The Kentucky Oaks.
The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year. The winner gets $750,000 of the $1,250,000 purse, and a large garland blanket of lilies, resulting in the nickname “Lillies for the Fillies.” A silver Kentucky Oaks Trophy is presented to the winner.
What is the event before the Kentucky Derby?
After the races, one final pre-Derby event takes place: the Barnstable Brown Party, a Derby Eve gala attended by celebrities of every stripe. Legions of fans line up outside the home of Patricia Barnstable Brown (1700 Spring Dr.) in the hopes of spotting their favorite stars.
What are the races before the Derby?
Starting in 2022, Churchill Downs will start awarding 20-8-6-4-2 points to the top five finishers at select prep races, including the Lecomte Stakes, Southwest Stakes, Withers Stakes, Holy Bull Stakes, Robert B. Lewis Stakes, Sam F. Davis Stakes and the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes.
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.
What is Kentucky Oaks day?
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 3 traditions of the Kentucky Derby?
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 wear to Oaks day?
Oaks Day is all about florals, dainty lace, bright colours and lots of pink! It’s the perfect time to bring out your girly side (if you have one) and let it shine! The official flower for the race day event is a rose, which leaves lots of room to work that into your outfit.
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 are the 2 races after the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is the first race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, where it is followed by the Preakness Stakes race and the Belmont Stakes race.
What are the other two races besides the Kentucky Derby?
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.
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 is the dress code for Derby Day?
The dress code for men and women on Derby Day is Black and White – but you can get away with shades of grey. The official flower for Derby Day is the cornflower. This subtle purple-blue flower pairs perfectly with the monochrome palette for Derby Day. So you can always pop one in your pocket or pin one to your lapel.
What is the dress code for the Derby?
Derby Day – Saturday 04 June 2022
No sportswear, sleeveless vests or bare tops. Smart denim must not be frayed, torn or ripped. Guests must not wear sportswear or trainers. Children should be dressed smartly.
Do you have to wear pink to the Kentucky Oaks?
Anything pink is in style for the Kentucky Oaks. Ties, hats, dresses and even shoes are all pink. The Kentucky Oaks is a little more casual in dress than the Kentucky Derby to dress comfortable and in pink. Now that you’ve learned what to wear at the Oaks, start planning your next visit to Churchill Downs.
What is the difference between Kentucky Derby and Oaks?
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.
What Colour do you wear to Oaks Day?
Traditionally known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day asks you to bring out your feminine side. This day is filled with pink and pastels, florals, prints, lace and dainty headpieces.
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.
What food is traditionally served at the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Burgoo
For anyone new to the dish, it’s a spicy meat stew that’s been a Kentucky staple for more than a century. This one served at Churchill Downs is made with pork, turkey and beef, and packs some heat. Thankfully, it’s served with a side of freshly baked cornbread to temper the spice.
Why do Derby horses walk with another horse?
Racehorses have another horse with them before the race to help them stay calm, and as relaxed as possible before the race. Having a companion helps the racehorse focus on the race and not the crowd. The accompanying horse is called a pony horse and is a vital member of the horse racing community.
Can you wear pink to Derby?
If you are planning on attending the Kentucky Oaks on the Friday before Derby Day, you’ll want to make sure you have something pink to wear. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in as much pink as possible.
Can you wear GREY to Derby Day?
Derby Day is known for its strict black and white dress code, so the outfit you choose must follow this rule. Although this is the dress code for men and women, you can get away with subtle shades of grey.