What to do before the Derby race?

My boyfriend and I are going to the Derby and have really good seats in the covered deck area. I have read that the race does not start until late in the day, so what is there to do during the rest of the day? Are there other races going on? Can you go see the horses getting ready? It seems every article about the Derby is about how drunk, sloppy, and disgusting you can get in the infield, but not much mention of doing anything else. Hey, more power to those who what to do that, but after 6 Mardi Gras%26#39;, 4 Gasparilla%26#39;s, dozens of Key West Festivals, and living in South Beach for 12 years ... been there done that, looking for something a little more entertaining. Any recommendations of Derby Day fun that can be had outside the infield?

What to do before the Derby race?

There are races all day before the actual Derby race goes off. You can bet on all of them if you wish. Most people do. I should know this, but I%26#39;m almost positive that the Derby race is the seventh of the day.

About 20 minutes before each race, the horses (for that race) are brought into the Paddock area. You can walk down there %26amp; watch them being paraded around in a circle for the onlookers. You can actually get pretty close to them. About 20 feet if there was no crowd. You just can%26#39;t go inside the wall where the horses are unless you are an owner or the guest of an owner.

I always like to take a walk through infield just to take a look at all the craziness. Unless it%26#39;s been raining, it%26#39;s fairly easy to stay out of the mud. Just use common sense.

What to do before the Derby race?

Seagrover is braver than me. I don%26#39;t go near the infield! However, time will fly that day. There are races all day....you can study the handicap sheet and try to guess the winners, or you can bet by names, etc. Watching people is 99% of the fun. People are very festive no matter where you sit. You can go to the paddock area or walk around and see other areas, too.I hope you have glorious weather, cause that adds to the fun. But for heaven%26#39;s sake, check the forecast before final drssing and check out the Downs website for items you cannot bring in. You may be surprised.

Thanks for the replies! I am so glad to hear there are other races and lots to do and see!

';lots to see';.

That is an understatement. Take your camera. You%26#39;ll surely see some strange people

The Kentucky Derby will be the 10th of 12 races that day. There are a few ';regular'; races--maiden starers, allowance races, or claiming races--but the bulk of the card is high level stakes races. So, all day long you will see a very high level of racing. It%26#39;s always great to visit the paddock and see the horses being saddled, but if you want to that that on Derby Day plan to see one of the first few races: the paddock will be mobbed by mid-afternoon and it will be impossible to move or to see the horses unless you%26#39;re, say, 6-6 or taller.It%26#39;s quite a scene in any case.

I%26#39;d skip the nonsense in the infield and enjoy the great racing, the great mood that all the spectators are in--watch the ladies hats and outfits, make new friends, make some intelligent wagers. There is nothing more fun than a good day at the race track!!!

The Churchill Downs website drives me insane, but I was able to find the post times for the Oaks %26amp; Derby.

OAKS DAY - FRIDAY, May 02, 2008

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Race Post Time Wagering

1 - 11:00AM WPS EX DD P3 P4

2 - 11:30AM WPS EX DD P3

3 - 12:05PM WPS EX DD P3

4 - 12:43PM WPS EX DD P3

5 - 1:26PM WPS EX DD P3 P6

6 - 2:10PM WPS EX DD P3

7 - 3:04PM WPS EX DD P3 P4

8 - 3:54PM WPS EX DD P3

9 - 4:47PM WPS EX DD P3

10 - 5:45PM WPS EX O/D-DBL (Kentucky Oaks)

11 - 6:21PM WPS EX

DERBY DAY - SATURDAY, MAY 03, 2008

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Race Post Time Wagering

1 - 11:00AM WPS EX DD P3 P4

2 - 11:30AM WPS EX DD P3

3 - 12:04PM WPS EX DD P3 P4

4 - 12:39PM WPS EX DD P3

5 - 1:21PM WPS EX DD P3 P6

6 - 2:11PM WPS EX DD P3

7 - 3:03PM WPS EX DD P3 P4

8 - 3:57PM WPS EX DD P3

9 - 4:52PM WPS EX DD P3 P4 (Woodford Reserve Turf Classic)

10 - 6:04PM WPS EX DD P3 (Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands)

11 - 7:04PM WPS EX DD

NOTE: Trifecta and Superfecta wagering on all races that qualify under Kentucky statutes. Daily Double, Pick-3, Pick-4 and Super High-5 wagers are $1 minimum straight bets. On Oaks Day and Derby Day the Superfecta is a $1.00 minimum wager. The Pick-6 is a $2 minimum wager all days. Also, Over/Under wagering will be offered on all races that qualify. Super High-5 wagering will be offered on selected races.

Opening Day - April 26

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