Kentucky Derby Traditions
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IIDEA GGUIDE KENTUCKY DERBY TRADITIONS Louisville Has the Race, Lexington Visitors Center 21 5West Main Street Lexington, KY 40507 But Lexington Has the Reason (859) 233-7299 or (800) 845-3959 www.visitlex.com Louisville has the race, but Lexington is the place What about the race? where Derby dreams originate — and where Derby Many of the Bluegrass traditions that relate to the legacies continue long after the horses have crossed the Kentucky Derby — such as horse farm tours and the finish line at Churchill Downs. Those who have been to Kentucky Horse Park — can be enjoyed throughout the Louisville’s Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in year. The race itself, of course, happens just once a year, May know that the Kentucky Derby is the “most excit- always on the first Saturday in May. ing two minutes in sports.” But you haven’t really expe- If you’re planning to attend the race in Louisville, rienced it until you visit Lexington, the Bluegrass city 68 keep in mind that on Derby Day, Louisville’s Churchill miles east of Louisville. Downs is packed from the infield to the rafters with an As the center of the world Thoroughbred horse eclectic mass of humanity — usually about 150,000 peo- industry, Lexington is where the ple. So expect long lines for any Bluegrass Note: A Derby horse carries with it world’s top racehorses are bred, endeavor, including just getting down the homestretch the hopes and efforts of born, trained, officially regis- dozens of people who have been a part of its to your seat. Actually, unless you tered, bought and sold, retired life: the night watchman at the foaling barn; are a box-holder or know some- and buried. And it’s been that the stable hand who helped pull the foal; the one who is, you probably won’t attendant who led the horse into the sales way since before there even was have a seat. Most clubhouse and ring; the groom who feeds and cares for the a Kentucky Derby. horse daily; and the exercise rider. The grandstand boxes are renewed In Lexington and the sur- Kentucky horse industry is responsible for from year to year, and the track rounding Bluegrass region, you more than 55,000 direct and indirect jobs, receives tens of thousands of can visit previous Derby champi- from artists to veterinarians. competing requests for the few ons or perhaps catch a glimpse of that become available each year. a future winner on the world’s most famous and beauti- (If you want to try, sign up with Churchill Downs on ful horse farms. their website. But don’t hold your breath waiting. This You can see firsthand how Thoroughbreds are read- is a real longshot.) ied to make their run for glory. Join sheiks, millionaires For most people, the Derby Day option in Louisville and royalty at the world’s most prestigious horse is $80-per-person general admission. This means auctions. See, feel and even taste Derby traditions. And standing-room-only near the paddock area or braving enjoy a special vantage point on America’s most famous the infield. If you are planning to attend the race in horse race. Louisville, it’s a good idea to check out accommodations in Lexington. You’re likely to find more options, and more reasonable prices — and it’s only a little over an Keeneland offers “drive-through” betting on Derby hour’s interstate drive to Louisville. Day. Enjoy the Derby the Bluegrass way. And how about a Derby Day celebration As an alternative to battling the throngs at Churchill with the Governor? Downs on Derby Day, many locals enjoy attending No matter how late you party Derby Eve, you’ll want races earlier in Derby week, and then find a more civi- to get up in time for the first race — and maybe even lized vantage point for the Run for the Roses. earlier than that. The Governor of Kentucky is expect- The world’s largest Derby party is at Lexington’s ing you. famous Keeneland Race Course (4201 Versailles Road, A big public Derby celebration in Kentucky’s capital, 859-254-3412) and has become a tradition itself. The Frankfort (27 miles west of Lexington via I-64), has track’s pastoral setting and relaxed atmosphere is a been a Kentucky tradition since the 1930s. This year, the perfect place to enjoy Old Capitol is the focus of activity, and downtown Bluegrass Note: Although the race. The betting restaurants are offering breakfast specials. A free Thoroughbred horse farms are windows are open, located state-wide, the largest concert features bands from across the Commonwealth and official souvenir concentration-not only in on the stage directly in front of the Old State Capitol. mint julep glasses are Kentucky, but in the world-is in Kentucky artists will be exhibiting and selling their Lexington and the surrounding available. You can work. The event usually runs from around 9 a.m. to 1 Bluegrass counties of view all the races of Bourbon, Scott, Jessamine p.m. Call the Franklin County Tourism and Convention the day on monitors and Woodford. The 2017 Commission at 502-875-8687 for more information. indoors, or super Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm large-screen TVs Directory listed 465 farms in Year-round, spot a slew of past winners. those counties. outside. Of course, Derby Day isn’t the only time to see a Derby winner you won’t see any live horses thunder past, but then, nei- in Lexington. Just as Hollywood has its “homes of the ther do a lot of the people at that other track on the first stars,” the Bluegrass has the homes of the champions. Saturday in May. Most of the living Kentucky Derby winners are stabled Spread a picnic blanket in the paddock or walking ring at the beautiful farms surrounding Lexington. and enjoy barbecue or chicken from the outdoor grills. Policies on viewing celebrity horses vary from farm to Or, if picnicing is not your style, tables can be reserved farm. Some farms are open only to breeders. Others are in one of the dining rooms or at open to general visitors by the Sales Pavilion Dining Hall, Bluegrass Note: Lexington is home to the appointment. But with a little official registry of all Thoroughbred horses, where many partygoers dress planning, you can see most of The American Stud Book kept by The Jockey their tables with elaborate dec- Club. One of the most high-profile aspects of the Derby champs. Just be sure orations. the registry is the naming process. Name to call first— and as far in A great outing for the whole applications go through comprehensive advance as possible. Make family, Derby Day at screening processes to make sure they meet arrangements through a local Jockey Club rules. (www.jockeyclub.com) Keeneland has popcorn and tour company or through special activities for the kids, a www.visithorsecountry.com hat contest for the adults and live music for everybody Here’s where you’ll find past Derby winners in the throughout the day. Bluegrass: You might want to participate in the late-morning q Silver Charm (1997) and War Emblem (2002), handicapping seminar before you lay down your bet on Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm near Georgetown the big race. Experts will teach you the science, or art, (502-863-1775); of picking a winner. If all you need is a place to bet on q Go For Gin (1994) and Funny Cide (2003), both the race, try out a unique wagering experience -- reside at the Kentucky Horse Park; q Triple Crown winner Justify (2018), Triple Crown also the exciting possibility of spotting a future winner American Pharoah (2015) and Fusaichi Pegasus champion amid the gangly-legged foals frolicking in the (2000) are at Ashford Stud near Versailles; spring meadows. q Street Sense (2007) stands at stud at Jonabell, Derby time is at the height of the January to July home of the Darley stallions in America. Animal foaling season. Three years down the road, one of these Kingdom (2011) and Nyquist (2016) are also at Jonabell; frisky youngsters could be standing in the winner’s circle q Super Saver (2010) is at WinStar Farm; at Churchill Downs. Through today, from Aristides, q California Chrome (2014) makes his home at first Derby winner in 1875, to 2017 winner Always Taylor Made. Dreaming, about 80 percent of Derby winners were Stay tuned for information about Justify, the 2018 Triple bred in Kentucky. Crown winner from Kentucky! Contact VisitLEX, Lexington’s convention and visitors bureau, about guided and do-it-yourself tours of Ponder Derbies past and future on the horse farms. world’s most famous and fabulous horse farms. Go for history at the world’s first park Even if they aren’t currently the home of a former devoted to the horse. champion, Bluegrass horse farms are a sight worth see- You can look at a variety of Derby-related exhibits at ing, both for their beauty and the Kentucky Horse Park. This their tradition. Bluegrass Note: Fine horses and horse racing 1,200-acre farm complex devot- have always been important in Lexington (in The red and white buildings ed to all breeds of horses 1789 there were more horses than people). The of Calumet Farm, for example, area’s central role in the Thoroughbred industry attracts over 900,000 visitors are as essential a part of Derby began during the Civil War, when horse each year. history as the twin spires of breeders in Maryland, the Carolinas and Near the park entrance, Churchill Downs.