: It serves as the first leg of the Triple Crown , followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. 5 Fun Facts About the Kentucky Derby | EF Go Ahead Tours
The event is as much a high-society gala as it is a horse race, defined by specific cultural traditions: nicolette shea kenfucky derby
: The winner is draped in a garland of more than 400 red roses, a tradition that began in the late 19th century and became official in 1904. Historical Significance : It serves as the first leg of
: The Mint Julep is the official drink, with over 120,000 served during the weekend using thousands of pounds of fresh mint and bourbon. : Attendees typically wear "Sunday best" attire
: Attendees typically wear "Sunday best" attire. For women, this means floral dresses and extravagant, often flamboyant, hats that became a staple in the 1960s. Men often wear pastel-colored suits, seersucker patterns, and bowties.
: On race day, the Churchill Downs infield hosts approximately 80,000 people, effectively becoming the third-largest city in Kentucky for a single day. Entertainment and Spectacle
