Kentucky Derby Bound

[John]

Hi Guys.
Recived two seat tickets for the Derby.

My wife and I are looking for a place to stay.I called Louiville hotels. Days Inn is booked full and the oter Hotels want your like savings to stay there. Anyone know of a Motel near by. I am going by car so I can drive outside of Louiville.

Any help is appreciated

Thank you

[cj]

If you are driving to the track, get there very, very early. Traffic is extremely heavy. Not sure about where to stay, my trip was a fly in early, fly out that night deal.

CJ

[Kentucky Bred]

Rocajack:

First, congratulations. Going to the Derby is just like seeing the Grand Canyon: Everyone should do it at least once in their lives.

My first Derby was not that long ago when I arrived in Kentucky and was there for Thunder Gulch's victory. I will never forget it till I die. I had nice seats on the aluminum benches down low--not the best seats but still $1200 a pop! When the 20 horses came sweeping around the long turn into the stretch, some fanned 6-7 wide the massive roar of the crowd on the infield rose so loud that all the hair on my body jumped. It will be truly a moment in time that you will never forget.

Now the bad news. Most people that go to the Derby know they are going at least a year before the race. Call Churchill Downs now about next year. Most tickets are already gone. So they also book their hotel. Lexington is just as jammed as Louisville because it is a much more horsey town for the Breeders.

My recommendation--New Albany, Indiana across the bridge about 30 minutes from the track. It is not nearly as nice but they have many more hotels now because of Caesar's Indiana casino. Prices will be more reasonable. I would still call right now. Also, try Elizabethtown, Ky. or Shepardsville, Ky. They are both off of I-65 which leads north right into Churchill.

Don't worry about ambiance right now. Just get a room. If you are going early, go to the Oaks which is the day before on Friday. All of Louisville view the Oaks as their day to go. The city empties onto the track. Admission is $25. Go to the walking ring area. Big screen tv's everywhere. You got it all. If you have a nose ring or belly ring, you will fit into the infield crowd. Rock bands play between races which are spaced far apart. It is fun to walk through there and see the humanity. Very few handicappers out there.

Lastly, there are two types of people in the world...those who love Mint Julips and those who hate them. The thought of Kentucky Bourbon and a sweet mint flavor seems a bit weird at first, but on a hot and humid day...with a lot of ice...well I always get a few. Keep the glass as a keepsake.

Kentucky Bred