Nothing says Southern gentility and hospitality quite like the Kentucky Derby.

Every year since 1875, people from every social sphere possible have gathered to celebrate the majesty of the Thoroughbred. They do so not only in a race but with parties, fashion, betting, and bourbon.

As with any major event that has history and tradition, there are rules (both written and unwritten) regarding how to conduct oneself. You can find more information about the Derby here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/

How do you avoid making a fool of yourself- or worse- at the Kentucky Derby? Let’s take a look at some tips on Churchill Downs etiquette.

Plan Ahead

How are you going to get to Louisville? Where will you eat and sleep? How are you going to get from your lodgings to the racetrack? Which section of the track will you be seated at? Which races do you wish to witness from your seat? How much money do you set aside for betting? What will you wear on race day?

In order to have a successful trip, you’ll need to know each of these answers before you venture out.

Knowing your route and destination is common sense, as is planning your itinerary so that you will have plenty of time to travel. The Kentucky Derby is a major sporting event, and like many major sporting events, it takes over its host town.

Finding accommodations in Louisville without reservation is impossible during Derby week, and the streets and parking lots are clogged with travelers. Time-saving measures such as planning and laying out clothing in advance and finding public transit can help you get to your destination cheaply, promptly, and with your sanity intact.

To learn more about planning a trip to Louisville, particularly around Derby week, visit GoToLouisville.com.

Dress For The Occasion

When most people think of Kentucky Derby fashion, they think of hats.

While some of the most memorable hats are huge to the point of defying the laws of physics, they can also be pretty inconvenient. Those who don such hats should, at the very least, remove them when it is time to watch the race itself so that they do not block the view of any other patrons.

This goes double if they are fortunate enough to be near the rail itself. Horses scare easily, and hats that can topple over, or be easily blown away by the wind, could spook a horse and cause an accident.

People also associate the Kentucky Derby with fancy outfits such as suits and gowns, but those who are attending the race live at Churchill Downs may also want to consider adding comfortable shoes. The track entrance, the grandstand, the betting windows, and the walking ring are all spaced apart, meaning that most patrons are going to do a lot of walking on Derby day.

Look But Don’t Touch

This should go without saying, but even if a hat or gown appeals to you, you should not reach out and touch it without the wearer’s permission. Likewise, be mindful of your own personal space, particularly if you are wearing any larger-than-normal accessories.

This should also go without saying, but do not attempt to reach out or touch any of the horses, even if they look friendly! These horses all have a job to do, whether it is to run in a race, keep a nervous racehorse company, or follow the field as an outrider. Distracting these animals could not only negatively affect a horse’s chances in their race, but it could also cause a life-threatening accident.

Move With A Purpose

As mentioned previously, there are a lot of places that a patron could walk between while visiting Churchill Downs. There are also thousands of people at the track. Walk quickly while you are moving (although running could cause panic or spook a horse), and if you stop, please step to the side so that others can continue.

It is likely that the most densely crowded areas of the track, particularly as the afternoon goes on, will be the betting windows. To speed up the process and ensure that everyone gets a chance to place their wagers before post time, make sure you have figured out your exact wager prior to approaching the window. The other patrons, as well as those working at the windows, will appreciate it.

Secure Your Belongings

Souvenirs abound at the Kentucky Derby! Many people like to shop at the Kentucky Derby store for Derby apparel, toys, books, and photographs. They may collect the annual programs or commemorative Kentucky Derby glasses that hold each Oaks Lily or Derby Julep. Some even keep uncashed tickets from the betting window.

Whatever belongings you may have with you, you will want to ensure that they are on your person at all times. This is for the safety of the items and the safety of other patrons who might find them to be stumbling blocks while trying to navigate the grandstand, but you must also remember that unguarded bags or large items may be seen as a security threat.

Know Your Limits (Both With Betting And Mint Juleps)

This is, perhaps, the most important unwritten rule in horse racing.

It is very easy to be lured in by betting, but it is important to enjoy it responsibly. “Sure things” do not exist in any realm of gambling, but especially not in horse racing. You should plan just how much money you can safely lose without financial difficulty, and you should use a betting calculator to keep track of how expensive your wagers are and what the potential payouts could be.

While patrons over the age of 21 are welcome to enjoy a Derby Julep or an Oaks Lily, it is also essential to know your own limits when it comes to imbibing alcohol. Alcohol consumption is no excuse for acting in a way that is impolite or dangerous. You should also make sure that you have transportation back to your lodgings lined up, whether you are traveling by mass transit, ride-sharing, or a designated driver.

Author: Lindsay Griffin