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Kentucky Derby guests often wear festive hats.
ADOBE STOCK
How to Attend the
By Maria Lennart
Want to maximize your time witnessing “the most exciting two minutes in sports”? Plan now, so you won’t be left jockeying for position at the last minute.
As P.T. Barnum once said, “Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.” And on the first Saturday in May 2025, a crowd of more than 150,000 people will descend upon Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. That’s a bigger gathering than seen at the Super Bowl, the World Series or the NCAA Final Four. If you’re going and are new to the Derby, the following tips can help you make the most of the experience.
The Kentucky Derby will take place May 3, 2025
A Jewel in the Crown
The Kentucky Derby covers a distance of 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) and pits 20 3-year-old thoroughbreds against one another in a race that often makes or breaks their careers—and that of their jockeys—in two minutes or less. (Don’t look away; it’s so quick you might miss the first finisher!) The total prize purse of 2024’s Kentucky Derby was a record $5 million, with the winner taking an estimated $3.1 million. Also known as The Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby is the first race in the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York. To date, only 13 horses have won all three races in the same year (the requirement for claiming the Triple Crown).
Burgoo stew is a staple at the Kentucky Derby.
Grand Traditions
The crowd size and energy at the Kentucky Derby are big parts of its appeal, and after being held annually without interruption since 1875, the event has plenty of traditions fondly observed by racegoers. Here’s some of what you can expect:
• Dress code: High fashion, with an emphasis on festive hats and spectacular outfits
• Drink of choice: Mint julep (in an official Kentucky Derby 151 glass)
See recipe below!
• Preferred food: Burgoo stew
• Song most likely to be heard: “My Old Kentucky Home”
Racing at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Save Money, Time and Effort
The following tips cover a variety of Derby-related topics and are intended to help make your excursion as hassle-free as possible as you create lifelong memories with friends and family.
Get the Churchill Downs app. Enhance your day(s) at the track by downloading the official app of Churchill Downs for your iPhone or Android device. With it, you’ll be able to buy, manage and scan mobile tickets; view race entries; place bets from your phone; get access to news, racing schedules and live results; skip concession lines with Express Pickup; and more.
Bring plenty of cash. Kentucky state law prohibits bets from being placed using a credit card, and ATM lines can be long at peak wagering times. Having cash on hand will let you place your bets more quickly.
There’s more to experience than just the Derby. The main race takes place between 6 and 7 p.m. on May 3, but there will be plenty of things to see and do in the days before Saturday evening’s spectacle. Thursday, May 1, is called “Thurby” and features racing, live music and bourbon. Since the Thurby crowds will be smaller than what you’ll see on race weekend, it’s a good time to get your bearings and explore Churchill Downs. Friday, May 2, begins with about 10 races, followed by the Longines Kentucy Oaks race in the late afternoon, as well as fundraising for women’s health issues and a fashion contest. Friday evening’s highlight is a star-studded black-tie affair called the Barnstable Brown Gala, recognized as one of the “Ten Best Parties in the World.”
Kentucky Derby tickets and many other event tickets for Derby Week are available through AAA.com/Tickets.
Know what’s allowed. Sure, you want to look your best. But between exploring the infield, visiting the paddock and finding your seat, there will be lots of walking and standing. Do yourself a favor and have a pair of comfortable shoes as backup footwear. Be sure to consult the list of items prohibited at the Derby, and remember that the dress code allows only denim, jeans, shorts and tennis shoes in the infield.
The Derby is a rain or shine event. May in Louisville is typically warm, but it’s also the rainiest month. Check the weather forecast and bring appropriate attire, including rain gear (no umbrellas of any size), if necessary.
Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection lies less than 4 miles from Churchill Downs.
HOTEL DISTIL
Book your hotel accommodations through AAA.com/Hotels and save with AAA rates while earning loyalty points. Some standout accommodations in Louisville, Kentucky, include: the AAA Three Diamond Cambria Hotel Louisville Downtown - Whiskey Row, the contemporary boutique AAA Four Diamond 21c Museum Hotel and the impressive AAA Four Diamond Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection.
MINT JULEP RECIPE
The Mint Julep is the traditional and official beverage of the Kentucky Derby.
INGREDIENTS:
2 oz Kentucky bourbon
1 teaspoon sugar
2-4 fresh mint sprigs
Crushed ice
Splash of water (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare the Glass: Begin by chilling a julep cup or highball glass. Fill it with ice water and set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
Muddle the Mint and Sugar: Place the sugar and a few mint leaves at the bottom of the glass. Gently muddle the mint with the sugar, being careful not to tear the leaves, as this can release a bitter flavor. The goal is to bruise the mint slightly, allowing it to release its natural oils.
Add the Bourbon: Pour the bourbon over the muddled sugar and mint. Stir gently to combine.
Fill with Crushed Ice: Discard the ice water from your chilled cup, and fill the glass with crushed ice. Pack it until the glass is frosty on the outside.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional mint sprigs, gently slapping them between your hands to release their aroma before placing them on top of the drink. Optionally, add a splash of water if you prefer a milder flavor.
Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing classic!
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