Why yes, I'll Have Another.

Derby in Review

In case you didn't know, horse racing is a big deal in Kentucky.

And despite the warnings about the chaos in the Infield, I dressed impeccably.  Nothing but class.

The Oaks almost didn't happen because of a torrential thunderstorm.

But NOTHING could spoil our fun.  

Derby at the Downs is the biggest event I have EVER seen.  Two hundred thousand spectators from the world around and I barely even saw a horse the entire day.

New2Lou ladies representing Louisville's finest twenty somethings.

And the men.

Stay around long enough and there's always a door that opens... Sometimes it's the door to the track and you get to stand on it.  Apparently Muhammad Ali was the last one to make it happen... Until ME.

And even if all your horses come in last...

At the Derby, we're all winners!

DERBY

Derby.  Synonymous with all things horses, bourbon, julep, gambling, hats, and Kentucky.  My year in Kentucky is culminating with the most classic Southern phenomenon that pulls together traditions that span 3 different centuries.  In the 138 year history of the Kentucky Derby, there has been less than 5 hours of actual racing because it is the fastest two minutes in sports.  The energy in Louisville has been palpable for weeks and is drawing hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life to witness the Race for the Roses.

From the jockeys to the Twin Spires, the juleps to the Infield, the Kentucky Derby has got to be one of America's most iconic events.  It has been on my bucket list for years and I feel even more worthy to be on the Infield because I am a true citizen of Louisville... In fact, I'll say it, I'm a local.

The Oaks

Deemed "Louisville Day" at the track The Kentucky Oaks is the race where 3 year-old fillies (girl horses) race the 1 1/8 mile track to win the coveted "Lillies for the Fillies" garland.  It's a local holiday, on par with Thunder and Christmas, and the town will be painted PINK.  The Oaks also has a huge effort for breast cancer awareness and celebration of survivors.

Check out the parade and the pink out that will certainly have the Infield tickled.  I'll be on the Paddock with the rest of my New2Louies.

Ladies first!

Derby Festival

Post-mini-marathon (which I thankfully abstained from) the girls and I had a derby hat making party, complete with champagne and accouterments for our said-derby head wear.  I made my fascinator for The Oaks while Rachel made her hat...  All you need is a few feathers, some ribbon, and a hot mess with the glue gun and you got yourself a derby masterpiece!

Our classy escapades landed us at Cafe Classico which I have been dying to go to since it's right at the end of my street.  Three courses and a hail storm later we were still interested in ringing in derby week so we headed to the 2nd grand opening of St. Charles Exchange followed by the ever-favorite Garage Bar.  It was an absolutely splendid evening to make me very excited for the boisterous week ahead.  This town is about to explode and I plan to be there for it... impeccably dressed.

Where to get your Derby wear:
Ladies: For The Oaks, pink is mandatory, flats are a must, and a hat is optional.  I'm going with the fascinator but steer clear of the high priced department stores.  Head to Joann's or Michael's instead and make your own out of feathers and ribbon.  For Derby, look at Burlington Coat Factory for some quality discounted hats and make sure your dress has pockets!  There's nothing worse than losing your keys in a crowd of 200,000.
Gents: Skip J.Crew and head instead to the fantastic consignment shops where you can get your preppiest digs at discounted prices.  Target has some great Panama hats if you're inclined to wear a hat.

Upcoming Events:
4/28-4/29- Cherokee Triangle Art Fair
5/1-5/3 Dawn at the Downs: Brunch at Churchill downs with a sneak peak on who's who of horses
5/2- Walk the Moon at Waterfront Park (free admission with a Pegasus pin)
5/2- The Great Steamboat Race
5/3- Pegasus Parade on Broadway
5/4- The Oaks
5/5- The Kentucky Derby

... Look for the cute blond in the REALLY BIG HAT

Breeders' Cup

 An unexpected invite to a horse race and an even more unexpected Carolina blue sky made for a wonderful Friday afternoon when the Breeders' Cup came to Louisville's Churchill Downs.  I'm still quite new at the horse racing thing, but I'm getting the hang of it and will be ready for Keeneland in the spring.

Becky's rules of gambling:
Rule #1: If you're not okay with losing money, don't gamble.  Simple as that.
Rule #2: Get a program and sit with someone who knows what it means*.  Preferably a Kentucky boy who has been at the races his entire life.
*See Rule #3
Rule #3: Don't be a sucker for statistics.  In the 5 races we saw, only 1 of the favorites won.  Sometimes you're better off betting based on a pretty horse, good jockey colors (i.e. Carolina blue), or the size of the horse's booty (the bigger the better).
Rule #4: Know how to place your bet.  Name the dollar amount, type of bet, and horse.  Ex: Hiii!  I'd like to place a $2 exacta bet on 2, 4, and 9**.
**Make sure you name the right horses.  Otherwise you'll end up like me and think you won but realize you told the lady at the booth the wrong number.  Oops.
Rule #5: Cheer loudly-- it makes the horses run faster.  Not really, but it's very exciting so you can't help but cheer!

We finished up the night at O'Shea's, dining on fish n' chips and a beer sampler.  I highly suggest the Southern style breading (c'mon, would you really think I'd suggest anything else?) and the BBC's Bourbon stout.

I am currently taking reservations in my sweet little apartment for the 2012 Kentucky Derby.  I've already had 3 RSVPs and there is plenty more room.