Kentucky Derby Tips

You may have seen the critical two minutes of the Kentucky Derby on television, but actually being at Churchill Downs in Louisville is an entirely different—and exhilarating—experience. Here are some tried-and-true tips that will make it easy to navigate your first Derby.

1. Getting there

Should you take a cab or drive your own car? Cabbing or Ubering might be easiest, especially with the new designated drop-off areas set up near the track. But if you've got fancy wheels to make for an impressive arrival, go for it—just don't try to enter the Churchill Downs parking lot unless you have a space reserved. Park at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium or the Kentucky Exposition Center and catch the shuttle bus from there. Alternatively, drive to Churchill Downs and pay to park on locals' lawns. You'll see them waving cardboard signs offering parking. The closer you get, the more your grassy parking spot will cost. If you go this route, bring cash and expect to leave your keys with the property owners.

2. Dressing to the Nines

Churchill Downs calls Derby day a "dress to impress" day, and the focus for ladies is hats. Women won't be kicked out of the Derby if they show up hatless, but dressing to the nines is what makes the moment special. So get a proper Derby hat—a wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” hat decorated with flowers, feathers, bows, ribbons and whatever you fancy. Pretty much anything goes, but be sure that it's not so large it blocks the view of the track for those seated behind you. If you must wear heels, carry flats for when you just can't bear them any longer. Men should also dress elegantly on Derby Day. Many men wear vibrant colored trousers, 1920s-style fedoras or bowler hats, and bow ties.

3. Packing: What's In, What's Out

It shouldn't surprise anyone that "inappropriate" items are not allowed into Churchill Downs, but what is prohibited may not be what you expect. You can bring lunches in clear plastic bags, but no coolers, cans of any size, glass bottles or containers. Small cameras get in, but those with detachable lenses wider than 6 inches are excluded, as are tripods and selfie sticks. Don't try to bring in a bottle of wine. Absolutely no alcoholic beverages can be carried in, nor can thermoses that might conceal those beverages. Blankets get the nod, but umbrellas must stay outside, along with purses larger than 12 inches.

4. Betting is part of the fun

Most bets cost only $2 and some exotic bets are even less, so why not? It's best to place your Derby bets soon after you arrive at the track—just buy the program and make your pick. Then go to the betting window and recite the race number, how much you are betting, the type of wager and the horse number. It's tempting to wait out the day hoping to pick up "hot tips" from someone with inside information, but it's far more satisfying to go with your gut. You can also place bets on any of the other races scheduled on Derby Day at the race.

5. Mind Your Manners

You want to have a blast at your first Derby, but you'll regret it later if you don't act properly. A great tip for behaving appropriately throughout is limiting your alcohol consumption. Consider drinking one and only one mint julep, and save it for the afternoon. These sweet concoctions are a Derby tradition, but many people don't realize that they carry a surprising punch. Getting tipsy is definitely bad form, but the seats around you might be full of folks who don't take this advice, so protect your personal belongings from the flow of spilled drinks.

6. Preparing for the Big Moment

One reason to make your big bet early is to avoid being out of your seat when the Derby horses enter the track. The band starts playing "My Old Kentucky Home" and the entire crowd—all 160,000-plus of them—belt out the words to the familiar song. You'll roar with the rest of the crowd as the 20 best three-year-olds in the country thunder out from the starting gate. Whether you win or lose your bets, your first Derby is something to remember. Keep your eye out for the Derby parties that fill the neighborhood around the track.

Ready to experience the Kentucky Derby? Find hotels in Louisville.