Everything You Need to Know About the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of those events that catches everyone’s attention. People who don’t normally watch horse racing, even people who don’t watch much in the way of sports at all, tune in to watch the spectacle. It’s that special. It feels like a holiday. No matter where you’re watching from, for that day, you might as well be in Kentucky. Only without a giant hat blocking your view.  

The Kentucky Derby is a thrilling horse race, but it’s even more than that. It’s everything surrounding it. It’s an entire day of action, thrills, people watching and mint juleps. So many mint juleps. If you’re getting ready to watch your first Kentucky Derby, or if you’re just looking for a refresher, we’re here to help. 

2023 Kentucky Derby Horses 

One of the most fun parts of the Kentucky Derby, and horse racing in general,  is hearing the names. Racehorse names are fun. There are tons of rules around what a horse can be named. We’re not going to go into those here, but suffice it to say those rules are why horses end up with the memorable names they have. Here are a few notable horses competing in the 2023 Kentucky Derby: 

Forte 

Tappit Trice 

Practical Move 

Angel of Empire 

Two Phil’s 

Lord Miles 

Derma Sotogake 

Kingsbarns 

Raise Cain 

Hit Show 

Confidence Game 

Verifying 

Mage 

That’s the kind of range you get out of this sport. These names vary from things you could imagine an average horse owner naming their companion to double-take inducing. Why does Two Phil’s have an apostrophe? No idea, but speculating is part of the fun. 

Betting and Odds 

It’s almost impossible to talk about horse racing without talking about betting. It’s an inextricable part of the sport and a huge part of the culture around the Kentucky Derby. Those at Churchill Downs on Derby Daycan go to the betting windows and place their bets with the tellers. The race is exciting on its own, but some like to add a personal stake to it.  There are a few different ways attendees can bet on the outcome of the race. The most straightforward is a win bet. That’s where you simply pick the horse you think is going to win. A Place bet allows you to pick a horse that you think will finish in the top two, providing a little bit of extra insurance. Then there’s a Show bet which you win if your horse finishes in the top three. Those are the standard types of bets that can be placed at the Kentucky Derby.  

There are also Exotic Wagers, which require you to pick more than one horse. An Exacta bet asks you to pick the top two finishers in the right order. If that’s too stressful, there’s the Quinella bet which asks you to pick the top two finishers, but they can cross the line in either order. For longer odds, there’s the Trifecta, the Superfecta and the Super Hi-Five which requires you to pick the top three, four, and five finishers respectively in the correct order. Because there are multiple races on Derby Day, bettors can also place wagers across multiple races. The Daily Double, for example, requires you to pick the winner in back-to-back races to win. 

Just want to state right here: We are in no way recommending betting on this event. We’re just explaining the process because it is a big part of the festivities. 

Fashion and Traditions 

A big reason why the Kentucky Derby draws in people who don’t watch a ton of sports is the fashion. The Derby brings out a style in its attendees you don’t see anywhere else, and the looks on display are synonymous with springtime. Lots of bright colors, particularly in the dresses. Even if it does rain, those bright colors still shine under a poncho. Those wearing suits get to join in on the fun too. This may be the one event of the year where you can go all out with your bow tie, adding a fun splash of color to the outfit. This is an all-afternoon event, so whatever attendees wear, it has to be comfortable as well as stylish. 

Of course you can’t talk about the fashion without mentioning the hats. The Kentucky Derby is famous for the outsized hats worn by those watching the race. These aren’t just eye-catching, they’re functional too, allowing wearers to enjoy the races and keep the sun off their faces. Look out for large bows, lace, flowers, feathers, and some surprises adorning the heads of some attendees. As long as it catches your attention, it’s doing its job. You might also see some people opting for fascinators instead. These are slightly smaller, but no less intricate and attention grabbing. They sit on top of the head rather than covering it and are generally chosen to compliment the wearer’s dress. 

Other traditions include the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses are brought to the starting gates, the garland of roses hung around the winning horse, and of course, the mint julep. This is the signature drink of Churchill Downs, and an iconic symbol of the Kentucky Derby. This cocktail makes for a refreshing treat on a warm day, and it’s easy to make. Even if you’re not in Kentucky, making one at home is a fun way to join in the festivities of Derby Day. 

Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby 

The Kentucky Derby will be airing on NBC and streaming LIVE on Peacock, May 6 starting at 12p ET. For more information, check out How to Watch the Kentucky Derby. Now, you have everything you need to fully enjoy Derby Day. 

Watch the Kentucky Derby on Peacock.