drink. Top your drink with a hot brown, an open-faced sandwich made with Texas toast, bacon, turkey, tomatoes, and bechamel sauce. The sandwich was created at the Brown Hotel back in the 1920s, hence the name. A slice of signature pecan pie will be your perfect dessert. Having delish pimento cheese as your snack will make you the ultimate local!
By the way, the official website of the event offers the full menu offered at the premises together with recipes. Just in case you want to have a themed afterparty at your place!
Entertainment Beyond Racing
The Kentucky Derby is not only a sporting thing but a huge social happening. It boasts events for foodies with exquisite cuisine and wine pairings. You will also enjoy music tunes from specially invited bands and snacks all over the site. For visitors with kids, there are kids’ corners so the little ones will not be bored either.
Exploring Louisville: Beyond the Derby
Louisville provides various attractions for guests to discover while they are in town for the Derby. Alongside the Derby week celebrations, the city features several museums such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Muhammad Ali Center, excellent dining options, and numerous tours.
As we’ve mentioned before, no trip to Louisville would be complete without indulging in a hot brown and drinking a mint julep. You can enjoy these treats outside the derby premises, of course. In our opinion, there is no better location than Down One Bourbon Bar during the Kentucky Derby to sample your first mint julep. One of our upscale locations, the historic Brown Hotel, is a great place to try the original hot brown.
There are many terrific restaurants in Louisville to enjoy during Derby week, but you’ll want to make reservations in advance. Well before the event week, popular restaurants are fully booked.
Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Derby Experience
- Book and buy your tickets in advance. This way, you can get an early bird rate. Plus, the event is highly sought-after so tickets run out really fast.
- Check TripAdvisor or websites alike to pick the best local spots so that your experience outside of the derby premises is unforgettable.
- Check the weather forecast in advance. Spring can be quite unpredictable in Louisville.
- Do your research if you plan to place wagers on-site.
- Bring your best mood and be ready for a thrilling extravaganza! After all, the Kentucky Derby is sometimes called “the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras rolled into one.”
Conclusion
The Kentucky Derby is the ultimate event for horse racing lovers and fashionistas alike. If you are able to visit it, you will never forget this amazing experience. In this read, we shared the nuts and bolts of the derby you might find handy if you plan to book your trip to Kentucky for the 2025 edition of the fest.
