Steps on making the most out of the 2023 Kentucky Derby

It’s almost time for the highly anticipated 2023 Kentucky Derby, and as we are nearing the event, more and more horse race fans are getting excited and intrigued. Although the Kentucky Derby event happens annually, it would be best to make each year unforgettable. 

Whether you are experiencing the Kentucky Derby for the first time or have been participating in this event for years, the steps below will help you make the most of the 2023 Kentucky Derby. 

Don’t Forget to Bet On Your Favorite

Participating in the betting activity is the first step in ensuring that you will have the most unforgettable moment when attending the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Betting for your favorite horse to win the Kentucky Derby will increase the excitement that you will feel during the race as you cheer for your horse. 

Moreover, betting will allow you to earn money at the end of the race. You can use the winnings to pay for some of your travel expenses during the Kentucky Derby weekend or add it to your bankroll to prepare for the next race you plan to bet on. 

If you haven’t bet on the Kentucky Derby before, you must start learning how to place a bet on the Kentucky Derby before the event. There are many easy-to-follow guides and tips online if you plan to do that. 

Dress to Impress

The Kentucky Derby isn’t your ordinary horse racing event. It also doubles as a fashion event participated by derby revelers. Everyone who attends the derby race dresses up to impress. 

Women aren’t the only ones who participate in the dress-up part of the derby. Even men also take this opportunity to dress up their best. Many events surround the derby itself, and you should dress accordingly for each event. 

For instance, during the brunch event, it’s highly recommended that guests wear either a formal business attire, pantsuit, or cocktail dress. If you plan to join the garden party, you are encouraged to wear casual attire. In contrast, you can dress a little relaxed during the backyard party. Jeans, shorts, and a sundress will do nicely during the backyard party. 

On race day, we highly advise men to wear formal attire with sun-drenched tropical colors. On the other hand, women should wear a casual dress and accessorize with pearls and, of course, the hat or fascinator that has become a derby tradition. 

Try the Traditional Kentucky Derby Drink

Speaking about tradition, the hats and fascinators aren’t the only traditions you should try during the 2023 Kentucky Derby. You must also try the traditional Kentucky Derby drink, the mint Julep. This drink became the official derby drink in the 1930s when Churchill Downs served mint julep to guests in souvenir julep cups. 

You can enjoy a cup or two of mint julep while watching the Kentucky Derby at home or at the Churchill Downs. 

Mint julep is an alcoholic concoction that mixes bourbon, crushed ice, sugar, and the freshest mint. You can purchase this drink in Churchill Downs at $11 per cup. However, its price can increase up to a thousand dollars as sometimes mint julep is served with 24-carat gold. 

Enjoy The Parties

Like we mentioned earlier, the Kentucky Derby isn’t only a horse racing event. There are other events surrounding the race, such as the parties, that you shouldn’t miss. If you’re into partying, you’re in for a treat. 

There are a number of parties scheduled throughout the Kentucky Derby weekend that you can join. The four official Kentucky Derby parties are:

• The Taste of Derby: A party happening on May 4 that will satisfy your palette as you’ll be offered various cuisines and drinks throughout the party, Kentucky Derby style. 
• Fillies & Lilies: After experiencing a gastronomic derby party, the next day comes the Fillies & Lilies, where you’ll experience an unforgettable night of live entertainment, food, and beverages. 
• Barnstable Brown Gala: Listed among the top 10 best parties in the world, the Barnstable Brown Gala is a star-studded party that will be held on Friday, May 5.
• Winner’s Party: The winner’s party is happening on Saturday, May 6, after the Kentucky Derby race. As the name suggests, it’s a party to celebrate the victory of the new Kentucky Derby Winner. 

Aside from the official Kentucky Derby parties, you can also research and look for other parties happening in Louisville on the same weekend as the derby. You’ll be surprised by how many parties are scheduled on that weekend. 

In Conclusion

If you want to have a memorable Kentucky Derby experience, then you should definitely take note of the list presented above. We are only a few weeks away from the event, so you might want to start counting your budget and plan your Kentucky Derby adventure to ensure you’ll make the most of it. 

Category: International