PREFACE--- I'm not writing this to diss anybody. Your opinions are yours and I'm glad you shared them. With that said......

I often come to this message board to get information when I'm travelling to an unusual or unfamiliar site. I posted a question about the Kentucky Derby a month or so ago and got mostly negative feedback about experiences people had had at the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Some of the responses were so negative that I almost decided not to go. Until I read a post by one particular individual. I'm glad I did. I took his advice, and even though I'm as far from a party animal as one can be, I had a pretty good time, all things considered.

I drove over 400 miles just to reach a little town about 35 miles west of Louisville on Friday. The motel was less than desirable, but it worked in a pinch, and it didn't have an inflated pricetag.

On Derby Day, I awoke about 6 a.m. and was off to Louisville by shortly after 7. I chose to park at the Fairgrounds and take the TARC bus to the Downs, and that was a smart move, all things considered.

The drive to Louisville was leisurely, and getting to the Fairgrounds was a piece of cake. But I had to guess as to where the park once I got there. It wasn't too harrowing, though, because the heavy crowds hadn't arrived yet. I parked nead Freedom Hall and bought my $10 round-trip pass.

Shortly before 9 a.m., the bus was full and rolling toward the Downs. We arrived and immediately walked up to any gate and purchased the $40 Infield ticket. I never knew it was that easy to buy or I would have done it years ago.

Anyway, I spent the first couple of hours walking around the infield, checking out everything. The races began shortly after 11 a.m. As time slipped past, the infield started getting more and more crowded and more and more rowdier. But it wasn't to the point where I wanted to leave. Younger fans were a little more rambunctious than the older ones, but that was to be expected.

It was a long, rather warm, day, but well worth every penny I spent. I would do it again next year if given the opportunity.

Although I love to go to horse races, I only bet occasionally. That day I bet on two races. Race 9 and Race 10 (The Derby). I made about $80 profit off of all of my bets when a longshot came in and paid over $100 on a $4 WPS ticket in Race 9. So that was good. I wish I would have had Marty McFly's book in Back to the Future, I certainly would have been betting on Giacomo in The Derby, though.

I was told to go with low expectations and I couldn't be disappointed. That is true. I wasn't disappointed in what I saw, which was none of The Derby, because of the 156,000-plus there. I was perfectly satisfied watching on the big screen TV hanging high above the track.

The only two things I was slightly ticked at was that in the infield, there was no way to hear the speakers of the P. A. system, unless you were directly across from the grandstand, and I mean not very far into the infield either. It seems Churchill Downs could spring for a could grand to set up just a couple of loud speakers for the infield. Just my opinion.

The only other thing was that returning to the Fairgrounds by the bus system was a little harrowing. It was like a herd of cattle trying to get on any bus they saw. There was a long line, as you might have guessed. People were packed in a wide line like sardines, waiting for any chance to get out of the madness. That wasn't very well planned out. If I had it to do all over again, I would have waited until Rcaes 11 and 12 were over prior to leaving the track.

Overall, the experience was enriching. Even though I'm not a drinker, I found things to keep me occupied, and it turned out to be quite affordable. considering the little bit of money I won wagering.

I would definitely go again. Maybe even next year.

I am glad you had a good time. We had the privledge of going with insiders and experienced the derby from a box seat. It was a very fun day. The infield looked pretty rowdy and hot from my view!!It was a hot day when I went to.
Our dear friend that took us was pickpocketed right in front of me. I actually grabbed the thiefs arm. But than I was unsure if what I saw was what I saw!! Anyway, he did get pick pocketed. I did see what I thought I saw. That was down where you view the horses before the race. Hold onto your money is what I would say about attending the derby!
It is fun to be part of it all and boy do I wish I had money on the long shot Giacomo this year!!

I always wanted to go to the derby as our wedding anniversary is May 4, usually close to Derby day. We always made the Derby part of our Anniversary celebration.

Thanksx for your little trip report. It gave us a nice glimpse of what it would be like to go there.

>> I wasn't disappointed in what I saw, which was none of The Derby,<<

Well, I am glad you felt it was worth all that effort to get to the Derby and not see any of it from the infield.

Different strokes for different folks.

I wish I had started reading this forum before a couple of weeks ago.

I could have helped you out.

I've been there on Derby Day a couple of times and both times stayed on the infield. The infield does get a little crazy, but it wasn't that bad. I rather enjoyed some of the crazy things that went on.

I lived in Louisville then (mid-90s) so I didn't have to worry about a hotel.

I went to the track around 9am had no problem finding street parking, though it was about 5-6 blocks from the main entrance. There were about 120,000 in attendance then.

I stayed until the end of all of the races and by that time most of the traffic had cleared out and there was no problems leaving.

General admission tickets are sold at the entrance so there was never a problem with that.

Next year, add Thunder Over Louisville. It's on a Saturday two weeks before the Derby. It is the most awesome firework display and an airshow is included. All for free.