After years of watching the Derby on TV, I am finally attending the race in person! My friend and I got (the cheapest) reserved grandstand seats, and we’ll be going to the Thurby, Oaks, and Derby. What are some must-do’s during these days? Things to avoid? Things to bring that you wish you’d known about? I’d like to hear any and all advice you have. Thanks!
Hope you’ve already reserved your hotel room!
Have fun!
Hat. Must have hat. But wait until you get a better idea of the weather…some flowers or trims can run when wet. Fascinators are difficult when worn all day and offer no practical benefit ( sun or rain). Plan on sensible shoes, there’s cobblestones and trash to navigate. A nice blazer is a good idea, generally not that hot and can be damp.
Figure out your parking in advance or stay at a hotel that will run a shuttle. Track is right by the airport, many hotels but reserve ASAP.
Are your grandstand seats covered or open to the elements? They have both. That will effect your wardrobe choices.
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My two must haves would be sneakers and patience.
Carry your money in at least two if not more places. My one and only live trip to the Kentucky Derby was a great one in 1987 - Alysheba! However, Mom got pickpocketed, and she had all of our trip cash in her billfold. Also lost ID, etc., but the police told us that any pickpocketer probably threw away the billfold a minute after getting it, just taking the cash. There weren’t any credit cards in it.
The KOA Kampground that we were staying at staked us a loan to get home on. Still remember their kindness to strangers. The manager said that over the years, he had helped out several (though not all) folks in need that he ran across there, and he said that nobody had ever failed to send repayment.
So my rule since then at public events is to not have all your $$ in one basket. Aside from that, take hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and yes, patience.
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Oh wow, I’ve been to Churchill for Breeders Cup but that was a large enough crowd for me and it was only 62,000…you’ll be there with twice that amount or more if the weather is optimum. You’ll be able to scope out everything on Thursday but if your seats are not covered be prepared for all weather. Enjoy and let us see some pictures!
Since you are sitting in the grandstand, I’d go with a fascinator rather than a hat so you don’t obstruct the view of those sitting behind you. I don’t know if Churchill has an restrictions on what you can bring in, but I’d take a tote bag with an small folding umbrella if the weather looks dicey, and a pair of cute flip flops, and maybe some sunscreen. You can keep it under your seat. Have fun!!!
Churchill Downs changes their rules all the time, but I believe they still don’t allow you to bring in umbrellas on Derby and Oaks days (they confiscate them at the checkpoint). They probably have an updated list of allowed items on their website.
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Here’s the list of prohibited items on Derby and Oaks days: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/visit/security-information
I’m going too!!! First and probably only time.
SO splurge on some good seats…I’m going nuts trying to find a proper outfit.
Planning on wearing fancy shmancy heels and packing a pair of sandals.
I’m curious to know about the betting! I’m cheap but I’m curious if I can eye 'em and pick 'em. So excited!
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Unless they check bags, they won’t see the small foldable umbrella. Don’t unfold it in the grandstand, but at least you can get to and from your car without getting soaked if it’s raining.
They do check bags, and purses. And inside your jackets or blazers. Their intent is to find anything that’s on the prohibited list posted above. And they go looking for it.
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Unless things have changed dramatically in the last ten years - you don’t have to worry about obstructing anyone’s view - if you are in the main grandstand - everyone stands on their seats (benches) for the Derby - so unless you’re really, really lucky - you’ll probably only catch a glimpse of the actual race! (My DH and I attended the Oaks and Derby for 10 years in a row, the last time was 2009.) You’ll be extremely lucky if you even know who the winner is when you exit the track!
And yes, as Laurie B states, they do check bags and purses and jackets or blazers and they are looking for stuff - they will make you open things, etc. They are very thorough.
If you are going to bet - go once and do it all at the same time. The lines are LONG and SLOW. If you try to do it between races you’ll miss a lot.
Food lines are long, bathroom lines are long.
The KY Derby Museum will be closed both days, which is a shame because it’s spectacular and so worth seeing.
In fact, I now plan visits to CD just to see the Museum, Wagner’s to eat (across the street) and then head right down to the Horse Park in Lexington. I love the track and the racing - but the crowds - OMG - I just can’t handle the crowds any more. But, everyone should experience the Derby live once in their lives - it is pretty incredible. Have a blast!!
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Or you can bet using your phone. I don’t sit in the grandstand on any big race days - I can’t stand having to sit and eat with a plate of food on my lap. I’m way to messy for that, and will shell out more $$ for a dining room or tent or something like that. Especially when you are in a place like KY where you can get some seriously good but messy food!
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Eh…not all seats sold as " grandstand" are actually under a roof. Since the big renovation there are many more under cover then previously…but not all if them. They tend not to share that info unless you really look.
