The Bourbon Flows Early And Often During Derby Week
Jack is a Louisville native – and former All-American swimmer at USC – and has been going to the Derby for decades. He knows the ins and outs, where to be at all times and the right people to know to have a full Kentucky Derby experience all week.
The 144th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 4, but for Jack it all starts on Wednesday.
He filed the first report before having any Mint Juleps, tho that’s not the case for him the rest of the week.
Wednesday At The Derby
“I was on the backside with the trainers, owners, jockeys and a lot of media. Most radio stations have a booth where they broadcast their show, do interviews and watch the people go by.
“I watched a Louisville sports radio station WKRB do an interview with an ambassador from Woodford Reserve Bourbon and they did a tasting with parmesan cheese, oranges, chocolate and almonds. Nice to see people drinking bourbon at 8:30 am on a Wednesday.
“But hey, it’s Derby Week!”
Thursday At The Derby
“It’s a warm and sunny day. And we had better enjoy it, for rain is forecast to arrive on Friday and on Derby Day, Saturday.
“There was a great steamboat race, part of the full Kentucky Derby Week – Belle of Louisville vs. Cincinnati Queen. It was tight race with the Cincinnati Queen winning at the finish by a nose! Will the Derby race be this close!?
“As for a betting update on Saturday’s race, Nyquist was very calm and ran easy during his Thursday run.
Friday At The Derby
“This is the day of the Kentucky Oaks, a warm-up to the insanity that is Derby Day. In addition to the horses, Sports Illustrated cover model Kate Upton is the First Lady of the Longines Kentucky Oaks and getting a look at her in the parade is sure to be an eye-popping experience.
“It’s warmer today! It’s 70 and not a cloud in the sky. The forecast for the race is for 84 and brilliant sunshine. Good thing, too; a storm is moving in the day after the Derby but we’ll be packing up our clothes and our hangovers so no matter.
“Derby Oaks is today. Can’t wait to see Kate Upton!”
Saturday At The Derby
“It’s Derby Day!
“Our day starts early with a bourbon drink to get the blood flowing at 8 a.m.
“I watch the race from the grandstands. Not from the infield party but it sure is the scene there; for years our friends and family have had seats and we don’t want to give that up because the are so valuable.
“So we’ll see the jockeys parade around before the race with the horses, look at all the fine ladies their Derby hats, go to the windows and make our bets and grab our Mint Juleps for the start. We party in the grandstands, too, just in a different way than those in the infield.”
For a view of the grandstands, check PubClub’s article by another Kentucky native, Derby Dee!
Glad you like it Cindy! Maybe we should work together. Cheers!
Loved this! I write about AG and love your insight!