Grab your mint juleps and your shrimp cocktails, it’s Derby Day!!

Today is the 150th Kentucky Derby!! Twenty hard working horses are set to step foot into their gates, and run this couple minute long race. We briefly discussed the history of the Kentucky Derby in this post, if you haven’t read that one be sure to open a new tab and check it out.

In the tall bluegrass of Kentucky, everyone begins to hum with excitement as race day approaches. From the milliners, to the dress designers, to the trainers, and odd spectators. There are even school buses that pull up to attend this event. It’s the heart of Kentucky culture. On May 17, back in 1875, fifteen horses ran the first Kentucky Derby. This set a major precedent for the equestrian community and gave us an annual event to look forward to.

Of course, the elite caught wind of the event and much like the race culture of the United Kingdom, race days became social events. Today, families host parties, buy into boxes at the racetrack and invest their very being into the horses of the year. Celebrities from the west coast and east coast convene at Churchill Downs, just to experience this sport of kings.

Because of the hype and excitement around the race, many companies have helped themselves to collaborations with the track. This year I saw Vineyard Vines made a Kentucky Derby collection, and it’s honestly very chic. Other brands like Radley London, curated Derby bags, wristlets and more to dress up any Derby Day outfit. Both I have listed in this Pinterest board to keep your Derby Day going long after the horses cross the finish line.

Todays odds are as follows:

This race takes place on dirt for 10 furlongs. The current time record for this race is still held by Secretariat, let me know below if you think the record will be broken or not. Until then, happy race day!!