Derby Advice?

[dean smith]

I'm going to my first Derby this year. I've got some questions for some of you Churchill Downs veterans:

1) Is my Derby Trail t-shirt acceptable dress, or do I have to go Rain Man-style and bring the heat? On that subject, do I have to buy my wife a hat? If so, how much is a new Derby-worthy hat going to cost me? Keep in mind, we aren't sitting on Millionaire's Row next to Diddy (we're in Section 128 at the top of the stretch).

2) Eating arrangements. Any ideas on how to handle this, at or away from the track?

3) We decided to go rather late -- yesterday, actually -- how far from the track do I have to drive to find a reasonable place to stay this late in the game?

4) Anything at the track that I simply HAVE to see or be a part of?

5) Any other tips or advice?