The Kentucky Derby is the most exciting and recognized horse race in the world. Located at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the race is the first leg of the American Triple Crown attracting crowds of 150,000. To horse and sport enthusiasts this event is the ultimate showcase of the world’s fastest horses and elite jockeys. Appropriately recognized as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, 3-year-old thoroughbreds battle it out around 1 ¼ mile track to earn the prestigious golden trophy (and a $3million paycheck), and to be forever memorialized like past greats Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed.
For the rest of us, let’s face it, it’s a classy dress up party with lots of good-looking, wealthy people and booze! Look around and you might see famous people from Queen Elizabeth, Kate Upton, John Voight to Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. One minute you’re with sorority friends people watching, mint julep in hand, critiquing every wide-brimmed “southern belle” inspired derby hat. Next you’re with business colleagues rubbing elbows with the famous and well-connected in “Millionaire’s Row”. For those that have yet but plan to partake in this bucket list sporting event, I have some Derby basics I would like to share.
Tip #1
Hydrate before arriving. You’ll thank me later.
Tip #2
Packing Tips:
In addition to a couple bottles of water…grab sunscreen and sunglasses for protection. Note: the Derby does not permit umbrellas (for obvious reasons). Most important…take cash to the Derby as credit cards are not accepted for placing bets. They do have ATMs but the lines are often long, and why pay fees!
Tip #3
How to dress:
The Kentucky Derby is an iconic, highly celebrated festive occasion, so don’t hold back.
Men – the modern derby man should welcome a proper pastel color palette. A classy but fun expression of yourself is standard dress code, along with the recommended blazer and tie. Or opt for the ultimate cool & casual summer suit – the seersucker. This event is a showcase of seersucker success. For the hat dawn the classic bowler or fedora.
Ladies – you want to start with the all-important classy wide-brimmed hat (signature tradition at the derby). Have fun with it and don’t disappoint. When it comes to the dress you want to channel that inner southern belle, typically a colorful spring dress (often floral) that compliments your hat. And a simple spring heel or sandal to complete your look.
Tip #4
Take a moment:
Arrive early, grab a mint-julep and take in the atmosphere at the greatest horse racing venue. Again, this event is typically a bucket-list occasion, so get there early and soak it up.
Tip #5
Where to view:
Millionaire’s Row if you have the cash…or know someone. If not, The Clubhouse will do just fine, still pricy but well worth the experience. The Clubhouse is ideal if you’re looking for reserved seating and (especially the 3rd floor boxes) nice amenities like easy access to betting windows, bathrooms, cocktails & food.
The iconic event is about sharing time with family, friends and colleagues. Get excited, lay some bets, express yourself, and blow off steam (responsibly). Final tip, for the first timers take a moment to gather some derby reconnaissance…then strategize to make next years’ experience even better!