Who is going to the Derby?

[smilton]

This will be my first Kentucky Derby. I'm so excited. Not only am I going to the Derby and the Oaks, I found out this morning we have invitations to the Winner's Party. Yippeee!

[Sheikh]

It's on my list of things to do, a Kentucky Derby and a Breeders Cup.I'm in Ireland so it won't be this year.

[Denise]

But we always go to the Preakness, as well as the Black Eyed Susan, the day before. Much more low key, like the Oaks day.
Enjoy!

[madelyn]

It is a really fun time. We usually go to a backside cookout and party at a trainer's barn. Oaks day USED TO be lower key, but it is pretty much just as packed. Derby is a lot of fun, just so CROWDED. Anyhow when we used to go to the front side, it was much too tiring to try to do both days, so we would do one or the other. But we didn't have seats...

If you are a handicapper, you will want the DRF the day before for BOTH days, to be able to study the form in peace. Even though there is MUCH more time between races than a normal race day the lines to bet are so long you will need to get there not less than ten minutes after the end of the previous race. There are an awful lot of people there who never go to a horse race at all and can be agonizingly slow at the window, or are betting for 19 or 20 people in their group.....

[el camino]

I will be going if Like Now runs.

[Elusive City]

It's on my list of things to do, a Kentucky Derby and a Breeders Cup.I'm in Ireland so it won't be this year.

I always have a great time at BC; This years is at Churchill. my friend from the UK comes over and we have a grand old time arguing horses
and him telling me about the Euros on turf and me trying to explain to him about dirt racing.

I spent one week last year at this time so I did newbury, Wincanton, Towcester, Epsom, Fontwell, and two days at Sandown and a side trip to Newmarket to the museum. and a visit to the gallops.

Lots of fun. Come on over mate, I'll show ya good time this fall.

Allan

[patrick]

I'll be going to the Oaks and Derby. I may have a horse or 2 run derby day but not in a stake

If you haven't been before and you like to "star gawk" you will find them in the club house on the third floor. If you have tickets for INSIDE the club house in the dining area on level 3, you will see them just outside the window (in the boxes) and they will be using the same windows and restrooms as you. If you are in the turf club on 4, you can come down 1 level to see them (but they are not allowed to go up to where you are

If you are on the inside in Millionaire 4 or 6, I don't think you can get to where they are.

If you dont have tickets for inside, just go past the paddock to the VIP elevators. Its open to the public and you can stand there and see them as they enter and leave.

Last year my wife came running up to tell me she saw Usher and the back street boys. I have NO IDEA who these people are.

Also last year as we were waiting in line to bet I looked over and RIGHT next to us was OJ Simpson. Perhaps he was trying to line up an endorsement deal with a slaughter house. Maybe the same guy who killed Ferdinand got Nicole?

Other odds and ends:

Don't buy the $6 glasses with the logo. You can pick up dozens for free on the way out.

Even if it rains, don't bring an umbrella. You can't take them in.

If your a female and you wont be in the inside club house all day, wear shoes with a closed toe so your husband won't have to listen to you whine about all the beer you have in your shoes.

Unless you are being dropped off in a limo or have prime up close reserved parking, park at the U of L lot by the football stadium. The cops give the shuttle busses control of the roads after the races and you cant even walk to your lot.

If you MUST drive home even though you are smashed, wait about 45 minutes after the last race to leave. The highway will be busy with dozens already pulled over for DUI, and more importantly, I will be ahead of you on the road.

[hpkingjr]

You may take in box lunches but they need to be packed in clear plastic containers. (all places in Louisville will help with that issue) Last few years you could walk under the track to the infield and purchase a cooler, ice, soft drinks etc as soon as you arrive and be set for the day. Always take some paper towels and a plastic garbage bag for your box. If you are going to be outside take another garbage bag so you can cover your $500.00 hat and not see it turn into bedding if it rains. And yes leave the hooker heels at home, those little cracks in the bricks are killers!

[JeremyRoseFan]

i went to the Derby last year...bunches and bunches of funn!!! this year im goin to the Preakness and BLack Eyed Susan. and how did you get an inviatation to the Winner's Party? that is super exciting!!!!!!! hope you have fun in Kentucky!!!

[petersd]

I'll be at the Oaks, section 318.

[JeremyRoseFan]

i think we have clubhouse box seats somewhere...im not exactly sure where though. i think they are like right after the wire. so excited...only 27 more days until we get there!!!

[StrawberryFelidos]

*And yes leave the hooker heels at home, those little cracks in the bricks are killers!*

Hooker heals- ah, I always call them ho shoes