Table of Contents Introduction When was the Kentucky Derby first held? Attending the Kentucky Derby How much does it cost? Attire for the Kentucky Derby Famous people at the Kentucky Derby Popular foods and drinks About the Kentucky Derby American history is home to some great sporting traditions and events. From the Super Bowl to the Daytona 500, almost everyone in the country can find entertainment through sports. While the popularity and excitement of these events tend to vary from year to year, the Kentucky Derby is one of those events that brings the same or even more excitement every year. The Kentucky Derby is America's oldest continuously running sporting event and has stood the test of time, surviving many turbulent events. While the Derby has certainly changed and evolved over the years, its place at the pinnacle of American sporting tradition remains unmatched to this day. Below, we look back at the history of the Kentucky Derby and explain how it became the iconic event that it is to this day. When was the first Kentucky Derby held? Horse racing is one of the oldest sports in the United States, with unsanctioned races taking place since people learned to ride. We know that the first sanctioned horse race in the United States took place in Salisbury, New York in 1665. It took another two centuries for the first Kentucky Derby to take place, but it was certainly worth the wait. Colonel Meriwether Lewis Jr. purchased the land where Churchill Downs is now located from his uncles John and Henry Churchill in 1872, and two years later founded the Louisville Jockey Club in Louisville, Kentucky. From there, the first official Kentucky Derby took place on May 17, 1875, with jockey Oliver Lewis winning on Aristides in front of 10,000 spectators. Traditions – Through the Years Few great traditions remain completely unchanged throughout history, but the Derby has stayed mostly true to its roots for over 150 years. While the Kentucky Derby has remained the same, it has changed in many ways over the years, with different numbers of horses depending on the day it is held. As mentioned above, the first race took place on a Monday, May 17th. The Kentucky Derby now takes place on the first Saturday in May, so this year's Derby will take place on May 4th. In fact, the Kentucky Derby has taken place on the first Saturday in May every year since 1931, rain or shine. The two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby are packed with numerous events taking place around the city. It kicks off with the world's largest fireworks display, Thunder Over Louisville. How many horses run in the Derby? Many people who are new to the Derby don't know much about how many horses run and how those horses qualify to race. Well, those details have changed over the years, but they've been pretty consistent in recent history. Twenty horses can run in the Kentucky Derby, which hasn't happened since 1975.The largest number of horses ever to compete in the Kentucky Derby was in 1974, when 23 raced. But just because a field of 20 horses is allowed doesn't mean that many horses will compete. In fact, fewer than 20 raced until 1981, when a court order reduced the field to 21. Did you know: The tradition of placing a wreath of red roses on the winning horse began in 1896. This led to the Derby being the first to feature a wreath of red roses. "Run for the roses."
When the Derby first began, horses were selected based on their winnings over the course of the season, but that policy was eventually scrapped in favor of the current selection process. To qualify for the Kentucky Derby, horses must finish in the top five early in the season. Depending on the total points tallied in those races, the horse can qualify for the prestigious 1 1/4-mile race at Churchill Downs or miss the cut. How much does it cost to watch the Kentucky Derby? Despite all the fanfare and buzz surrounding the race, it's easy to forget that the actual race lasts about two minutes. But that doesn't change the fact that it's arguably the most exciting two minutes in all of sports. It's natural to wonder how much you should expect to spend to watch such an iconic American sporting event, which is why we've broken down the total costs as best we can here. Seating Prices General Admission $275 New Paddock $693 Reserved $650 Dining $1,375 Private Suite $135,000 The types of tickets available for purchase range from budget to luxury. For those who just want to watch the race, a general admission ticket is around $75. This ticket does not include a reserved seat, but it does allow you to watch the horses being saddled in the paddock area before the race. Did you know? The most exclusive seating area at Churchill Downs is the "Millionaire's Row," During the Derby, Churchill Downs attracts celebrities, the wealthy, and other notable guests. If you're interested in a seat in the clubhouse, tickets can be as low as $650 a piece and will give you admission to both the Kentucky Derby and the Oaks race that takes place the day before. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, tickets to the coveted “Millionaire's Row” can now be had for just under $7,000. It's important to remember that ticket prices vary depending on where and when you look. Of course, there are a few other factors to consider when planning a trip to Churchill Downs to watch the Kentucky Derby. You'll probably need to factor in parking, but if you're willing to walk a bit, you can find it for as little as $40. If you want to make some memories from your trip and enjoy a tasting of the famous Kentucky bourbon, you can also take a bus ride for just under $100. You can also order as much food and drink as you like. If you want to dine at one of Louisville's finest restaurants, prepare to pay hundreds of dollars. Conversely, if you want to stick to a smaller budget, you can buy lunch at a grocery store beforehand to enjoy the race and the overall experience. Whether you have lodging, flights, driving, or other options, your Kentucky Derby experience can be as cost-conscious or as expensive as you want it to be. What we do know is that you can attend the Derby and have a great experience, whether it's for a few hundred dollars or a few thousand. It's up to you to decide how much you're willing to spend and what kind of experience you want. What to Wear to the Kentucky Derby For many people, a big part of the fun of attending the Kentucky Derby is deciding what to wear. Each year, thousands of guests flock to Churchill Downs Racetrack, and they spend a lot of time and energy on their attire. While there are no real rules for what to wear to the Derby, it is common knowledge that you should dress to impress. Whether you're a man or a woman, it's important to keep in mind where you're attending the Kentucky Derby. If you're in an outdoor box seat, you'll want to wear fashionable clothing appropriate for spending the day outdoors, where you may be exposed to the sun, wind, and rain. A good rule of thumb is that the higher you sit in the clubhouse, the more dressed up you should be. Also, some areas have strict dress codes, so keep that in mind. Even if you don't choose or choose your shoes based on your outfit, make sure they're bold. Bring a nice bag, but follow Churchill Downs bag regulations and choose something that's both functional and fashionable. Did you know: The Twin Spires at the top of the grandstand are the most famous symbols of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby. They were designed by architect Joseph Dominic Valdez and built in 1895. For women, it's customary (and expected) to attend the Kentucky Derby wearing a hat or fascinator. Fascinators, an alternative to hats, have become popular recently and can vary greatly in style and look, just like more elegant, traditional hats. Whether you choose the former or the latter, make sure you wear something that catches your eye on Derby day.If you are looking for hats and fascinators, you can easily find them at online retailers or local stores in Louisville. Who Attends the Kentucky Derby Besides you and your companions, the Kentucky Derby is a veritable “Who's Who” of American upper class, fame, and wealth. On Derby day, it is not uncommon to see not only famous people from Kentucky, but also notable musicians, actors, athletes, politicians, and other celebrities from around the country and the world. When the red carpet is rolled out at the Kentucky Derby, you can be sure to see some of the most iconic people in the world. List of celebrities who have attended the Kentucky Derby: Queen Elizabeth II, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Jennifer Lawrence, Aaron Rodgers, Jack Harlow, Kim Kardashian, Miranda Lambert, Kate Upton, Kid Rock Food and Drink While the fashion at the Kentucky Derby is certainly iconic, the food and drinks found both inside and outside Churchill Downs should not be overlooked. Whether you're looking for something traditional or something out of the ordinary, you're sure to find something you'll love by the Derby. Some of the most traditional dishes that many people like include tea sandwiches, deviled eggs, and cracklin' pimento cheese. If you're looking for a twist on the classic ice cream sundae, try the Derby Sundae, which features mint-flavored vanilla ice cream and maraschino cherries soaked in Woodford Reserve bourbon. There are plenty of other Southern staples to enhance your Kentucky Derby experience. Did you know: The mint julep is the traditional drink of the Derby. About 120,000 mint juleps are served at Churchill Downs every year over the two days of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Of course, this food doesn't just appear out of nowhere. Luckily, there are some great places to enjoy a meal before and after the Derby. From traditional Southern steakhouses and barbecue joints to classic Italian and Mexican joints, there are plenty of options to fit almost every price range. Wherever you choose, don't forget to wash it all down with a mint julep and Kentucky bourbon. Still hungry after the meal? You don't want to miss out on the delicious buttery and brown sugar flavors of Derby Pie. Bottom line: Celebrate the 150th Kentucky Derby Regardless of your preferences, everyone can have a great time at the Kentucky Derby. Even if you can't attend in person, having a Derby Day party can be a great time. If you can't make it to Churchill Downs, send out classy invitations to your friends and family and have everyone bring traditional Derby food. Dress up in your best Derby attire and enjoy the day. You can even bet on the winner to up your stake a little. There's a reason why the Kentucky Derby is the most exciting two minutes in sports and attracts the most influential celebrities in the country. Whether you're planning a lavish day or a more low-key one, consider our recommendations and enjoy the race.
Source link