Churchill Downs and Kentucky Derby Museum

 Churchill Downs is a huge facility housing the famous race track, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and what most people don't realize, facilities to house and train 1500 horses, their trainers, jockeys and their families and all that those people require for full time living. This includes housing and schools. Since most jockeys are immigrants, they receive English as a second language education also.

In front of the Kentucky Derby Museum

Not only is this the premier race for three year old Thoroughbred horses in the US, but it is also the social event of the season as well. The Run for the Roses, as the Derby is called, attracts as many as 120,000 people to two weeks of festival events culminating in the race. Literally millions of dollars are won and lost by the gamblers, and winners of the race.

If you come to the Kentucky Derby, you need to be dressed to the nines!

Having the right hat is essential!
The more glitter the better!





But I think I found just the right outfit for Johnnie and I to wear to the next race! Do you think Johnnie will be game?

The winning horse and jockey are awarded a garland of 400 red roses, hand sewn so that they stand up when placed on the horse.

Attending the Kentucky Derby is going to cost you a bit. The very cheapest seats are actually not even seats; you get to stand in the infield for $500 each. And our tour guide warned us that you can't see anything from the infield because of the crush of people. Bench seats go up from there, and if you want a premium seating, or a suite, plan on spending thousands, if they are available. Maybe we'll just wear our hats and watch it on TV!

A number of very famous horses have won the Derby, and several have won the Triple Crown as well. Kentucky loves to brag that the majority of the winners are horses from Kentucky.

Secretariat ran the Derby the fastest it has ever been run;
his time has never been even approached by another horse

You can't visit Churchill Downs without trying a Mint Julep! 


After our visit to Churchill Downs we found a trendy neighborhood for some good local eats at the Uptown Cafe.























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