When Is the 2023 Kentucky Derby? Plus, All the Important Info You Need To Know Before the Big Event
The Kentucky Derby is just days away and is sure to draw a large crowd of hat-adorning spectators. Whether you are planning to go to the event in person or host your own watch party, there is much to know to prepare for the celebration. From Kentucky Derby ticket costs to the location to where and how to watch (plus, when is the Kentucky Derby, exactly?), we'll answer all of your own questions.
If you like horse racing, you won't want to miss the Kentucky Derby. It's the oldest race in the nation which has been running since 1875. The Derby is actually the first leg of the American Triple Crown and is only for three-year-old thoroughbred racehorses. This means that a horse only gets one chance in its life to race at the Kentucky Derby. With all of this excitement, the race gets an attendance that is even higher than the Superbowl or World Series.
Besides the actual race, the Derby also has some famous traditions that bring even more energy to the crowd. For one, it is an event that has spectators dressing up from head to toe including the famous Derby hats. So, not only do spectators watch the race, but they enjoy their own fashion show of sorts all while drinking mint juleps which is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
Now that your interest is peaked a little more, here is everything that you need to know about when the Kentucky Derby is and where and how to watch it.
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When Is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is held on Saturday, May 6, 2023. If you are interested in also watching the Kentucky Oaks, that race is the day before on May 5.
What Is the Kentucky Derby Compared to the Kentucky Oaks?
The Kentucky Derby is the most famous race and offers more than double the prize money of the Kentucky Oaks. However, the main difference between the two races is that the Oaks is just for three-year-old fillies, or female horses, and the Derby is primarily for colts, or male horses, but could include fillies (although that is rare).
How Much Do Kentucky Derby Tickets Cost?
If you are still looking to get tickets for the Kentucky Derby, the best place to do it is through the ticket exchange program through Ticketmaster. It is the official resale market and the only authorized platform where legitimate tickets are guaranteed. You can purchase tickets for the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks or both as a two-day package. StubHub is also selling resale tickets.
Kentucky Derby Tickets
General admission to the Kentucky Derby through Ticketmaster runs between $82 and $87. For reserved seating, costs for tickets are between $560 and $1996 with some resale tickets going as high as $6000. If you want to go all out, you can purchase suite tickets that include dining and hospitality starting at $1956.
The only tickets still available for the Final Turn, where there is no track view or seat, are resale tickets that start at $250 each.
Kentucky Oaks Tickets
General admission to the Kentucky Oaks runs between $62 and $67 per ticket. Reserved seating is between $200 and $654 or higher. Dining and hospitality suites run $642 and up and the Final Turn prices are between $90 and $185.
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What Are the Best Seats at the Kentucky Derby?
The best seats are going to be where you can see more of the race track. Usually, this means that the higher up the seats are, the more you will be able to see.
Where Is the Kentucky Derby Held?
The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This is where the annual race is always held on the first Saturday of May.
What Time Does the Derby Start?
The actual race will start at 6:57 p.m. ET. However, there will be plenty to see before the actual event starts. The gates at Churchill Downs open at 9:00 a.m. with other races starting at 10:30 a.m.
How Many Horses Compete in the Race?
There are a total of 20 horses that compete in the Kentucky Derby. Each of the horses will have earned enough points through 37 other races to qualify as the top twenty.
2023 Kentucky Derby Horse Names
Hit Show
Verifying
Two Phil's
Confidence Game
Tapit Trice
Kingsbarns
Reincarnate
Mage
Skinner
Practical Move
Disarm
Jace's Road
Sun Thunder
Angel of Empire
Forte
Raise Cain
Derma Sotogake
Rocket Can
Lord Miles
Continuar
How Long Does the Event Last?
It's hard to believe that the actual race only lasts for two minutes. But, there is a lot leading up to the race that gets the crowd filled with anticipation and excitement. The race is just a mile and a quarter long or 10 furlongs. Since the horses average a speed of 37 miles per hour, it doesn't take long to run a mile and a quarter.
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How To Watch the Kentucky Derby
This year's Kentucky Derby will air on NBC on Saturday, May 6 from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. Coverage of the race will also be available on live stream via NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and on Peacock.
Is There a Dress Code for Going to the Derby in Person?
Part of the fun of attending the Kentucky Derby is all of the fashion displayed at the race. Basically, it's more than just a race, it's a party. This means that all attendees, whether male or female, will dress to the hilts for this occasion.
With that said, there are no hard and fast rules on what to wear to the Derby. It depends more on where you plan on sitting at the race. The reserved areas may be a little more formal than general admission. However, ladies typically wear spring dresses or pantsuits of some type ranging from a sundress to something more formal and, of course, their outfit is accompanied by a coordinating hat. Jewelry is usually very simple to give more attention to the hat.
Men may choose a sports jacket or blazer, dress shirt, stylish pants and a colorful tie or bowtie topped off with a fedora hat.
Who Is Favored To Win the Kentucky Derby?
Currently, Forte is the favored to win the Derby, especially since coming from behind in a victory at the Florida Derby. Next in line would be Tapit Trice and Kingsbarns.
