The air is abuzz with anticipation this week in Louisville, Kentucky, as everyone watches and waits for the first Saturday in May.
The War of the Roses will commence as a pack of 20 exceptional three-year-old thoroughbred contenders takes to a racetrack, riders on their backs and high hopes from owners and trainers alike.
Churchill Downs is a mecca for gambling, drinking, “high society,” and anyone who just wants to have a good time at the Kentucky Derby.
For me, it is purely about the love of horse racing. I have always loved horses. The incredible stamina these animals need to reach this point is outstanding, and the relationship between man and beast is another story of trust.
Last summer, we were treated to a unique experience, a private, four-hour, behind-the-scenes track tour of Churchill Downs. From the crack of dawn, we were there, watching the horses as they worked out, getting a firsthand look at their grooming routines, and even catching a glimpse of some of the contenders for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. Our guide led us on a golf cart ride through the tunnels under the track, providing us with a unique perspective on the inner workings of this iconic venue.
As we entered, we saw Barbaro's tomb. Barbaro won the 2006 Kentucky Derby, but two weeks later, during the Preakness, his career abruptly ended when he shattered his leg during the race. It eventually led to the decision to euthanize him. He is the only horse to be buried at Churchill Downs.
Our guide led us on a golf cart around tunnels under the track to the backside as we watched the early morning workout. We were right next to the starting gates from the derby. We learned the only gate number not to win so far is seventeen!
FACTS BY THE NUMBERS:
1.25 Length in miles of the Derby race
3 The age of thoroughbreds who qualify for the Derby; no matter when they are born in the year, they are automatically assigned a birthday of January 1st for ease of record
12 Derby-winning horses who have sired (fathered) a future Derby winner
13 Horses that have won the Triple Crown (The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness, and The Belmont Stakes)
14 The number of races, including the Derby, that will run at Churchill Downs this Saturday, May 4th
400+ Roses sewn on the garland awarded the winning horse
$5 Million Total purse of the 2024 Derby; the winner will receive $3.1 million
120,000 Mint juleps served at Churchill Downs on a typical Derby Weekend
150 years of the most exciting two minutes in sports. Since 1875, the first Derby was held on May 17th. Fifteen horses competed in front of a crowd of 10,000 spectators, and the winner was Aristides.
After viewing the morning workout, we walked through the various stands and viewing areas. We saw the different bars and all the amenities afforded to different levels of society. We viewed many pieces of art created and donated just for Churchill Downs, including this miniature replica of Churchill Downs itself, from photographers to people in hats, to the jockeys and horses; artist Craig Colquhoun used 4,000 pieces of glass to create this masterpiece that sits inside the upper levels of the stadium.
No attention to detail was overlooked in designing the bars and restaurants. They named them after winning Derby horses, such as this one, from 1921 winner Behave Yourself. Other details in the architecture and the art in the building, such as all past winning jockeys in a large caricature mural and trainers, and simple things like counters along the outer walls with horseshoe brackets.
We wrapped up by ending at the top near the iconic twin spires. Suppose you’re planning a vacation to Kentucky and want to tour Churchill Downs. I highly recommend spending the extra money on a more in-depth behind-the-scenes track tour. It is very personal and you really get your money out of the experience! I do recommend wearing a hat, even though you are inside and out during the tour, the Kentucky sun is bright, and it does get hot, so dress appropriately for the weather. (You get to eat lunch included with this tour served in the track kitchen, so there is no dress code, you can wear shorts, which we found out after the fact.) If you are like me and a huge fan of the races, this is a great place to learn the history of one of the most spectated sports in American History. We were there on a day when no races were running, but I know I will be planning to mark the first Saturday in May as a trip to Churchill Downs in the near future!