A trip to see the Kentucky Derby is the highlight of the year for many sporting fans. The 2020 event will take place on September 5, rather than the traditional date of the first Saturday in May.
However, the change of date wonât reduce the appeal of this historic race. If you are planning to visit Churchill Downs this year, or any other year, there are some tips to bear in mind that will make it a truly memorable experience.
Plan Your Trip
More than 150,000 fans travel to Louisville to watch this race each year. Naturally, this means that you need to put some thought into how to get there, where to park, and where to stay.
As with all big trips, it makes sense to book your hotel and transport ahead if you can. This will help you to control your budget and also avoid possible disappointment upon arrival.
A few minutes doing some online research will help you to make the right decisions. If you can do this in advance then so much the better. You can buy your tickets for the Derby itself online too.
Spend Some Time There
If you are short of time, you might only be able to watch the race before going home. Yet, if you are able to spend more time in this part of Kentucky, it definitely makes sense to do so. This is because the Derby is part of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
At the time of writing, it isnât yet clear what the 2020 Festival will involve. Generally, it includes North Americaâs biggest fireworks display, an exciting balloon race, a steamboat race, and plenty of other events.
The Festival runs for 2 weeks before the Derby takes place. If you can spend a week or more in Louisville then it will become even more of a memorable trip.
Make Some Bets
The highlight of any trip to the Kentucky Derby is the race itself. Dubbed “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sportsâ, this is a thrilling event in which the 20 horses run 1 and a quarter miles. Having a wager in place for this race makes it even better.
If you arenât used to sports betting then you will want to do some research before the big day. This means finding out how each of the horses have been performing in their recent races, and which ones are most likely to be suited to the length and the conditions at Churchill Downs.
Once you have an idea which horses are likely to have a chance of winning, it is time to check out the current Kentucky Derby odds. You can then decide which competitor you want to place your bet on.
If you want to know all the news and notes of the Kentucky Derby 2020 up to date click here: https://www.twinspires.com/blog/2020-kentucky-derby-news-notes
Dress for the Occasion
For a lot of visitors, the Kentucky Derby is a fabulous opportunity to wear their finest clothing. Many spectators dress elegantly, with women opting for wide hats and spring dresses. Men may opt for light suits and shirts in tropical colors.
It is important to remain comfortable, as it can be a long day with a lot of walking around. This is why a lot of women wear heels but take a spare pair of flat shoes with them in their bags.
You should also bear in mind the weather forecast, as it is usually warm, but it isnât unknown for this to be a cold or rainy day. The Kentucky Derby has never been cancelled or postponed due to bad weather.
If you follow these tips, you will have a Kentucky Derby experience to remember. It is easy to see why this is one of the greatest sporting occasions of the year.