It’s Derby Time! Horsing Around in Kentucky
It’s a place where legends are born, such as Secretariat and Seattle Slew; and memories are made. On the first Saturday in May (this year it’s May 3), everyone’s attention turns to Louisville, Kentucky, located in the Bluegrass Region of the state, for the annual “Run for the Roses” – the 134th Kentucky Derby. 
This year’s race is also celebrating the 35th anniversary of Secretariat by selling 99 (that’s the Derby he won) specially-designed derby glasses at $1,000.
Churchill Downs is the most famous racetrack in America and the home of the pinnacle of horse racing success, the Kentucky Derby/text and photos (left and below) courtesy of Greater Louisville CVB.
Heralded as “the best two minutes in sports,” the Derby was established by Colonel Meriwether Clark, who modeled it after the horse races in England. 
The first race in 1875 attracted a crowd of 10,000. As the oldest continuously ran sporting event, the race is held at Churchill Downs , with its recognizable landmark twin spires. The race itself is known to attract crowds over 130,000, with millions watching or listening.
Unless you are in the know or have serious connections, Millionaires Row, located in the grandstand, is usually where you will find celebrities, heads of state, and horse owners watching the race. You can still enjoy the race and your mint julep, (official drink of the Derby served in a souvenir cup), by purchasing general admission tickets that’s limited to standing room only or on the infield.
Don’t forget to take a tour of the Derby Museum. If you want a more in-depth look, consider taking the Behind the Scene Walking Tour or the Barn and Backstop Tour that introduces you the horses and life on the track. All tours are available March 15 - November 30, but not during the week of the Derby and Breeders’ Cup or the week after.
The Kentucky Derby Museum, next to Churchill Downs, captures the thrill and traditions of the Kentucky Derby every day in an exciting 360-degree high-definition multimedia show. The museum has exhibits, memorabilia and art to delight all ages. There’s a fine gift shop and a café overlooking a paddock with a resident horse/text and photo courtesy of Greater Louisville CVB.
While the race is in Louisville, the city of Lexington, located 68 miles to the east, is where the top racehorses are bred, born, trained, officially registered, bought and sold, retired and buried.
If you don’t want to worry yourself with a crowd, but still want to have a good Derby experience, Keeneland Race Course is home to the world’s largest Derby party. The betting windows are open, souvenir mint julep glasses are ready to drink, and there are activities for children. You can take in the race on the television indoors or the large-screen televisions outside.
Lexington and the surrounding counties are home to the largest concentration of Thoroughbred horse farms world-wide. All year long, you can tour a handful of horse farms and even get to see past Derby winners. There are guided tours as well as the custom tours. If you decide to go on your own, be sure call first to make sure that they are open to tours. 
The Kentucky Horse Park is a must for anyone interested in horses or horse racing. Here you will find a memorial and burial site of Man o’ War, who did not run in the Derby. This working horse farm sits on 1,200 acres and has two museums,and over 50 different breed of horses. Kentucky Horse Park (above left and and below right) /photos courtesy of Kentucky Department of Tourism
Like many great events, the Derby is known for its souvenirs, and if it is horse related, you can find it in any shop in Lexington and Louisville. For the edible souvenirs, the Old Kentucky Chocolates in Lexington features Derby spirited candy, such as old fashioned bourbon balls, chocolate Thoroughbreds, and Derby mints. No visit to this area is complete without a slice or a whole Derby Pie, available in local restaurants and specialty food stores. Here is a bit of trivia for you, only the restaurants serving the real deal are allowed to use the trademark name, Derby Pie; in other restaurants, you may find it as “Famous Horserace Pie” or “Bluegrass Pie.”
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POSTED IN: Derby, Festivals, Fairs, and Events, Southern Byways, Things to See in Kentucky
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