Come for the fashion, stay for the horse racing (it’s only two minutes). After all that 2020 has thrown at us, everyone needs an excuse to dress up, don a hat and have a cocktail, even if it’s at home.
Raise your glasses to a good time,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place at the Churchill Downs Racetrack on Saturday, September 5 at 6:50 EST. The race is often referred to as the “most exciting two minutes in sports” because that’s how long it takes for the horses to run the 1¼ mile track. The winner after those quick two minutes, receives a garland of over 400 red roses, a tradition since 1932. TIME YOUR BATHROOM TRIP RIGHT OR YOU’LL MISS THE WHOLE RACE
2. Like so many sports, for the first time ever the Derby will be run without fans. Louisville, where the Derby takes place, is bracing for an estimated loss of $400 million in tourism dollars.
3. Ever wonder how they name the racehorses? There are a whole slew of rules set forth by the Jockey Club to abide by when naming a horse. Of course, nothing racy is approved but names like Hoochiecoochiemama, Bodacious Tatas and Hardawn (say it aloud) have slipped past the reviewers. WE’D PAY TO HEAR ANNOUNCERS READ THOSE NAMES ON TV
4. We’d be remiss if we didn’t discuss the hats. The long-standing tradition started with a goal to have high-class spectators attend the race. The Derby hat as we know it, didn’t come around until the 1960s when fashion norms loosened up and big, bright and festive were socially acceptable. We highly suggest you try this tradition at home. THE BEST CELEBRITY DERBY HATS
5. Don't think we'd leave you hanging without a go to cocktail for your party. The mint julep is the traditional drink of the Derby with over 120,000 mint juleps are served during a fan-attended Derby weekend at Churchill Downs. But don’t worry the traditional drink is easy to make at home. HERE’S HOW