Kentucky Derby serves as the first jewel of the Triple Crown Series which is followed by Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. In fact, racing experts are saying that this year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby deems to be the most competitive racing showdown as it will be attended by world’s strongest horse racers.
So, while we are a few days away before the newest edition of the Kentucky Derby will head on, let us not forget the events that are being held first before the main racing showdown. Let's take a look first on the most updated 145th Kentucky Derby calendar of events so you can easily make your arrangements and reservations ahead out of your busy schedule.
Kentucky Derby Opening Night
The Kentucky Derby opening night will be presented by Budweiser which will take place on April 27, 2019. It starts from 5 PM until 11:30 PM. The opening night has a theme entitled “Dress To Impress” accompanied by live performances from popular artists along with ten most thrilling three-year-old thoroughbred races as a kick-off.
In the opening ceremony, every guest is encouraged to wear dresses with a shade of orange to commemorate and celebrate local artists performing on Kentucky's stage. The opening night has highlight performances from Louisville Leopards, Louisville Listens, and Kentucky Shakespeare. Of course, you should not miss in reserving your opening night menus in the restaurants located within the racecourse so you can maintain a good appetite.
Dawn At The Downs
Following the opening night, the TVG Kentucky Derby 2019 has the famous Dawn at the Downs event. This will be held on April 30 up until May 2, 2019, from 6:30 AM until 8:30 AM. In this event, you will have the chance to witness your favorite horse racers as they take their morning walks and workouts consuming a sumptuous breakfast buffet.
The Dawn at the Downs event is a historic and traditional pre-Kentucky Derby event in which Louisvillians have made to make sure the each Kentucky Derby fan has the opportunity to observe and meet their favorites racers before the racing showdown. In this way, you will also be able to assess the ability of your entry as there will be comments provided by racing experts with regards to the performances of each horse during this event.
The Champions Day
This is the newest event in the Kentucky Derby week which is presented by TwinSpires. The Champions day will take place after the Dawn at the Downs on April 30 around 12:30 PM until 2:30 PM. The event highlights the story of Kentucky tackling its evolution. Through this event, you will also be able to meet and greet legendary trainers and jockeys who are going to partake in the big racing event.
Furthermore, the Champions Day will also feature an autograph session from Triple Crown legends which includes Mike Smith, Jean Cruguet, Victor Espinoza, and the latest which is Bob Baffert. In addition, handicapping seminar is also provided by TwinSpires, photoshoot opportunities, and poster signing from Kentucky collectible items.
Thurby Day
This will be presented by Old Forester on May 2, 2019. From 11 AM until 6:30 PM, there will be a festive celebration of what really Kentucky Derby means. This is done to commemorate the amazing horse racing showdown that Kentucky Derby brings at the same time accompanied by music and bourbon.
The Kentucky Oaks
It’s the most lucrative horse racing event in America being held a day before the Kentucky Derby. On May 3, 2019, the Churchill Downs race track will be filled with pink festive colors as the premier racing of three-year-old fillies which are female horses will compete in the Grade 1 Stakes category. It is also considered to be the longest horse racing events in the United States for female horses like Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Oaks is not only a race of female horses but it is a fundraising event to support female cancer fighters in order to support their financial needs as they go along with their medication.
Kentucky Derby 2019
The “Run for the Roses” and “The Fastest Two Minutes In Sports” will be the final event of the Kentucky Derby week. This will be attended by more than 20 strongest contenders fighting for the Kentucky Derby crown and most importantly getting that favorite spot to win the Triple Crown.