How To Do The Derby If you’re heading to “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” here’s how to do it up right. Come For The Pegasus Parade Donamire Farm, Lexington. Above, top to bottom: "And they're off!" at Churchill Downs; mint julep, official drink of the Derby. Sing “My Old Kentucky Home” Bring your hankie and know that you will weep, along with the 160,000-plus others in attendance, as the horses step onto the track for the Kentucky Derby post parade. American Saddlebred Museum Lexington The largest collection of Saddlebred artifacts in the world are gathered within this “Showplace for Saddlebreds,” including tack, artwork, trophies, photographs and a vast collection of artwork by noted equine artist George Ford Morris. Located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, the museum narrates the role of the Saddlebred in U.S. history. This Derby tradition dating back to 1956 takes place on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby. Arrive early to grab a good spot to see floats, marching bands, giant inflatable cartoon characters, equestrians and celebrities. 800-928-3378 www.kdf.org Attend Dawn At The Downs This breakfast with the would-be champions takes place Tuesday through Thursday prior to Derby and is a chance to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders at their morning workouts while enjoying a buffet breakfast. 502-636-4400 www.kentuckyderby.com SHARE YOUR PHOTOS instagram/kentuckytourism 859-259-2746 www.asbmuseum.org Wear A Show Stopper Of A Topper And you thought it was all about the horses! Fashion takes center stage at the Derby with extravagantly embellished hats the signature style-setter of the day. Shelbyville Horse Show Shelbyville The Saddlebred, a high-stepping equine marvel, is celebrated in grand style during an award-winning four-day show, held the end of July/first weekend of August at the Shelby County Fairgrounds. Drink A Mint Julep Sip one of the 120,000 mint juleps, the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby, that are served during Derby weekend. The key ingredient? Fine Kentucky bourbon, of course! Above, top to bottom: Derby hats at Churchill Downs; parade of horses and jockeys in the paddock. 502-314-7960 www.shelbyvillehorseshow.com For more, visit KentuckyTourism.com and click on Do/Horses! kentuckytourism.com 15
Kentucky Official Visitor's Guide 2017 Kentucky Official Visitor's Guide: Page 15
