TRADITIONS & FUN FACTS
Churchill Downs
Home of the Kentucky Derby, held every year on the first Saturday in May.
This is where the horses wait.
Where the bets are wagered.
Where some spectators will sit.
All eyes will be on the track. (This is the finish line and the Winner's Circle is located on the left.)
Refreshments
Burgoo is a hearty meat stew, which is traditionally found at the Derby.
Mint juleps, made with mint, bourbon, and sugar water, can be enjoyed in silver julep goblets or in the popular souvenir Derby glasses that feature the list of all Derby winning horses.
The Jockeys and Their Silks
Jockeys are not only recognized for their riding skills, but also for their uniquely colored silks. (Many silks, photos of jockeys, and other memorabilia are featured in the museum.)
Fans and Seating
Many in attendance gather in the infield, an area with very limited viewing of the race but less formal and lot more affordable. Spectators in this area tend to enjoy partying and reveling as much as the race.
Others will be in Millionaire's Row, where the seating is expensive but the view is excellent.
Hats
The ladies (and many gentlemen) adorn lavish hats.
"My Old Kentucky Home"
Just before the race begins, Kentucky's official state song is performed by the University of Kentucky Marching Band.
Roses
A tradition began when roses were given to the ladies at a post-Derby party. This resulted in declaring the rose as the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. Early on, winning horses received a garland of roses placed around their necks.
Eventually, the garland was replaced by a blanked of roses.
And, of course The Horses
Past winners are honored around the grounds and in the museum.
Horses are groomed.
Horses work out.
Horses race.
And, the horses call it a day. In other words, as this horse suggests, this is THE END!
8 comments on Churchill Downs & The Kentucky Derby - Part 2
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I'm sure I've seen this racecourse in the film " seabiscuit" ! Lovely post.
I didn't realized that Churchill Downs was so pretty.
AJ
Wonderful posts Donna
I'm a horse person big time!!!
Yes you did see it in the movie. Except for in the movies and watching the Derby on TV, I haven't seen Churchill Downs in person. I'd love to see it for they say the grounds, the buildings, and the museum are beautifully and immacutely kept...and there really is a lot of interesting things to see.
AJ, I knew it was pretty and really quite a place to see (even if not going to see a race), but I didn't realize it was this pretty, either! It really is nice, isn't it?
Jackie, I know you like horses, so I thought you might like this post.
Very much so!!