How to Kentucky Derby Like a Local

Kentucky Derby 150 will be a celebration of the sport of horse racing. There’s no time to waste. Prepare for the extraordinary event by learning how to Derby like a local.

1. Arrive Early

Celebrities who arrive on the red carpet may be fashionably late, but that does not apply to locals. For years my parents lined up at 8 am to be the first to claim their spot. That’s a bit over the top. Even though it’s going to be a long day at the racetrack, there’s no need to wait around for the action to get rolling. This happens one day a year. Enjoy every second of it. I typically time it out to depart after the first race at 10:30 am, arriving in time for the action to really get rolling around race 3.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes to the Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs is a 129-acre facility. You’re not going to traverse the entire grounds during your trip to the Twin Spires, but do not expect a casual stroll on Derby Day, especially if you elect to park at Cardinal Stadium (which I wouldn’t do personally, but that’s your choice).

Men can still be stylish in tennis shoes. Those heels may look incredible, but if there isn’t an accompanying pair of flats or sandals at the ready, your feet will not forgive you.

3. Prepare for the Weather

A little rain never ruined a Kentucky Derby. It just might make it a little messy. Unseasonable warm air from the South is moving into the area, causing meteorologists to forecast a thunderstorm or two for each afternoon. Even if they’re prediction is incorrect and you don’t need to use that foldable poncho during race day, it’s better to play it safe than be sorry. It’s not just the rain you need to be ready for. Sunscreen is a must for a beautiful spring day in the Commonwealth.

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4. Cash is King at the Kentucky Derby

As facilities across the country become cash-less, the dollar bill still holds all of the power at Churchill Down. All-inclusive packages on the front side of the track make it less important for food and drinks. In the Infield you will still see a seemingly endless line of people at the ATM. Don’t be one of those losers. Even if you’re playing the ponies on your phone with NYRA Bets, bring enough dough you’re willing to lose on race day.

5. Keep Firing

It’s one of the best weekends of wagering on horse racing. Just because your picks missed on Thursday or Friday, doesn’t mean your luck has completely run dry. A year ago I don’t think I cashed a ticket on Oaks Day. The following day my Dad won eight races in a row and you better believe I got in on that heater.

You don’t have to be an expert to win big either. One year I tried to professionally handicap every race in advance. They were all losers. With the rain pouring down, I put $2 across the board on a long shot, Funny Duck. It won the Pat Day Mile and paid more than $100. You never know when you’re going to strike it rich at the Kentucky Derby, pun intended.

6. “Who’s your Derby horse?”

There’s no such thing as a stranger on Kentucky Derby Day. Whether you’re striking up a conversation with Armando Bacot or the little old lady who’s making her first trip from Michigan, one question is the ultimate ice-breaker. “Who’s your Derby horse?”

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7. Go Exploring

You’re wasting a wonderful experience if you spend all day in your seat. The Kentucky Derby is as much of a people-watching event as it is a horse racing event. If you have access, spend some time around the newly renovated paddock. The Infield isn’t for everybody, but a quick jaunt in the early afternoon is well worth your time, even if it is just to pick up some freebies from vendors.

8. Don’t Forget to Eat

This applies more to the folks in the Infield who are paying $15 for a BBQ sandwich. You don’t have to enter the general admission area empty-handed. You cannot bring alcoholic beverages legally into the Infield, but you can take a few sandwiches and other snacks in clear bags. A well-timed granola bar can change the outlook of your Derby Day. There’s a long list of what you can’t bring with you to Churchill Downs, but here’s what items are allowed to enter through the Infield Gate across from Wagner’s Pharmacy.

• Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12″ X 6″ X 12″). Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest’s bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag (no trash bags). Guests are restricted to one bag only – additional bags for food will not be permitted.
• Bottled water that is in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle- limit of two 24 oz. bottles per person
• Collapsible camping chairs without canopies (must be removed from bag during search)
• Tarpaulins (“Tarps”) and Picnic Blankets that are smaller than 10’ x 10’. Once inside the gate, tarps may not be secured to the infield fence or any other permanent structure.

9. There’s no such thing as “too many Derby glasses”

Those Mint Julep and Oaks Lily glasses are keepsakes. Stacking up a bunch of them can be treacherous, but it’s worth it, especially this year. For Kentucky Derby 150, there’s a design that’s only available on-site this Saturday.

10. Stay for the Last Two Races

Why is everyone in such a rush to leave Churchill Downs once the winning horse crosses the finish line at the Kentucky Derby? You’re not going to beat the traffic. You’ll be stuck with thousands of people trying to leave at the same time. Sit back, relax and enjoy the final two races of the day while everyone else clears out. You might just get lucky and cash one final ticket that covers all of your losses for the day (shout out Strobe).