Known as the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2022, in Louisville, Kentucky at the world-famous Churchhill Downs Racetrack.
The Derby is far more than just a horserace! It is one of three stops that make up the triple crown of horse racing (the others being the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York). It is also a star-studded cultural event loaded with some of the best in the worlds of sports, fashion, and food and drink. And of course, there are the hats- because it just wouldn’t be the Derby without the iconic display of the art of millinery.
Betting On the Kentucky Derby
Did you know that every year people win over $150 million dollars betting on the Kentucky Derby 2022? Placing wagers on the outcome of the Kentucky Derby is a tradition and it is big business too.
When it comes to the odds, according to the experts at CBS Sports, early favorites Classic Causeway and Emmanuel both have 15 to 1 odds, followed by Rattle N Roll at 20 to 1 and Early Voting at 30 to 1.
When is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is actually a huge event. It is the capstone of the Kentucky Derby Festival which goes on for two weeks before the races. The festival is the state’s largest annual event and includes a balloon race, a steamboat race, a marathon and mini-marathon, fireworks, the Pegasus Parade, and the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic. There are also many other smaller or lesser races being run the weekend of the Derby.
The big race that matters, though, is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds held on Saturday, May 7. The Kentucky Derby 2022 contenders come out and walk from their barn to the Paddock around 6 PM, and the big race starts right before 7 PM.
Kentucky Derby Traditions
There are so many traditions associated with the Kentucky Derby that a whole book could be (and many have been) written about it. Here are a few of the more common traditions associated with “The Run for the Roses”:
“Riders Up”
This is the traditional call for the jockeys to take their places and mount their horses for the race. These words are spoken each year by a selected celebrity or special guest.
“My Old Kentucky Home”
“My Old Kentucky Home,” which is the state song, is sung before the running of the Derby.
Run for the Roses
The Derby has the moniker “The Run for the Roses” because the winner is draped in a garland of roses as they are presented with the trophy. They also win a guaranteed $3 million prize at the Kentucky Derby 2022.
Derby Hats
The Derby is considered a formal occasion and women who attend the Derby are known for the outrageous fascinator hats that they wear. A respectable Derby Hat can easily start at around $1,000.
Mint Julep
One of the things most associated with the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep cocktail. You are seriously bucking tradition (and missing out on a great drink) if you don’t have a mint julep while you watch the race. They are a bourbon-based drink garnished with mint leaves, and they are absolutely delicious!
Where Can I Watch the Kentucky Derby in NYC?
This year watch the Kentucky Derby at The Winslow Gin House & Eatery. Don’t miss any of the action and have the best mint julep and tons of other signature gin cocktails in NYC.
What Does Your Gin Say About You?