What Happens Before The Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon and Marathon occur the Saturday before the Kentucky Derby; USA Track and Field named the miniMarathon among the nation’s top 50 races. The mini has been held since 1974.

What happens the day before the Kentucky Derby?

Held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks Day is a celebration of ladies – and America’s most premier 3-year-old fillies horse race.

Are there other races before the Kentucky Derby?

Since 1931, the order of Triple Crown races has been the Kentucky Derby first, followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes. Before 1931, eleven times the Preakness was run before the Derby. On May 12, 1917, and again on May 13, 1922, the Preakness and the Derby took place on the same day.

What is the day before Kentucky Derby called?

The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses – held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby.

What events lead up to the Kentucky Derby?

Luncheon – April 22 Thunder Over Louisville – April 23 Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville on the Waterfront – April 28-May 6 Great BalloonFest – April 29-30 GE Appliances miniMarathon & Marathon – April 30 Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade – May 1 Great Bed Races – May 2 Kentucky Proud WineFest – May 3 Liberty Financial Great

What are 5 Derby traditions?

Derby Traditions

• Garland of Roses.
• The Twin Spires.
• “My Old Kentucky Home”
• Kentucky Oaks.
• Mint Julep.
• Hats.
• Celebrities.
• Trophy & Winner’s Circle.

Can you wear jeans to the Kentucky Derby?

Jackets and blazers optional, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans and slacks are appropriate, as are golf shorts, dress shorts and capris. Worn or torn garments, halter tops, athletic wear, frayed or torn denim and midriff tops are considered inappropriate attire.

How many races are run before the Kentucky Derby?

The 20 horses racing in the Kentucky Derby must first travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, which is a series of 35 races taking place at tracks across the country and the world.

What is the order of races in the Triple Crown?

The Kentucky Derby (first run in 1875), the Preakness Stakes (1873) and the Belmont Stakes (1867) make up the Triple Crown series for 3-year-old thoroughbreds.

Are horses claimed before or after the race?

If a horse is purchased, a track official tags it (often with a red tag) after the race, and it goes to its new owner, assuming the new owner had sufficient funds on deposit. Claiming races have claim amounts which vary, and higher amounts tend to have richer purses.

What do people do at the Kentucky Derby?

With more than 150,000 people packing the stands each year, attending the Kentucky Derby means you’re guaranteed to see some questionable fashion choices, spot a few celebrities, drink a refreshing Mint Julep (or three), and watch very small jockeys in brightly colored silks ride sleek, shiny, fast horses in the “the

What are Kentucky Derby traditions?

Among the long-standing Derby traditions are the drinking of mint juleps (an iced cocktail consisting of bourbon, mint, and sugar), the wearing of ornate hats by female spectators, and the raucous partying that takes place in the track’s infield.

What do you call the ladies hats at the Kentucky Derby?

fascinator
“If you’re headed to Louisville, a fascinator is easier to travel with. It fits neatly into a smaller box, and some are even packable.” But whether you choose to crown your Derby look with a wide-brimmed hat or a feathery fascinator, you’ll be sure to turn heads in style.

What is the Kentucky Derby schedule?

The 2022 Kentucky Derby will air on May 7 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC. NBC Sports will also air the Kentucky Oaks the day before on Friday, May 6th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET on USA Network, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

What does it cost to attend the Kentucky Derby?

2022 Kentucky Derby General Admission Tickets

What are 5 interesting facts about Kentucky Derby?

17 Fascinating Facts You Never Knew About the Kentucky Derby

• It has a connection to Lewis and Clark.
• It’s the longest running sporting event in the U.S.
• Aristides was the first Derby winner.
• The racetrack didn’t always have a name.
• Its architecture is iconic.
• The red rose is the race’s official flower.

What is the famous drink at the Kentucky Derby?

The Mint Julep
Cool as Kentucky. Fresh as Spring. The Mint Julep has been the traditional beverage of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby for nearly a century. Each year, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Why do ladies wear big hats to the Kentucky Derby?

Wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is believed to bear good luck! The long-established fashion was started by the women, however, over the last few years, many men have taken part in the tradition as well.

What should I bring to a Derby party?

The Tastiest Food to Serve at Your Kentucky Derby Party

1. Hot Browns. mphillips007Getty Images.
2. Pimento Cheese. bhofack2Getty Images.
3. Bourbon Balls. Nicola TreeGetty Images.
4. Deviled Eggs. DariiaBelkinaGetty Images.
5. Benedictine. MarianVejcikGetty Images.
6. Biscuits. rudisillGetty Images.
7. Beer Cheese. PeteerSGetty Images.
8. Fried Chicken.

Can you wear black to Derby?

“Black and white or navy and white are traditional spectator color combinations at the race track,” said Ross. “They are always in style.” If you want to “Derby up” a black and white or navy and white theme, it’s a great idea to add a splash of color in your hat and handbag.

Do you need cash at the Kentucky Derby?

There is no public Wi-Fi available on Oaks and Derby Days. Cash is King! While ATM’s are plentiful throughout our facility, lines can be long at peak wagering times. One “pro tip” our veteran Derby attendees have shared with us is to bring plenty of cash.