Are you gearing up for the iconic Kentucky Derby but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the event? Fear not! Whether you're a seasoned Derby-goer or a first-timer, I've got a treasure trove of insider tips to ensure you have the time of your life at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.
Decide before you go how much money you are willing to lose for the day on betting, drinks, dinner, parking, clothes, and taxis. Don't wreck your budget or savings over a one-day party. You can have a lot of fun just placing a $2 bet on each race. Make a Derby budget and stick to it.
Download these apps before you leave home: Before you even set foot in Churchill Downs, make sure to download the Twin Spires app for betting on the races and skip the lines at the betting windows. Set up your account before you get there. Do not make bets for people who aren't there. Tell them to download the app. Additionally, grab the Churchill Downs app for a facility map. you never know about cell signal strength, so I always print a paper map of Churchill Downs and a paper map of the surrounding streets to keep in my purse.
"Who's your pick for the Derby?" People will ask you who your pick is. A list of the horses running in the Kentucky Derby is on https://www.kentuckyderby.com/horses . Don't say "I don't know." At the very least, say, "I'm betting the favorite like everyone else."
4. Do your homework: Grab a racing program as soon as you arrive and familiarize yourself with the basics of horse racing by reading the page on how to read a racing form. Knowing the jockeys, trainers, and race history adds to the excitement.
5. Cash is king: Even if you're not planning on placing bets, bring cash. You'll need it for various expenses throughout the day. You cannot bet with credit cards.
6. Practice the pronunciation: If you say you're not from here, people will ask you if you know how to say the name of our city. You should respond with "Luh-a-vull" or "Luhvull" or "Loo-a-vull." No one says "Loo-ee-vill" except news reporters.
7. It's an all-day fashion show but be smart: Either wear comfortable shoes or don’t complain about your feet hurting. Break your shoes in before Derby Day. Do not wear new shoes to the Derby. First of all, whatever shoes you wear will look like trash by the end of the day. They just will. Also, if you wear heels, then bring foldable shoes in your bag. Wear the foldable shoes from the car to Churchill Downs, and from the track back to the car afterwards. Bring 2 bandaids for the blisters that will surely come.
8. Pack smart: Here are some things you should and should not bring - No umbrellas. Bring a clear poncho. No tents. No coolers. No alcohol. You should bring sunglasses and a purse no larger than 12" by 12", it does not have to be clear. Bring a purse big enough to carry home your souvenir drink glasses. If you are in the infield and want to bring food or water, it does need to be in clear containers. If you have infield tickets, you must use the Infield Gate. You can bring a 10x10 tarp and collapsable camping chairs through that gate. Bring a protein bar for your friend who gets hangry because food lines can be a 15-minute wait. More things about what you can and cannot bring are on the Kentucky Derby website on the What To Expect page.
9. Plan your transportation: The taxi line can be excruciatingly long when the Derby race is over. Walk away from the track and call an Uber or Lyft. Even better, arrange for a local friend to pick you up. You can drive yourself, but it’s not the best idea since people will be drinking all day and you have to park far away. Expect to pay $50 to park in someone's yard or a church parking lot. There is no free parking anywhere, so don't waste time looking for a free spot.
10 Get dinner reservations now. Use Open Table app or Resy app to see where you can still get a reservation.
11. Pace yourself with the Lillies and Juleps: Horse race #1 of the day is at 10:30am. The Kentucky Derby is race #12 at 6:57pm. This means you need to pace yourself with the drinks. This is an all day half fashion show-half sporting event party marathon. Alternate each mint julep or Lilly with a water, lots of water. You want to remember seeing the Derby at 6:57. All the locals have had that one friend that didn't make it to the big race. If you see someone passed out at 3:30, they're probably a first timer.
12. Wear a hat. It is customary and expected that ladies and gentlemen wear hats, even if it’s raining or overcast. Fascinators are just as popular as hats. You CAN buy a hat or fascinator in Louisville at Dillards, Von Maur, some lobbies of downtown hotels, high end consignment stores, and Burlington, but the best place is in Facebook groups dedicated to only selling Derby hats.
13. The sun shines bright in Kentucky. Put sunscreen on any bare skin, including bare shoulders and tops of feet
14. Look up a video of the song My Old Kentucky Home before you go so you know what they are singing. It makes the moment more fun when you understand that people are singing about how they love their Old Kentucky Home.
15. Cell service will be slow. Just breathe. It'll be OK. There are 150,000 people trying to upload their selfies on socials at the same time. Or they’re texting, ”Where are you, lets meet up.” If this is you, pick a specific place under a name on a sign that is visible from many directions and that people can get to no matter what their ticket section is. Not all ticket holders have access to all areas.
16. Much of your day will be waiting: Waiting for the horses to run. Waiting for the results of the last race. Waiting to see if a horse in the next race is scratched. Just roll with it. On Derby Day, you cannot be in a hurry and have fun at the same time, so… choose fun! There will be lines for food. Use the waiting time to make friends with the people in line behind you. Louisvillians love to talk and we will talk to anyone about anything, for hours. Do not be surprised if people start talking about their family members and personal life stuff the first time you meet them. It’s actually normal here and nice.
There will always be lines for the bathroom, so "go" every chance you can. People who work at the track are really friendly, so please be friendly back. It's a happy day. Smile at everyone :)
17. Don't wear an irreplaceable outfit like Cindy Mancini in Can't Buy Me Love. Someone might spill beer, bourbon or barbeque on your outfit. There's a high likelihood someone will bump into you at some point.
18. Make a choice to enjoy all the moments. It's a lifetime memory.
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race; it's a cultural phenomenon. Soak in every sight, sound, and sip, and make the most of this unforgettable experience.
Share this guide with friends, and get ready to make memories that'll last a lifetime at the greatest two minutes in sports!
-Heidi Fore
コメント