But if you’ve got $40 and love a good party, you can get tickets on race day that will allow you and about 100,000 other Derby Day fans—some more sober than others—access to the infield. Bring a crazy hat and be at the gates before they open at 8 a.m.; the first race is at 11. Go to kyderby.com for more. Consider arriving on the Thursday before the Derby to watch the free Dawn at the Downs workouts from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Or attend the fillies-only races at Kentucky Oaks on Friday, where admission is $25. Think about staying out of town or camping in an RV at the Kentucky fairgrounds for a real local scene. Rich Carman of Chicago always rents a Winnebago with his friends. Bring binoculars to see this year’s favorite horses, such as Street Sense and Hard Spun, or check out celebs along Millionaires Row. Umbrellas aren’t allowed, so pack ponchos, tarps and Ziploc bags (for your racing program) in case it rains. Bring lots of money, too: mint juleps will set you back $9. With any spare time, visit such local sites as the Louisville Slugger Museum (sluggermuseum.com) or the Muhammad Ali Center (alicenter.org). Restaurants will likely be packed, but try Lilly’s Bistro (lillyslapeche.com) or Lynn’s Paradise Café (lynnsparadisecafe.com). Meanwhile, to bone up on wagering, check out “Beyer on Speed: New Strategies for Racetrack Betting.” And you’re off!
Boil sugar and water together for 5 minutes to make a simple syrup. Cool and put syrup in a covered container with 6 to 8 sprigs of mint. Refrigerate overnight. Prepare each drink by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, 1 tablespoon of mint syrup and 2 ounces of whisky. Stir julep quickly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy.
