Kentucky Derby postscript

[tomm5647]

Please allow me to post my observations and memories on my first derby. Friday for the Oaks was just great weather wise. Tickets were at the 8th pole and the view of the track could not have been better. I have a twin spires account that I use very little (personal preference) I like to lay down my money when I bet and collect my winnings if I win after the race and put it in my pocket. It was obvious that CD wanted everyone to bet electronically with their app. It seemed incredible to me that so many of the mutual clerks were obviously working their first day at the track and they had no idea how to punch in things as simple as a trifecta part wheel. I spoke with someone later in the day and was told that CD just hired temps for the mutual machines. I guess i'm going to have to get more comfortable with the phone betting since its obvious that's the way it is going to be. On saturday we got to the track with a light drizzle and were optomistic that the day would get brighter. Not the bet to make, the rain continued all day, when it did slow down to a drizzle it seemed like heaven. My seats at the 8th pole were uninhabitable and Churchill Downs age was evident with the drains all around the facility backing up creating large puddles and closed access stairs. The bathrooms in the entire facility became unisex with the males having full access to the urinals while the stalls were taken over by the female race goers. When the derby came close, back to my seat to stand on the seat in a light rain as did everyone else. The pre race festivities were only given a cursory look as you tried to maintain balance on the benches. The post parade was awesome and the race did not disappoint even with the rain. I was with Steve on the Justify bandwagon and had several winning bets that made my day even without a profit. After the race I was not surprised to see the bulk of the crowd head for the exits. The final races could have been held at Fairmount Park to a larger on track attendance. That being said I don't know if I've ever been soaked to the skin quite so much while having a wonderful time. I made my hotel reservation for next year yesterday. At 69 years of age for my first derby I don't want to miss another

[cal828]

So what was your experience other than the racetrack and by that I mean did you have nice accommodations and did those include shuttle to the track, admission to the track, reserve seats, etc. Did you get one of those packages offered online? Were there unanticipated expenses?

I probably need to go to the KD one of these days and the Breeder's Cup too. I'm older than you. I probably don't need to be passing up any fun experiences.

[philcski]

Originally Posted by cal828

So what was your experience other than the racetrack and by that I mean did you have nice accommodations and did those include shuttle to the track, admission to the track, reserve seats, etc. Did you get one of those packages offered online? Were there unanticipated expenses?

I probably need to go to the KD one of these days and the Breeder's Cup too. I'm older than you. I probably don't need to be passing up any fun experiences.

Do it! Don't look back! You will never forget the experience. Go to all three legs of the Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup.

[cal828]

Originally Posted by philcski

Do it! Don't look back! You will never forget the experience. Go to all three legs of the Triple Crown and the Breeders Cup.

I intend to barring some catastrophic illness. I should be able to easily afford some things like that. I will be almost debt free in a few months for the first time in about 50 years.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by tomm5647

Please allow me to post my observations and memories on my first derby. Friday for the Oaks was just great weather wise. Tickets were at the 8th pole and the view of the track could not have been better. I have a twin spires account that I use very little (personal preference) I like to lay down my money when I bet and collect my winnings if I win after the race and put it in my pocket. It was obvious that CD wanted everyone to bet electronically with their app. It seemed incredible to me that so many of the mutual clerks were obviously working their first day at the track and they had no idea how to punch in things as simple as a trifecta part wheel. I spoke with someone later in the day and was told that CD just hired temps for the mutual machines. I guess i'm going to have to get more comfortable with the phone betting since its obvious that's the way it is going to be. On saturday we got to the track with a light drizzle and were optomistic that the day would get brighter. Not the bet to make, the rain continued all day, when it did slow down to a drizzle it seemed like heaven. My seats at the 8th pole were uninhabitable and Churchill Downs age was evident with the drains all around the facility backing up creating large puddles and closed access stairs. The bathrooms in the entire facility became unisex with the males having full access to the urinals while the stalls were taken over by the female race goers. When the derby came close, back to my seat to stand on the seat in a light rain as did everyone else. The pre race festivities were only given a cursory look as you tried to maintain balance on the benches. The post parade was awesome and the race did not disappoint even with the rain. I was with Steve on the Justify bandwagon and had several winning bets that made my day even without a profit. After the race I was not surprised to see the bulk of the crowd head for the exits. The final races could have been held at Fairmount Park to a larger on track attendance. That being said I don't know if I've ever been soaked to the skin quite so much while having a wonderful time. I made my hotel reservation for next year yesterday. At 69 years of age for my first derby I don't want to miss another

Tomm..

Appreciate the reflection on the experience and pleased that you're signing on for next year. Having been through any/all the Derby/Oaks weather fiascos, starting with the 2004 high water mark, I'll attest that it can be unpleasant under the circumstances we saw Saturday. But it is unlike anything else in sport, not just unlike anything else in racing.

[tomm5647]

Thanks Steve and all others: The seats were a gift from my kids for Christmas. The metal benches at track level at the 8th pole. Terrific view and great for people watching. Not the best place to be in the rain. Parking was included at the Convention center and a free shuttle took you quickly to the track. We quickly learned that December is not the time to look for accommodations. We found a private home in Cambellsville KY that was less than 200 per day and was very nice. The downside is that it was 100+ miles from the track and the commute was not enjoyable. Live and learn, I booked this week in a motel in Indiana 30 minutes from the track. I told my daughter that this will help keep me alive since there is always another Derby to attend next year

[3kings]

Originally Posted by tomm5647

Thanks Steve and all others: The seats were a gift from my kids for Christmas. The metal benches at track level at the 8th pole. Terrific view and great for people watching. Not the best place to be in the rain. Parking was included at the Convention center and a free shuttle took you quickly to the track. We quickly learned that December is not the time to look for accommodations. We found a private home in Cambellsville KY that was less than 200 per day and was very nice. The downside is that it was 100+ miles from the track and the commute was not enjoyable. Live and learn, I booked this week in a motel in Indiana 30 minutes from the track. I told my daughter that this will help keep me alive since there is always another Derby to attend next year

Glad you enjoyed it. Did you happen to notice Sirius/Xm radio celebrity Steve Byk patrolling the turf and video taping the start of the Oaks?

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by 3kings

Glad you enjoyed it. Did you happen to notice Sirius/Xm radio celebrity Steve Byk patrolling the turf and video taping the start of the Oaks?