How Kentucky Is Preparing For The 150th Anniversary Of The Derby
It is a massive year for horse racing in the United States, with Churchill Downs gearing up to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. This year’s race will be one of the most watched in the history of the Triple Crown race, with organisers keen to ensure that all the attention is on the horses involved in the race.
A step to ensure that has already been announced with the decision to extend Bob Baffert’s ban at the track last year. But, how is Churchill Downs and the surrounding area preparing for the 150th Derby on the first Saturday in May?
Post Draw Moved
One of the most notable decisions by organizers was announced in early February, as it was revealed that the draw for the 150th Derby would be moved to a full week before the marquee event. This was a huge decision, and it ensures that the anticipation for the Derby is now increased to seven days as opposed to the traditional five.
The decision took into consideration the needs of the bettor, with organizers claiming that the decision was made to ensure that gamblers had the most amount of time to handicap the race and find the most likely winner.
Traditionally, the post draw has been staged on the Monday of race week to raise anticipation, but handicappers will be hoping the new-look draw on Kentucky Derby picks is here to stay as it will enhance their chances of potentially finding the winner.
Unique Events Added To Schedule
There is more to the week-long festivities at Churchill Downs than just the racing on track, and that has seen a number of unique events added to the schedule at the track this year. One of the most heart-warming is the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade, which will honor those fighting cancer as well as survivors. This will take place just before the parade of the Kentucky Oaks runners on Friday, May 3.
The Kentucky Derby is an international event, with visitors attending the meet from across the world. Therefore, it is an excellent opportunity to show off everything that makes Kentucky great. Organizers have adopted this strategy following the announcement of the Taste of the Derby, which will offer visitors the opportunity to try exquisite cuisines and wines from the local area. This can all be experienced while enjoying the best local music that the state has to offer.
Getting up close and personal with the equine superstars that will compete in the big races is also a nice experience for visitors. Dawn at the Downs has been a popular event throughout recent years, with fans able to spend the morning at Churchill Downs to watch the Derby and Oaks contenders prepare for the big race. One of the most exciting options runs on April 28 and 29 with Dawn at the Downs Dining a preferred option for those with deeper pockets.
Fresh Look At Churchill Downs
One of the biggest announcements by organizers in the lead up to this year’s 150th Derby was the decision that over $200 million would be spent to give the paddock a fresh look. It was confirmed in late February that work is expected to be completed on schedule, meaning that the Derby will be the first event staged at the track with the new look in place.
As well as the big paddock project, it has also been confirmed that the refurbishing of the Finish Line Suites will be concluded in time, adding a greater experience to those looking for the best possible vantage points for the Derby this year. It has been a bust period for the track in terms of improving the facilities on offer, with $45 million also spent on the Homestretch Club to enhance the grandstand area for viewers.
As well as this, huge investment was also made to enhance the ‘Turn 1 Experience’ with the Derby in mind. The new project is expected to return money to the track this year, with added seating and dining options now located in the paddock area.
Derby 2024 Contenders
The Derby is all about unearthing a new superstar on track, and that will be the aim once again in 2024. Some of the key prep races for the opening leg of the Triple Crown have already been staged, with Sierra Leone emerging as the leading contender in the betting following his win in the G2 Risen Star, while Dornoch could be a handy contender following victories in the G2 Remsen and G2 Fountain of Youth.
However, more clues before the Derby could be on offer when huge prep races such as the G1 Blue Grass, G1 Florida Derby, and G1 Wood Memorial are staged in March.
