Derby 101
Do the Derby…You will love it.
10 heart-pounding races each day, climaxing with the Kentucky Oaks race on Friday and the Kentucky Derby race on Saturday. Every year, over 150,000 people set out to Churchill Downs to experience the greatest two minutes in sports, but as you will see, it’s not just about the race, it’s about the entire Derby Experience!
“This is heaven on earth! How do you top this?” (text on Derby Day) ~ I.H., Troy, MI
Famous Fare
Relish in the heritage and rich tradition passed down through generations with every sip of the Derby’s signature cocktails, “The Lily” and the “The Mint Julep”. Savor the flavor of gourmet southern inspired meals at the exclusive hospitality venues and the artistry of Kentucky’s finest confections to whet your appetite for the sweet victory at the “Run for the Roses"!
Derby App | View PageReady to Connect and share all things Derby? Download Derby Experiences’ new FREE Derby Experience app, available for iPhone iPod touch and iPad today! The FREE DE App Experience Whether you are at the Churchill Downs Racetrack to enjoy the anticipation and triumph of the Derby celebration LIVE, or you are throwing ... More about Derby App |
About The Races | View PageThe trumpeter sounds the “Call to Post”, eyes shift to the starting gate, the announcer readies the contenders …and they’re off! The gates release a thundering stampede of hooves; the stands come alive with a gargantuan roar and a sea of waving tickets and fists surge to the air... who will be victorious? Fin... More about About The Races |
Road to the Oaks | View PageView Current Standings Current Kentucky Oaks Qualifying System • The field is comprised of the top 14 Fillies with the highest earnings in graded stakes races. • Approximately 70 graded stakes races worldwide determine Kentucky Oaks entries over a 10-month period. •&n... More about Road to the Oaks |
History | View PageThe Rich History of the Kentucky Derby From the cobble-stone pavements, traversed by horse lovers, and gamblers since 1875, to the name plates of Derby winners displayed along the moldings of the Twin Spires building, to the ever expanding caricature painting in the Clubhouse of the winning jockeys and their Thoroughbreds, you will feel i... More about History |
Derby Fashion & Pageantry | View PageThe Pageantry & Artistry of Fashion at the Kentucky Derby Pageantry & Kentucky Derby Hats 1875, Opening Day of the first Kentucky Derby...a time when everyone wore hats, and race track patrons wore their finest! Kentucky Derby hats are not only a fashion tradition; they're also said to be good luck! Known for... More about Derby Fashion & Pageantry |
Road to the Derby | View PageView Current Standings Current Kentucky Derby Qualifying System • The field is comprised of the top 20 Thoroughbreds with the highest earnings in graded stakes races. • More than 185 graded stakes races worldwide determine Kentucky Derby entries over a 10-month period. &bu... More about Road to the Derby |
Betting & Winnings | View PagePlace Your Bets! With a race schedule in one hand and pencil in the other, gamblers (new and seasoned) fill their tickets with hopes of joining the victorious in the Winner’s Circle. As the horses dash over the finish line, the announcer’s play by play accounting echoes through the roaring crowd, and hopefuls dash to the ... More about Betting & Winnings |
