Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky

As I am sure you all know, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is the home of the Kentucky Derby. And although I have never been there for the race, I have either listened to or watched the Kentucky Derby each year for over 50 years! So visiting where it takes place is pretty sacred ground for me.

It was about a 250 mile drive from Pigeon Forge TN to Shepherdsville KY, just outside of Louisville. So by the time we were all set up at our RV park there was only enough daylight to take a stroll around the park with Hershi. We stopped for a visit with the resident donkeys, and Hershi wasn’t quite sure what to make of them. He had spent a lot of time with the horses at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, but these creatures were not exactly horses. Or were they?, he wondered. They were smaller and not nearly as elegant. Hershi didn’t care. He loves everyone and everything that he meets.

The next morning Steve and I were both excited to be touring Churchill Downs! As I said, I had never been there. But Steve actually attended a Kentucky Derby in the mid-60s when he was an Air Controlman in the Navy and stationed nearby on that first Saturday in May. There is so much history and thrilling events that take place there, and we couldn’t wait to experience what Churchill Downs is all about.

Kentucky Derby History

There aren’t many American sporting events with the history and popularity of the Kentucky Derby. It’s rich traditions like sipping a mint julep, donning a beautiful hat, and joining fellow race fans in singing “My Old Kentucky Home” take the Kentucky Derby from just a sporting event to making it a celebration of southern culture and a true icon of Americana. The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the United States, dating back to 1875. The race is often referred to as “The Run for the Roses” and  has continuously produced “the most exciting two minutes in sports”; uninterrupted, even when coinciding with profound historical events like The Great Depression and World Wars I and II. Until COVID-19 that is!

The Kentucky Derby’s long history began in 1872, when Meriwether Lewis Clark, the grandson of William Clark – of the famed pair Lewis and Clark – traveled to Europe. While there, Clark attended the Epsom Derby in England, a well-known horse race run since 1780. He also fraternized with the French Jockey Club, a group that developed another popular horse race, the Grand Prix de Paris Longchamps. Clark was inspired by his travels and experiences, and when he returned, he was determined to create a spectacle horse racing event in the States. His uncles John and Henry Churchill,  gave Clark the necessary land to develop a racetrack as well as formally organizing a group of local race fans to be named the Louisville Jockey Club. Clark and his new club raised funds to build a permanent racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. On May 17th, 1875, the racetrack opened its gates and the Louisville Jockey Club sponsored the very first Kentucky Derby. A total of fifteen three-year-old thoroughbred horses raced one and a half miles in front of a cheering crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators. Aristides was the first winner of the Kentucky Derby.

Our connection to the Kentucky Derby

As we walked up to the entrance this icon of horse racing facilities felt so majestic. My heart beat a little faster and I started to realize that I had a deep connection to a few of the thoroughbreds that had raced in the Kentucky Derby.

When our catering company was in its infancy we were very fortunate to have a handful of amazing clients who just loved us. Among them were Gale and Giles Brophy who were the proud owners of 2 race horses who ran in the Kentucky Derby. The first one, 36 Red, ran in 1990 and did not win the Derby but won the Belmont Stakes. The very next year, their horse Strike the Gold won the Kentucky Derby! It was so exciting and we were happy to help them celebrate the victory.

A few years later we were asked by a new client to plan and cater a 21st birthday party for – wait for it – her horse!!! This horse was no ordinary steed. His name was Aroanagain and he was the grandson of Triple Crown Winner Secretariat. It may have been one of my favorite parties ever. It was only for 60 guests but the tent was transformed into a dreamy, colorful, elegant and magnificent venue. We even had a stall built for the guest of honor and his girlfriend. The guest brought gifts of carrots and biscuits and the horses loved drinking their apple juice from ginormous champagne coupes.

As you can guess, our business was mostly equestrian oriented. Wellington, Florida, where we lived in our sticks and bricks; and where our business Affairs to Remember Catering was located, was an absolutely huge equestrian hub. So though we don’t ride, or own horses, we do love them.

Our tour of Churchill Downs Louisville Kentucky included the fabulous Kentucky Derby Museum, the Paddocks and the track itself. For me it was another thrilling moment to cross off my bucket list!