Welcome to the Kentucky Derby, where history, prestige, and adrenaline collide to create the most exciting two minutes in sports. The Kentucky Derby is a Thoroughbred horse race, held annually on the first Saturday in May, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It stands as the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, with its inaugural race in 1875.
About the Kentucky Derby
The race is a grueling 1.25 miles, which challenges both the speed and stamina of the finest equine athletes on the planet. Even though the race is about 2 minutes long, the Derby is an all-weekend affair. The city of Louisville comes alive with parties and events all weekend long.
The Kentucky Derby often attracts participants from various countries, including both horses and their jockeys. While the exact number of international participants can vary from year to year, it's common to see entries from countries such as Ireland, Japan, England, France, Australia, and Canada, among others. These international competitors add diversity and excitement to the Derby field, showcasing the global appeal of the event and the sport of horse racing as a whole.
Travel Tips for The Kentucky Derby
- Louisville is a 1.5 hour drive from Cincinnati. If you cannot find flights into the Louisville airport, try flights into the Cincinnati International Airport.
- Hotels sell out very quickly. If you are looking for alternative accommodations, New Albany, Jeffersonville, and Clarksville are towns right across the state border in Indiana. They are often overlooked due to being in a different state, when they are only a few miles from downtown Louisville.
- Choose your ticket wisely. Depending on where you are sitting, you might not be able to see the race. Infield tickets are the most affordable, but you won’t be able to see the actual Derby.
While the Kentucky Derby may be the main event, there are several events throughout the week that are equally worthy of attending. Thurby and the Kentucky Oaks are two other popular events at Churchill Downs to explore.
What to Wear for Derby Day
Embracing the Derby's tradition of elegance is part of the fun. Men typically wear seersucker suits or sport coats, dress shirts, and ties. Women often wear vibrant dresses and extravagant hats or fascinators. No Derby outfit is complete without the signature Derby cocktail: a mint julep.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby
Placing bets on the Derby is an exciting part of the experience. There are many different ways to place bets including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and each way. Not to worry if you’re confused; the ushers near the betting stands are there to help explain the type of bets. Hold on to your ticket once you’ve placed your bet—you’ll need it to claim your winnings.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-time visitor, saddle up to for a wild ride through one of the most iconic events in American sports!