There are few sporting events on the American calendar that garner the same excitement as the Kentucky Derby. 

Annually, the opening leg of the Triple Crown amasses huge global audiences, with viewers watching on to see which star will join a legendary roll of honor that includes equines such as Secretariat and Whirlaway. 

Assessing the contenders in the field can often be tiresome work, and assessing the odds can be complex for newcomers. Therefore, the bet calculator here makes it easier for bet returns to be worked out: https://www.twinspires.com/wagertypes/

But, what makes the Kentucky Derby one of the most unique events on the sporting calendar? 

Historical Importance 

One of the factors that make the Kentucky Derby so unique on the sporting calendar is its historical importance. On the first Saturday in May every year, the best horses aged three will compete under the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs. 

The race has served as the opening leg of the Triple Crown since 1875, with the Derby holding the honour of being the oldest continually run race in the United States. Even pandemics and World Wars haven’t stopped the race from going ahead, with the editions in 2020 and 1945 rearranged. 

A common sight in the modern day has been the winner guided into the Winner’s Circle, with this tradition being born in 1938.

Long-Standing Traditions

The Kentucky Derby remains one of the most iconic events to this day due to its special relationship with the past, with every edition honouring the early history of the race. One of the most famous traditions is the winning horse being draped in a garland of roses, with this being formalized in 1896. 

This remains one of the most important images at the end of every race, with the winning horse honoured for their achievement. However, the long-standing traditions also take center stage before the race gets underway, with ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ played by the University of Louisville Marching Band as the runners involved travel to post. 

The ‘Riders Up’ call is also a famous moment on Derby Day, with famous celebrities such as Simone Biles, Jeff Bridges, and Patrick Mahomes all giving the order since 2012. 

Festivities Leading Up To The Race

The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race run at Churchill Downs, as the event gives Louisville an opportunity to showcase everything amazing about the city. Therefore, many visitors to the race will typically arrive to the location early to soak in the atmosphere at the pre-Derby Festival. 

Events on this schedule typically get underway two weeks before the race, with the Thunder Over Louisville being the starting point, featuring an air show and fireworks display. 

Between then and the Derby being stages, there are an incredible number of events staged. Among those include 502s Day, which features special stalls from Louisville food and drink businesses, while local musicians will perform live. However, for many visitors, it will be all about the racing, and one of the first opportunities to get up close and personal with the stars on track come in the form of Dawn at the Downs. 

This gives fans an opportunity to see the horses involved in the Derby workout, while premium options also include the opportunity to have breakfast with leading trainers and owners. 

Importance of Fashion

A recurring theme throughout every edition of the Kentucky Derby revolves around the fashion at the track. Getting the opportunity to dress up for a day at the races is popular, and there is no outfit too bright for a day at Churchill Downs. 

Women will typically spend months putting together their outfits for the day, with the vast majority opting for floral prints and chic midi-dresses. However, for many, the big fashion trend to follow revolves around hats. Hat culture at the Derby has been a lasting memory of the race, with visitors typically wearing large-brimmed hats, which are traditionally for the raceday. 

However, a growing trend has been the popularity of fascinations, which allow full creativity when putting together the perfect outfit. For men, light-coloured suits are always the most popular option, with vibrant coloured ties and pocket squares being common. 

But, the racing at Churchill Downs in the first weekend isn’t all about the Derby, as the high-quality action gets underway 24 hours earlier with the running of the Kentucky Oaks. On the Friday at Churchill Downs, pink is the colour to wear, as the new movement in recent years aims to support cancer charity ‘Pink Out’.

For any day at the racing, footwear must also be considered. At Churchill Downs, that largely revolves around men wearing loafers and women wearing heels. However, it is always wise to bring a change in footwear for later in the evening.