When it comes to the most iconic events of the global horse-racing calendar, the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, the USA, is up there with the best of them, and with the first Saturday in May fast approaching, it’s time to start gearing up for this thrilling spectacle for another year.
Set to take place on the 4th May, the prestigious meeting is easily one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year for horse racing enthusiasts, and as ever, it’ll be steeped in history and tradition and awash with the utmost in glamour and luxury.
A race that captivates millions each and every year and has spectators on the very edges of their seats throughout, it’s a bucket list experience that every fan should have at least once. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-time racegoer, here’s everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby in 2024, including how to enjoy it in style.
History and tradition
Often dubbed “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby is steeped in rich history dating all the way back to its inaugural race in 1875. Now held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, run over a distance of 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) on the dirt track at Churchill Downs, and is known for its edge-of-your-seat on-track action, stiff competition and thrilling finishes.
The race, which is the first leg of the Triple Crown series and is followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes later on, attracts top horses, trainers, and jockeys from across the globe, making it one of the biggest events of the world racing calendar and won that has won itself a loyal following.
A fashion spectacle
Much like the annual Royal Ascot racing event in the UK, the Kentucky Derby is as much a fashion spectacle as it is a sporting event. Attendees dress up to the nines and turn out in their very finest attire, with women often stealing the show with their elaborate hats and fascinators and men sporting seersucker suits or colourful blazers.
Traditional Derby fashion is known for its fun twist on the usual formalwear you’d expect, and includes pastel colors, floral patterns, and accessories designed to reflect the spirit of Kentucky’s Southern charm.
Gastronomic delights
The mint julep is to the Kentucky Derby what Pimm’s is to iconic British tennis tournament Wimbledon, and the cocktail, which is made with the region’s bourbon, along with sugar, water, and fresh mint, is the official drink of the occasion and has become synonymous with the Derby day festivities.
The event is also a veritable foodie’s delight, with gourmet cuisine served up throughout at some of the on-site restaurants and mouth-watering menus dreamt up by world-renowned chefs. If you’re really looking to get into the southern spirit then it would be rude not to sample some of the typical local fare, and at Churchill Downs you can enjoy your first taste of specialities including Kentucky Hot Browns, burgoo stew, and bourbon-infused desserts, all of which showcase the region’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Derby week events
The festivities don’t begin on Derby day; in fact, there’s a whole week of build-up that is filled with exciting events and celebrations to get you in the mood for what’s to come. The Kentucky Oaks, a race for three-year-old fillies held the day before the Derby, is a highlight, while the Derby Festival Parade and the Pegasus Parade are also musts. Suffice it to say that there’s no shortage of entertainment for racegoers of all ages, and the earlier you arrive, the more there is to enjoy.
An electric atmosphere
On Derby Day, the atmosphere at Churchill Downs is nothing short of electric. As attendees gear up for the nail-biting, heart-pounding action that’s set to unfold before them on the track, “My Old Kentucky Home” pours out of the sound system to really get everyone in the mood, with the race to the post-parade and the singing of “The Call to the Post” keeping the vibe high and the excitement at fever pitch from start to finish. At the Kentucky Derby, every moment is steeped in tradition and nostalgia, and the cheers of the crowd as the horses thunder down the homestretch is a spectacle that no other sport can match.
Betting and wagering
Betting on the outcomes of the races adds an extra layer of excitement to the Kentucky Derby, and it’s something that many racegoers choose to indulge in to fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the event. It’s not necessarily about the winning, but the taking part – although eye-watering payouts can and are scooped by a lucky few.
Churchill Downs offers various wagering options for bettors of all levels, ranging from amateur to seasoned pro, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets. Derby day features large, vibrant betting windows where attendees can place their bets and cheer on their chosen horses, but many opt instead for the convenience and accessibility of placing their wagers online, via a trusted site or smartphone app like TVG.com, to beat the queues. Either way, it’s a fun way to get into the spirit of the Derby experience, and has become an integral element of race day for those who enjoy a bit of a flutter.
Celebrity sightings
The Kentucky Derby attracts a star-studded crowd, with celebrities from around the world often spotted in its VIP enclosures enjoying the action from the comfort of the most privileged seating. Big names from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and fashion descend upon Churchill Downs each year to witness the action first-hand, sip champagne and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, and from Hollywood A-listers to professional athletes – as well as sometimes, even royalty, there’s no telling who you might catch a glimpse of in the crowd or in the Derby’s exclusive luxury suites.
VIP luxury packages
If you’re planning on making the trip to The Kentucky Derby this year then Churchill Downs offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. But if general admission tickets and standard digs don’t do it for you, then splurging on a VIP hospitality package will ensure that you get to enjoy the entire occasion in the utmost of style.
There are a range of different luxury packages to choose from depending on what your needs are, and you can also opt for add-ons including VIP transport, jockey meet-and-greets and bourbon distillery tours, as well as the famous Dawn at Downs breakfast, where you can watch the morning workouts from Millionaires’ Row. If you’re planning on placing a bet or two, then the Derby morning breakfast, where you can dine alongside a professional handicapper, offers a special opportunity to learn the fundamentals and garner expert advice on how to place wagers that are more likely to result in wins.
It’s also worth noting that the track provides accessibility services for guests with disabilities to ensure that everyone can enjoy the Derby experience to the fullest.
The bottom line
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race; it’s a cultural phenomenon that every sporting enthusiast should experience just once. With its storied history, rich traditions and the thrilling sense of competition it exudes throughout, it’s an unmissable event in the global sporting calendar for 2024 and promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, glamour, and Southern charm. So don your show-stopping hat, get yourself a mint julep, and prepare to watch history being made at Churchill Downs.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
