Kentucky Derby — a grand occasion
Horse racing fans, caught up in the excitement of watching the TV coverage of a Vancouver jockey winning the Kentucky Derby, have requested suggestions for travelling to Louisville, Ky., to enjoy next year’s race. Unfortunately the online ticket requests for 2013 start at $ 350 and this high cost dampened some of the enthusiasm for travelling so far to watch just one event.
Attending the Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs, is a grand occasion and needn’t be expensive. In fact, it can be a great travel bargain for fans wanting to combine it with other legendary sporting attractions easily accessible from Louisville.
Churchill Down’s ticket sales cater to a wide range of spectators. By far the majority of grandstand tickets go to corporations and tours companies as well as long time race patrons. The few that are available to the public are sold at inflated prices as the demand is so great. The best value for the day of the Kentucky Derby is general admission ($ 40) which provides access to all areas but the grandstand.
The best opportunity to visit the historic Churchill Downs grandstand is to attend the Kentucky Oats racing event which is always held the day before the Derby. The main racing feature at the Oats is a very prestigious race for threeyearold fillies and regular prices apply to all grandstand seating. It is always an exciting day of racing without the celebrated crowds.
It’s a good idea to purchase your general admission ticket for the Derby online before race day. Arrive early ( the gates open at 8 a. m.) and head for the paddock area for the best viewing of the horses and beautiful people. It’s a day of mingling with fans and aficionados while watching the live racing action on large television screens mounted throughout the area.
A large crowd always gathers in the infield which is well known for its party atmosphere. It can be entertaining to watch at least one of the day’s races from the infield and it is a great location for getting good photos of Churchill Downs’ famous Twin Spires.
Making the most of the visit for horse racing fans should include a side trip ( 90- minute drive) to Lexington for the opportunity to watch racing at the Red Mile. It is probably my favourite race track as it is where I collected my biggest winning. This is one of the oldest harness racing tracks in North America and provides great entertainment. The place to eat is Ramsey’s in downtown Lexington. The incredibly delicious deep fried chicken and gravy is worth the drive.
Louisville has a choice of exceptional museums that can only be found in this city so steeped in traditional sports. The Kentucky Derby Museum presents stirring exhibits of past Derby races and a chance to understand the modern world of Thoroughbred racing. It will add to your enjoyment and understanding of the complexity of horse racing if you have a chance to visit this museum before race day.
Baseball fans will enjoy visiting the home of the Louisville Slugger. Anyone who has ever held a bat will want to take the factory tour for a behind- thescene look at the actual process of crafting these legendary bats. The tour also includes a visit to the bat vaults to see the favourites used by all- time greats such as Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. You’ll get a chance to swing bats of different weights and lengths and if you find one just right, a purchase can be arranged.
The Muhammad Ali Center is much more than a museum. Sporting fans have the opportunity to experience and appreciate all the history and culture changes associated with the courage, dedication and discipline shown by this great athlete. There are three levels of displays so plan to spend a couple of hours to fully appreciate the exhibits. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy some of the interactive options and shadow box with the Champ, find their rhythm on a speed bag and even feel the power of an Ali punch on the heavy bag.
Cincinnati is just a two- hour drive from Lexington and if sports fans are lucky they can attend a Cincinnati Reds home game in the Great American Ball Park. Another great way to spend a day is to join a day tour from Louisville to one of the impressive private farms where the racing horses live in luxury surroundings. Participants get to enjoy an up- close- and- personal experience with horses in the buildings and outside in the lush bluegrass fields.
Accommodation is readily available in Louisville as the main hotel chains all offer reasonable options. Book early for your best choice of proximity to Churchill Downs.