Kentucky Derby Weekend The concept of the Kentucky Derby was conceived by Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1873, after a trip to Europe’s Epsom Derby. On May 17, 1875, 15 three-year old thoroughbred horses ran in the inaugural Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Originally the race was 1 1/2 miles long and was later changed in 1896, to 1 1/4 miles, as it remains today. The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday of May each year. The Derby is the first leg of the Triple and offers the largest purse of any thoroughbred race at $2,000,000. The Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes being held two weeks and two months later, respectively. Every year, Kentucky Derby is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events of the Spring. The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is just that, exciting! If this is your first time attending the Kentucky Derby, you and your guests are in for a magical experience. You will be impressed with the meticulous care of Churchill Downs. If you have attended the Kentucky Derby in previous years, you are aware of the great experience that awaits you. From the moment you arrive in Louisville, you will experience the utmost southern hospitality from the hotels, to the restaurants, and of course the incredible and historic, Churchill Downs.

ARRIVING AT THE TRACK

During Derby weekend, the gates to the historic Churchill Downs track open at 8:00 AM EST. The first race does not begin until 10:30 AM. However, arriving closer to when the gates open will allow you to take paddock pictures and see the jockeys mount their horses before the majority of the crowd arrives! Celebrities typically walk the red carpet around 12:00 PM. Following the Kentucky Derby (which will begin at approximately 6:45 PM) there are two more races. In an effort to avoid traffic as much as possible, we recommend staying for the final two races.

DERBY ATTIRE

Derby attendees are known to “ to Impress.” In recent years, Derby has become as much a part of the event as the race itself! Ladies typically wear pastel-colored , or bold separates. and “” are the major fashion trend at the Derby. If you are interested in shipping your Derby , please contact us. Men traditionally sport seersucker suits, light-colored sport or those go-to navy sport coats, nice khakis or dress pants, light-colored and fashionable ties with matching accessories. Many men also wear hats to the Derby. Ususally a fedora, or panama style hat!

Local Louisville, Kentucky Milliners You can work with local milliners to create a custom hate and have it delivered to your hotel. If you are willing to wait until you arrive in town, there are also hat pop-up shops at every hotel.

FORME MILLINERY HAT SHOP | THE HAT GIRLS | DEE’S HATS HELPFUL POINTERS

A couple of key things to keep in mind as you craft your Derby look: NO BAG CAN BE LARGER THAN 1. PLAN FOR WEATHER - Have variations of your outfit depending on 12” IN ANY anticipated weather. This may mean a coordinating or long-sleeved DIRECTION! option should it be cool, or an alternate pair of if the forecast calls for rain. It’s best to plan for all scenarios so you are not stuck scrambling last minute. 2. LADIES, STEER AWAY FROM MAXI DRESSES - The track is a busy place and floor length dresses can get in the way and get dirty! The most popular length is knee or tea length because it’s the most comfortable to sit in. 3. WE RECOMMEND PACKING TWO SMALL BAGS - A clear plastic bag, plus a small, clutch/bag. Click here for an example of a clear bag that is permitted.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CLEAR BAG

FLAT OR SHOES - Churchill Downs is surrounded by cobblestone streets and you will typically have to walk a few blocks from parking or shuttle lots. Pack a pair of flats and then change shoes at your seat. - are not permitted at the track. A PEN - You will use this to mark in your program during the races. Programs can be found once you are inside Churchill Downs, and many hotels will have them in the lobby the night before! SNACKS OR LUNCH BOXES IN TRANSPARENT PLASTIC CONTAINERS - Box lunches are offered at restaurants all over town. Food is also available for purchase at the track and included in some areas.