Kentucky Derby and Southern Hospitality 

The South is known for their warmth charm and great hospitality and the Kentucky Derby is no different.  Annually, three-year-old thoroughbred horses and their jockeys compete in a one and quarter mile race at Churchill Downs, known as the Kentucky Derby. 

Known as the ‘most exciting two minute sport’ ever, the Kentucky Derby comes with rich history and tons of prestige.  Since the late 18th century, Kentucky has been known for its horse breeding and racing.  Kentucky was home to the famous William Clark from the Lewis and Clark expedition.  Clark always had a love for the horses and traveled extensively to watch them race.  After such travels, upon returning back home to Kentucky, Clark wanted to organize a jockey club much like the ones he saw in his travels to raise money to build a horse racing facility in Kentucky.  He did just that when he formed the Louisville Jockey Club that later became known as the Churchill Downs after relatives, John and Henry Churchill who had put the land up for the horse track.  The Churchill Downs was legally established in 1937.

To date, the recorded setting race was done by the Secretariat when he broke the record set by Northern Dancer running the 1.25-mile race in just 1-minute and 59 2/5-seconds in 1973.  Along with history being made, tradition runs deep in the Kentucky Derby.  The long standing traditions of the Kentucky derby is what adds to its charm and all part of the make up of Kentucky Derby hospitality.  Mint Juleps will be found sipped on during the race.  An iced drink made with bourbon, mint, and sugary syrup has been a long-standing tradition of the Kentucky Derby.  Burgoo is a traditional stew made with beef, chicken pork, and vegetables that is also served at the Kentucky Derby.

When attending the Kentucky Derby you are sure to see what is referred to as The Millionaire Row that consists of the best box seats at the derby.  You will see gentlemen dressed to the hilt with women at their best sporting elaborately fancy hats.  This is where the rich, famous, and eccentric gather to shamelessly throw bets and display their wealth and position.  They stand to applaud the University of Louisville marching band when they play “My Old Kentucky” by Stephen Foster after having the star horses paraded before them and the grandstand.  All this and so much more is what make the Kentucky Derby a very memorable visit.