News
Trends
Celebrities
Interviews
Jet Set Pet
Suite Dreams
Top 5
Weekend Away
Specials
Family Vacation Packages
Romantic & Honeymoon Packages
Spa & Wellness Packages
Destination Weddings
Girls Getaways
Spring Specials
Summer Specials
Winter Specials
Destinations
Articles
Hotels
Hot Hotel Openings
Beach & Island Resorts
5-Star City Hotels
Adventure & Eco Lodges
Boutique City Hotels
Country House Hotels
Family Resorts
Romantic Retreats
Guest Ranches
Safari Camps & Lodges
Golf Resorts & Lodges
Spa Resorts & Wellness Retreats
Ski Resorts & Lodges
Wine Country Getaways
Villas
Beach Villas
Country Villas
Golf Villas
Ski Villas
Villas
Residences
Trips/Cruises
Cruises & Yachting
Rail Journeys
Ultimate Adventures
Private Jet Travel
Safaris
Family Travel
Travel Tips
Business Travel
Airline News
Arts/Culture
Events
Food/Wine
Restaurants
Bars & Nightclubs
Afternoon Tea
Coffee
Culinary Travel
Wine Travel
Spa/Sport
Spa & Wellness Retreats
Yoga & Hiking
Golf Getaways
Ski Vacations
Shop/Style
Gift Guide
Beach and Resortwear
Beauty and Fragrance
Books
Fashion
Home Style
Luggage and Handbags
Luxury Autos
Men's Style
Travel Essentials
Watches & Jewelry
Wine and Spirits
World's Most Expensive
Home Page
News
High Society! The 136th Running of The Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby
May 2, 2010
Traditionally speaking, over its 136-year history, the
Kentucky Derby
has amassed plenty of time-honored traditions that millions of Derby fans worldwide hold dear.
From the iconic
Twin Spires
that overlook the track's famous homestretch to the potent
mint julep cocktails
that infuse Derby Day with Bourbon "spirit," traditions are an integral part of the overall Derby experience.
The Kentucky Derby is America's classic race for 3-year old Thorough-breds and the first and most important jewel of the Triple Crown, and it's sister event, the Kentucky Oaks.
Every year, the Kentucky Derby Nation of fans & the local community looks forward to the build up. The
Kentucky Derby Festival
fires off mid April with Opening Ceremonies - Thunder Over Louisville, now the nation's largest annual fireworks extravaganza! and provides an action packed calendar of events leading up to the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports."
250,000 fans enter
Churchill Downs
to watch, wager and party under the Twin Spires for this two-day event - an experience not to be missed! Every year people come from around the world get dressed up and party Derby style! It's not just about horse racing, it's fast become one of the largest high society fashion events of the year.
The rapid growth of Kentucky Oaks now stands very much on it's own as an important entertainment and sports event. The Kentucky Oaks aligned for the second year with Susan G.Komen for the Cure, the world's largest breast cancer research and outreach organization. Marked by Churchill Downs as a "Ladies First" themed event, everyone is encouraged to don pink attire in honor of breast cancer awareness for a "Pink out"!
Terry Finley, Founder & President of West Point Thoroughbreds looks forward to "seeing and being around the people who have never experienced Derby before and the vibrancy it generates" and then went on to say "It's a true testament to what the sport can offer". Finley has been coming to Derby every year since 1978 and as a company from 1996. They have never won at the Derby before but his horse took home the 3rd Race on Derby day this year.
The 136th Kentucky Derby saw Supersaver win and Calvin Borel winning his third Derby in four years.
Securing a Derby Hotel package requires booking well in advance, and one of the most sought after reservations downtown is
21c Museum Hotel
. 21c is an experience you cannot find anywhere else and was voted Best Hotel in America by Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards 2009. Michael Bonadies, President & CEO of 21c Museum Hotel was certainly looking forward to celebrating Derby traditions "drinking bourbon and making new friends".
21c Museum Hotel is more than just a place to spend the night it's a 90-room boutique hotel, contemporary art museum, award-winning restaurant and cultural epicenter on Museum Row in historic downtown Louisville.
Regardless of whether you're a hotel guest, many enjoy the opportunity to grab a cocktail or traditional Bourbon at Proof on Main and wonder through
21c Museums'
latest exhibit. Bonadies describes the current exhibit Creating Identity: Portraits Today as "incredibly compelling, thought provoking and simply beautiful".
Derby is all about celebrations and once the days racing is over, the city takes center stage, alive with public parties aplenty! Many embracing the opportunity to raise funds for worthwhile organizations and causes, and many considered the hottest tickets in town bringing a whole new level to the weekends purpose.
Local and national business leaders, Louisville connectors, horse industry professionals and celebrities from sports, music, cinema & television join forces to show their support.
One of them the 'Fleur De Lys Derby Night Affair' presented by Absolut, and held at the Galt House's Archibald Cochran Grand Ballroom. A portion of the proceeds from Fleur De Lys goes directly to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and provide wishes for local children. "Partnering with Make-A-Wish was a no-brainer" Creative Director Chris Rich said and went on to say "Giving these special young people and their families a break from a daily routine that I can't even imagine, means a great deal to us."
"Hosting Fleur De Lys at the Galt House and making wishes come true is a real trifecta". A celebrity guest list included Keith Robinson to name but a few. Robinson has also chosen to align himself with Rich and his committee, saying "I think his committee represents a great cause in their support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation." Robinson, a native of Kentucky was certainly excited to be back in his Old Kentucky home "My first memory of the Derby was entering Church Hill Downs and seeing how festive the occasion was with everyone dressed in their Sunday's best (even though it wasn't Sunday). The energy was unmatched and I was certainly glad I remembered to get my white shirt out of the cleaners."
Other Derby parties honoring worthwhile causes included The Julep Ball held on Derby Eve raising money for the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Then there's the well renowned Barnstable-Brown Gala, now in it's 22nd year supporting diabetes.
With such a community spirit and sense of civic pride, this city knows just how to throw a party and there is no shortage of Mint Juleps!
After the celebrations are over, don't be too quick to rush back home.
Louisville, Kentucky
is definitely worth exploring a little further.
Kentucky produces over 95% of the world's Bourbon and within just a short drive of downtown Louisville you can be in the heart of "
Bourbon Country
." For the true connoisseur of great whisky a visit to "Bourbon Country" is an unforgettable experience.
Thoroughbred horse farms fill the landscape in all directions and many Bourbon distilleries still practice their methods from hundreds of years ago.
Mint Julep Tours
can provide custom experiences to capture this unique Blue Grass State.
And if your still chomping at the bit to get more horse racing action later this summer then visit Louisville to attend the nearby 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games held in Lexington, Kentucky during September 25 - October 10, 2010.
Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY, will host the 27th running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships on Friday Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 allowing visitors to experience the energy and excitement, anticipation and hope in grand tradition!
Like Us
Facebook
Follow Us
Twitter
Follow us
Instagram
Sign-up for Our Email Newsletter
FIND A LUXURY HOTEL & BOOK WITH EXCLUSIVE PERKS!
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Bermuda
Bhutan
Botswana
Brazil
British Virgin Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
China
Colombia
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Croatia
Curacao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
England
Estonia
Ethiopia
Fiji Islands
Finland
France
French Polynesia
Galapagos
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guatemala
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kenya
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Martinique
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
Netherlands Antilles
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Russia
Scotland
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Spain
Sri Lanka
St Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Barthelemy
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Martin
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Turkey
Turks & Caicos
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Wales
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Beach
City
Coastal
Countryside
Desert
Golf Course
Island
Jungle
Lakeside
Mountains
Remote
Waterfront
Wilderness
Adventure/Eco/Nature
Culture
Business Meeting
Casino/Gambling
Food & Wine
Family Vacation
Golf Getaway
Pet Friendly
Romantic Getaway
Safari
Scuba Diving
Shopping & Fashion
Ski Vacation
Spa & Wellness
Villas
Wedding
Wineries / Wine Tasting
Luxury Partners
Villa Lala — Romantic Boutique Hotel in Puerto Vallarta
Cabo Platinum - Cabo San Lucas Luxury Villas, Yachts & Concierge Services
Villa Firenze Costa Rica
JUP - Personal Service for Buying and Selling Real Estate in Jupiter, Florida
Polaris Slingshot - A three-wheeled sensation that re-ignites your love for driving
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa - Rancho Santa Fe, California - One of the West’s most sought-after five star resorts
Tuscan Dream - Immerse Yourself in the Tuscan Villa Vacation Experience
Grand Hotel Portovenere - Cinque Terre - Discover this beautiful region of Italy!
Dude Ranchers Association - An all-inclusive vacation experience like no other
El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel - Santa Barbara, California - Experience timeless Californian glamor.
The Ranch Italy at Palazzo Fiuggi - The Ranch Malibu brings its award winning wellness program just 50 minutes from Rome.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa - Poipu, Kauai, Hawaii - Beachfront Resort
Culture, Spirituality, and Wellness in Japan's Tochigi Prefecture
Blue Waters Resort & Spa - Antigua - A hidden gem nestled in a private bay on Antigua's northwestern coast with sunset views
A.M.A Selections - Luxury Villa Rentals throughout Europe
Come Together Wellness - Rest, Restore & Explore on Kauai
Red Savannah: Luxury Villas and Tailor-Made Holidays
Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, Mexico - Adults Only, All Inclusive
Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort - Porto Ercole, Tuscany, Italy
The Kayon Jungle Resort - Ubud, Bali, Indonesia - a sanctuary of tropical indulgence.
Porto Zante Villas & Spa - Zakynthos, Greece - The leading villa resort in Europe
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac - Quebec City, Canada - Breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the UNESCO Old fortified city