"Talk Derby to Me"
Yes, I've actually seen that slogan on a t-shirt.
Since most of the people who read this are not from the Louisville area, I'd like to share a little bit about the Derby. When we first moved to Louisville I was almost 8 months pregnant with Easton and I had just finished my MME at University of Illinois. I moved into our house the second week in May. It was the week after Derby and I missed the whole thing. I didn't know one single thing about the Derby. Well, I knew it was a horse race. Period.
Let me tell you - it's much more than a horse race. It's an event. Not for a day. Not even for a week. This thing goes on and on. Every year I've picked up a little more knowledge. Here is what I've learned so far:
Thunder Over Louisville - This the the fireworks show that happens on a Saturday two weeks before Derby. It is the largest firework display in North America. Some people start camping out the night before to get a good spot. It's not uncommon to get there first thing in the morning for the 9 p.m. show. This year's crowd was over 800,000
Airshow - Happens the afternoon before Thunder. Something fun for folks to watch while waiting for the fireworks
Filly - A young female horse. (Honestly didn't know that)
3 years old - Age that a horse has to be to qualify for Derby. Cannot be older or younger. Must be 3 years exactly.
Hats - What every woman in Louisville wears on Derby and Oaks Day
Oaks - Race day on Friday before Derby.
The backside - Still fuzzy on this one. I think it's the stables and warm up area where the horses exercise first thing in the morning. Most of the TV and Radio shows are done from "the backside" at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs - The Racetrack
Infield - Place inside Churchill Downs where anything goes. Dressy hats not required. Mardi Gras beads and inebriation encouraged.
Mini derby events - Mini-Marathon, Full Marathon, Steamboat Race, Bed Race, Balloon Race, Parade, some food thingy at the Waterfront - - all take place the week of Derby.
Anywhere - This is where the hot air balloons might land from the balloon race. It depends on the direction of the wind. (I should've known this one)
Derby pin - Collectors item and also "ticket" to enter the mini-Derby events.
Roses - What the winning horse wears. Made at the local Kroger Floral shop starting at midnight (?) the morning of Derby.
That may be it. And there's so much more to know! I haven't even started trying to figure out the betting lingo.
3 comments:
the backside was my favorite part when i had a press pass. i started going out there two or three weeks before derby day. (and i'd get there around sunrise if you can believe that one.) it is where the stables are, and you can get up clsoe to the trainers and see the horses being bathed, which is really cool in the mornings because it looks like steam rising up off them in the photos. it was the fun part for me, because once you got to oaks and derby it was work work work and not much time for fun.
CITY GIRL...MO
I think the balloon race is my favorite thing about Derby Week. I didn't go this year, but I went last year, and I think I'll go next year with the girls. Standing in the middle of a large field with dozens of hot air balloons inflating all around me is something enthralling. Then when they all lift off, a few at at time, until you see them all dotting the sky--gorgeous. For a couple of years now I've been wanting to do a painting or paintings of balloons being set up.
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