What To Know Before Going To The Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs, the world's most legendary racetrack, has conducted thoroughbred racing and presented America's greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875. The 2022 Kentucky Derby is the 148th renewal of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” and will run on May 7, 2022. For charter travelers, the Air Charter Guide offers our comprehensive list of private jet operators serving the US. And if you are coming in via charter, there’s a good chance you might pass through Atlantic Aviation at KSDF.

But getting there is only half the fun. Here we offer our ultimate guide for your trip to the Kentucky Derby.

Start With The Hat

It’s a well-known fact that wearing a hat to the Kentucky Derby is good luck … and that goes for both men and women. For the women, it’s pretty much wide-open and the best advice is to go with the one you think best fits your personality. For men looking to project that Derby vibe, the clear choice is a fedora or bowler hat.

Dress For The Derby

For the ladies, it’s all about the hat, so keep it simple when selecting your dress. Spring colors are popular so have fun, but definitely dress in layers as the weather in Kentucky can be unpredictable in May. Spring heels and sandals are a key part of the outfit, but it’s a long day and a lot of walking around so pack an extra pair of flats or comfortable shoes. Don’t forget your sunglasses.

For the men, feel free to get crazy with tropical colors like Citron, Key Lime, Ocean or Bermuda Pink. But if you want to be a little more traditional, go for a classic navy or seersucker blazer. The shoes are simple – horsebit loafers with no socks.

The Fun Starts on Friday

All reserved seats for the Kentucky Derby also include Friday’s Kentucky Oaks race. Held on the eve of the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is a thrilling stakes race covering 1 1/8 miles and features three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. Taking place on the first Friday of May, it also celebrates Churchill Downs partnership with Bright Pink and Horses & Hope. Guests are encouraged to think pink for their attire to honor the partnerships and the Oaks official flower, the stargazer lily.

Mint Julep to Maximize Your Fun

If you’re at Churchill Downs for the Derby, the mint julep is all part of the tradition. This famous bourbon-based cocktail is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, so you’ve got to give it a go. Don’t forget to pace yourself though, because well .. it is bourbon. 

You Can’t Win If You Don’t Play

If you really want the Derby experience, you’ll want some skin in the game. Unless you are a seasoned pro, the best advice is to keep it simple. Pick a horse to win and make that bet. But if you want to be a bit more adventurous, here’s your basic list of options for betting:

WIN: Pick a horse for the win.

PLACE: Pick a horse to come in first or second to win the bet.

SHOW: Pick a horse that finishes in the top three to win.

ACROSS THE BOARD: Place three bets at once -- win, place and show.

EXACTA/PERFECTA: Pick the first place horse and second place horse in the right order.

QUINELLA: Similar to the exacta/perfecta, but they don’t have to finish in the exact order.

TRIFECTA: Pick first, second and third in order.

SUPERFECTA: Like the trifecta, but throw in fourth place as well

BONUS TIP: Due to Kentucky state law, credit cards are not allowed for placing bets, so bring cash as the ATM lines can be quite long. However, with the Churchill Downs app you can place bets from the phone.

Umbrellas

Even with the potential for rain, umbrellas are not allowed at Churchill Downs ... be sure to pack a poncho.

To learn more about the Kentucky Derby, visit www.kentuckyderby.com.