How to Prepare a Trip to the Kentucky Derby

There are few more iconic sporting events on the global calendar than the Kentucky Derby.

Every year, a huge number of international visitors descend on Churchill Downs to watch the opening leg of the Triple Crown in person, as history is made.

As well as being a huge tourist attraction, the Kentucky Derby is also one of the biggest betting events on the U.S. calendar, with many gamblers betting on Kentucky Derby every year.

But, if you’re looking to take a trip to Churchill Downs, what are some of the most important factors to consider?

Book Early

One of the most important factors to consider is that those attending the Derby should book early. Hotels and flights tend to surge in price as the big day approaches, meaning getting in early as soon as dates are available is vital.

Hotels can often be expensive in Louisville, meaning that most travellers will look to stay outside of the main area. This could also offer a cheaper flight for visitors, with cities such as Chicago being a popular hub.

Chicago is just over six hours away from Churchill Downs, meaning car hire is needed, but visitors will have the option to stay further afield if they have their own car.

Take Advantage of Shuttle Busses

Those looking to travel to the track on the day should be wary of the traffic enforcements in place, making it hard to drive and park at Churchill Downs.

Therefore, shuttle busses are available, and are the best route to get to the track. These shuttles will run from a number of different locations in Louisville, with the most prominent being from the Kentucky Exposition Center.

The shuttles can be used for free by those with tickets, and they start as early as 7:30 AM on Derby Day. Alternatively, ride share and taxis can offer lifts to the gates, but these will be considerably more expensive that the free shuttle bus.

Buy Tickets for Derby Day

As one of the biggest events on the U.S. sporting calendar, tickets for the Kentucky Derby should be purchased well in advance of the event.

All ticket sales are final, and to avoid risk, those looking to attend should purchase directly from Churchill Downs. Prices for Derby Day range in price, with the cheapest coming in the form of general admission available at $100.

However, if you’re looking for a more coveted spot, such as locations at the starting gate of club house, then you will need to pay up to $10,000.

As well as Derby Day, there is also racing action the day before, meaning that keen racing fans should take advantage of the cheaper package deals, which will also enable access to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks day.

Prepare For Everything

A key tip for all first-time visitors at the Kentucky Derby is to be prepared for everything. Once you have passed through the gates at Churchill Downs, you won’t be allowed to leave and return.

Therefore, you must ensure that you pack for every circumstance. This includes bringing sun cream as well as an umbrella due to the unpredictability of the weather at the track.

Huge crowds are also expected yearly for Derby day, meaning that you should also wear comfier shoes and pace yourself when it comes to food and drinks to ensure that you don’t ruin your experience at one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar.

Plan Your Outfit

The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest fashion events on the U.S. calendar, meaning that those that attend the race spend months putting together their outfit for the big day.

Standing out from the crowd and showing creativity is the order of the day, which means that big hats and fascinators are commonplace at Churchill Downs. Bold colors and patterns are a common theme, meaning that visitors are able to show off their style.

However, as well as taking into account what will be worn to standout from the crowd, it is also important to remember that a day at the racing is a long time on your feet. Therefore, experienced Racegoers to the Derby will typically take a change of footwear to change into later in the day.

Learn How To Bet

While fashion is important, the Kentucky Derby is all about the superstar equines that will be on track.

Due to that, betting is a big part of the day. Therefore, if you’re inexperienced at making wagers on horse racing, it is important to brush up on your knowledge ahead of visiting Churchill Downs.

That includes learning the difference between the win and show markets, and assessing the different options available such as Exacts and Trifectas. Importantly, bettors should also set themselves a budget for the day, and not exceed it.