The Kentucky Oaks is an annual horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies, which are female horses. It is held in Louisville, Kentucky, on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. The Grade 1 Stakes race has been held on the Churchill Downs racetrack since 1875.
What happens the day before 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.
What is Oaks day Kentucky?
The $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks is a premiere race for Thoroughbred three-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs, the female counterpart to the Kentucky Derby. The 1 1/8-mile event is offered the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday in May every year.
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.
Is there a race 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.
Why is it called Oaks?
The Oaks was named for the nearby residence of the 12th Earl of Derby, whose horse Bridget won the first running.
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.
Can you wear black to Oaks day?
Oaks Day – 2 November
Oaks Day is also known as “Ladies Day” at the races, so this is the day to let your feminine side show. Forget blacks and navy tones and grab your pastels and florals. Think pink, yellow, baby blue and lavender.
Do you have to wear pink to the Kentucky Oaks?
Attendees are encouraged to wear pink to honor the survivors in a show of support. Whether it is a dress, shoes or perhaps a hat, don’t forget your pink on the first Friday in May! Below are a few selections from the website to help you get your pink on!
Why do you wear pink to the Oaks?
This is to show support for breast cancer awareness, and guests can show that through wearing pink and by drinking a Finlandia® Oaks Lily, the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks made with vodka and cranberry juice.
Can you wear blue jeans to the Kentucky Derby?
Jackets preferred, blazers, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits and slacks and capri pants are appropriate. Jeans/denim, shorts, t-shirts, halter tops, athletic wear and tennis shoes are not permitted in these areas.
Can a woman wear pants to the Kentucky Derby?
Choose spring dresses for your Kentucky Derby outfit
But keep in mind, there’s no rule that says you have to wear a dress, though most women do. “Some women are more comfortable in pants and that is fine, too.
What are 2 of the food items that are popular to eat at the Kentucky Derby?
The Best Food at the Kentucky Derby
- Derby Sundae. Consider this a Derby-style twist on a classic ice cream sundae.
- Cracklins’ with Pimento Cheese.
- Loaded Kentucky Nachos.
- Kentucky Burgoo.
- Benedictine.
- Old Forester Mint Julep.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
- Chicken Tenders and Fries.
What are the three races before the Kentucky Derby?
The order in which the races are run has varied. From 1932 through 2019, the Kentucky Derby was run first, followed by the Preakness, and then the Belmont. Running the three races in a five-week span was instituted in 1969. The Preakness was run before the Kentucky Derby 11 times, most recently in 1931.
What are the 3 Derby races?
Triple Crown, in American horse racing, championship attributed to a three-year-old Thoroughbred that in a single season wins the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
How many races do horses run before Kentucky Derby?
2023 season
The 2023 road consists of 37 races, 21 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season. Point system changes: Races will award points to the top five finishers. Previously, races were awarded points to the top four finishers.
Can a female horse run in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Oaks vs.
The Oaks is a gender-specific race, allowing only 3-year-old female horses, or fillies, to qualify and compete. The Derby, however, is open to eligible colts, geldings or fillies. While non-male horses are able to compete in the Kentucky Derby race, it’s an oddity in the sport.
Are male race horses gelded?
Racehorses are gelded to enhance their potential to be a winner on the track. Before being gelded, some colts are unruly or have medical conditions that hinder their training and running ability.
Do male and female horses run against each other?
Both males and females race, sometimes even against each other. Speaking of racehorses, both males and females race. It’s rare for them to race together, but sometimes fillies and mares beat colts and stallions.
What is the famous drink at the Kentucky Derby?
Mint Juleps
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.
Can you wear jeans to Derby?
Per the Kentucky Derby dress code, the following articles of clothing are only permitted in the Infield: Denim, jeans, shorts and tennis shoes.