The first saturday of May is an anticipated date in the state of Kentucky. Every year on this date without exception since 1875, America experiences “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports”. The Kentucky Derby horse race has become one of the most prestigious in the equestrian sport and with time has become increasingly popular. While the first Derby race hosted approximately 10,000 spectators, today over 150,000 people pack into Churchill Downs to take in the famous race.

With May upon us, some of our Whale Members have enquired about the race? Further the betting markets and subsequent whale lifestyle content have driven such interest in the past that Whale has invited some of our exclusive membership to make the trip and experience the race live this year.

Here is a little information about the race, what to wear, the hot parties as well as all the most current pricing and markets on the race.

The race will be televised and streamed by NBC Sports, with a post time of 6:50 pm ET (which is 23:50 UK time) on May 5th. Saturday’s live broadcast begins earlier in the day, at 2:30 pm ET (19:30 UK time) . The post-position draws will be livestreamed on Facebook and Twitter by @KentuckyDerby, aka, Churchill Downs. The Derby’s draw will be livestreamed on May 1, at 11 a.m. ET (16:00 UK time) .

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of America’s Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. The Triple Crown is only awarded if the same horse wins all three Triple Crown Races during the same season. The Kentucky Derby is the first race followed by the Preakness stakes and lastly the Belmont Stakes, each two weeks apart.

The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 mile race run on a dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. The race is only open to three year old thoroughbreds, and the field is limited to 20 horses each year who qualify based on points. This year is the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby. Often called “the Run for the Roses” as the winner is draped in a blanket of roses. Also referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes” In Sports” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby purse is $2 million, and the winner takes home about $1.24 million.

Bob Baffert is the most successful racehorse trainer in Kentucky Derby history. He trained the legendary thoroughbred American Pharoah who won the 2015 Triple Crown. His horses have won 4 Kentucky Derby’s so far and is again a favourite for Saturday’s race with his horse Justify. After drawing no. 7 spot on Tuesday’s draw at Churchill downs all eyes are on this 3-year-old thoroughbred. In 135 years no horse has won after not racing at the age of 2 and Justify is aiming to be the horse to do just that, following the footsteps of Apollo who did it in 1882. It is definitely going to be an interesting race to watch !

Kentucky Derby Odds for Whale Gamblers

For those interested in betting we will not give any advice on who to bet on or any type of predictions but will give you a list of the odds below:

Whale Lifestyle Tips for attending the Kentucky Derby Event

Over the years, a stream of celebrities from film, television, music, sports, politics, publishing, fashion and corporate America flood the private airports and descend on the tiny community of Louisville.

What to Drink at the Kentucky Derby

The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is a Mint Julep. A Mint Julep is an iced cocktail consisting off bourbon, mint, and a sugar syrup. While it can be served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup, most Churchill Downs patrons sip theirs from souvenir glasses. This particular tradition started in 1939 and since then souvenir glasses have been made available every year printed with all previous Derby winners.

Old Forester Bourbon is the official bourbon on the Kentucky Derby, check out their site for a complete list Mint Julep and cocktail recipes.

What to wear at the Kentucky Derby

“The run for roses” is a chance for every female to express her inner Southern Belle.

What sets the Kentucky Derby apart from other sports and entertainment events is the Hats! The Kentucky Derby hat parade is as much of what makes “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” as the race itself.

There are several reasons why the Hat is so important. First and foremost it brings good luck. However now boasting a hat has become of utter importance for both men and women at this event. From the fantastic to the sublime, there are no rules or limits in terms of your Derby hat.

Elegance and style is how best to describe the hats seen within the seated sections of Churchill Downs. In that area women will wear wide-brimmed, “Southern Belle” inspired Kentucky Derby hats. The hats can be decorated with flowers, feathers, bows and ribbons of any color to express creativity and individuality.

However if you move to the Churchill Downs Infield, hats are a bit more eccentric! Here you will experience hats in all shapes and sizes, as well as some hats exuding humorous themes!

At this event since it’s all about the hat so keep the dress simple! And last but not least let’s not forget your feet. When it comes to shoes, it’s spring time so it’s the perfect occasion to bring out your spring heel or sandal. But don’t forget, Churchill Downs grounds can be tricky to maneuver and the day is long, so we recommend packing a backup pair of flats, just in case!

Where to go at the Kentucky Derby

There are many parties and events to check out surrounding the race. If your in town, we suggest WHALE members consider the follow:

For those that want a true southern experience than the Fillies & Lilies Party is for you. This is the kick off party for the Kentucky Derby held on Friday the 4th of May at the Derby Museam with a live performance from LeAnn Rimes.

If you are looking for something more elegant, check out the Unbridled Eve Gala also on May 4th at the Galt House Hotel.

If you are young and it is fun you are looking for than check out the Trifecta gala at the Omni Hotel After Party.

If you would like to place a wager on the Kentucky Derby, get access to the Whale platform by becoming a member here. Who knows maybe next year we will be inviting you to join us to experience the The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.