Long after it ends, sports historians, trivia lovers, and fans anticipating the upcoming race will search online for 2011 Kentucky Derby winners information. While it may seem like a topic that is self-contained to a short period of time, the reality is that there are many references to this topic that might surprise you. For this reason, beginners and annual Derby-goers alike will love these references to Kentucky Derby winners and their online trends.
Understanding Kentucky Derby Favorites
When you start hanging out with spectators that love horse racing, you start to hear a lot about how they won by betting on Kentucky Derby favorites. Also known as Kentucky Derby contenders, this sounds like a great tip for a beginner. This is especially true since favorites have a 30 percent chance of winning. However, you will soon learn that there is more to this list of favorites than is first expected.
To get started with using the favorites measurement tool to win your first Kentucky Derby, you will need to understand what to listen for, when to listen, where to look for released information, and who has the best advice for the derby and horse racing in general. Once you grasp the general ideas in this area of knowledge, you will improve your chances of picking the top horses dramatically.
Preparing for your Kentucky Derby Party
The Kentucky Derby 2012 is not sold out quite yet but tickets cost a hefty sum. Enjoy the derby in the comfort of your home by re-creating some of the famous traditions, food and beverage of the Kentucky Derby.
First on the list of “must haves” for your Derby party is the Mint Julep. This sugary beverage has long been associated with Southern Cuisine but most especially with Kentucky and the Derby. The standard Mint Julep is bourbon, sugar, water and mint leaf over the rocks. Traditionally spearmint is the mint leaf of choice in the South and the Kentucky Derby. Best served in a pewter cup or glass to maintain the drink’s crisp and cool flavor. As the Mint Julep is described as a ritual rather than a formula so too is the traditional derby food a key part of the Kentucky Derby experience.
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Millionaires Row
Pricing starts at $5,000
Luxury is the tone of the premier seats found at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby and it is found brimming at Millionaires Row. Movie stars, queens, and corporate elites all gather in this box to view the winning moments of the race from the best viewpoint in the racetrack.
With these quarters comes other high-end expectations including service and gourmet food. Only the best wines and liquor will be served and you can be guaranteed a wide range of free amenities. Rub elbows with the rich and famous from the viewing perch and place your wagers from inside Millionaires Row. Due to the high quality shown during Derby Day, the only thing you and your guests will need to do is relax.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Turf Club
Pricing starts at $4,700
While the ultra elite of the world will gather at the Millionaires Row, the rest of the celebrity world is housed in the Turf Club. If you have a favorite pop star or athlete, chances are that they will be in this highly secured area. The idea of the Turf Club is that you will never need to leave the area.
All of your gourmet meals, top shelf alcohol, and wait staff will be at your service. There is also an area for self-service wagering for avoiding crowds and lines to place bets.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Trophy Room
Pricing starts at $4,400
If you want the best view of the race with prime services, it is said that the Trophy Room is the place to be. Like the other luxury seating areas, the Trophy Room has food prepared by gourmet chefs, self-service wagering stations, and high quality wait staff.
During the day while you wait for the Kentucky Derby begin, you can view the Paddock areas of Churchill Downs where the horses are getting prepared for the race. This entertainment is complete with fellow spectators from the upper echelons of society.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Triple Crown Room
Pricing starts at $4,100
The breathtaking two story ceilings in the Triple Crown Room will not be your only photo opportunity. Instead, this luxurious seating area is also within view of the last stretch of the race. Located in the Jockey Club, there are several viewing areas in addition to big screens broadcasting the Kentucky Derby.
High up in the air, you will have all the luxuries on the fifth floor that you have in Millionaire’s Row. This includes the chance to place wagers without dealing with lines and crowds, first class service, and plenty of fine dining.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Clubhouse – Gold
Pricing starts at $3,700
If your moment of anticipation is a view of the finish line, the Clubhouse Gold seating is right for you. The chance of seeing a celebrity jockey is likely here and the luxurious food and beverage options prevail. VIP entrances mean that your chances of meeting your favorite celebrity are likely.
Although it costs less than the Millionaires Row or Trophy Room options, all of the amenities are contained in the Clubhouse Gold ticket price. You can still count on a temperature-controlled environment, self-service betting kiosks, and staged entertainment.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Clubhouse – Mint
Pricing starts at $3,100
A gourmet buffet line and your choice of top-end alcohol at the self-service bar are only two of the reasons that ticket holders anticipate the Clubhouse Mint option. Within the controlled climate room, you will still have the chance to meet celebrities while you watch the race on the big screen.
During your day at the Derby, you can stand in the viewing area to watch the action from the 16th pole. Your bets for your day at the Clubhouse Mint can easily be placed with one of the nearby kiosks and high quality Churchill Downs service staff are on hand at all times.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Clubhouse – Purple
Pricing starts at $2,300
If you like a bit of sunshine with your Kentucky Derby, consider seating with the Clubhouse Purple ticket. This selection offers covered and uncovered sections with similar amenities to Millionaire’s Row. Included is the elevated seats for viewing the Finish Line as well as options for the 16th pole.
The not covered and under cover options with the Clubhouse Purple ticket all include access to a climate controlled area with luxury options. This includes a bar, wagering areas, premium liquors and wines, and a chance to meet celebrities.
Buy your Kentucky Derby Ticket Now!
Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Clubhouse – Brown
Pricing starts at $1,900
Having a glorious view of the finish line is not limited to the higher priced tickets at Churchill Downs. The Clubhouse Brown option easily places you in one of the best Finish Line views and has similar offerings that denote the luxurious possibilities of the Kentucky Derby.
While you are waiting for the race, you can observe VIP entrances, place your wager without standing in long lines, and enjoy some of the best food and beverage service in the world. Despite the weather outside, inside the Clubhouse Brown venue area you will find the climate control is top notch.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Clubhouse – Pink
Pricing starts at $1,500
With the Clubhouse Pink ticket for the Kentucky Derby, you can expect to see celebrities arriving in VIP entrances. Located immediately after the Finish Line, there is still a great view of the race. You can also watch the horses from the coverage on big screen TVs.
If you decide you do not like the uncovered grandstands, the Grandstand Pink option has temperature-controlled indoor venue space. While you are inside, you have a chance to meet celebrity jockeys, wager at betting kiosks, and enjoy gourmet food service.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Clubhouse – Yellow
Pricing starts at $1,100
If you have purchased the Clubhouse Yellow ticket in the past, you may have missed out on the new venue space. Although the seating is in the not covered area of the track, there is access to an indoor climate controlled area. There, you can eat top quality food prepared by chefs, view the celebrity entrances, and meet jockeys.
Do not be worried about the viewpoint of the race with the Clubhouse Yellow option. Instead, you will be able to take plenty of vantage point photos as the horses circle the track.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Grandstand – Orange SOLD OUT
Pricing starts at $250
Grandstand Orange tickets are the perfect choice for viewing the race across from the 8th pole. You will be able to take photos of the final stretch and access the indoor venue spaces. Inside, you can watch the race via simulcast TV and see some of the world’s most famous socialites and celebrities. From these facilities, you can place wagers on the Kentucky Derby from self-service kiosks.
Of course, like other higher-priced tickets for the day include the finest food and wine for the premiere event of the year.
Grandstand – Red SOLD OUT
Pricing starts at $150
For great photos of the starting line and the final stretch without paying for a high priced ticket, the Grandstand Red is right for you. Many of the seats are under cover and all of the seating gains you access to the indoor venue. When the sun beats down on you, take a break in a temperature-controlled environment complete with your favorite drink.
You can place a wager at a kiosk and watch the coverage of the race on the air. As you sit and dine on gourmet options, you can expect entrances made by Churchill Downs VIPs visiting the Kentucky Derby.
Grandstand – Green SOLD OUT
Pricing starts at $130
Across from the 8th pole, you will have a boosted view of the final stretch and the starting line of the race. While these sections are not covered, your access to the main facility offers a wide selection of services. You will be able to place bets, watch news coverage of the Kentucky Derby, and see celebrities arriving at Churchill Downs. Most importantly, you will sip on the finest Mint Juleps and select from the most delectable menu items in Louisville.
Kentucky Oaks ONLY Packages
Pricing starts at $130
Each Kentucky Derby contains an important component the day before called the Oaks Day race. While the fillies run for the lilies, you will be able to watch from a variety of seating locations for a reduced price. The tickets may have a lower cost, but the amenities are the signature luxury that you can expect from Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Oaks Race Day Only Packages
- Trophy Room Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $800
- Mint Clubhouse Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $500
- Orange Grandstand Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $250
- Red Grandstand Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $150
- Yellow Clubhouse Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $150
- Green Grandstand Oaks ONLY – Pricing starts at $130
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
Infield
Pricing starts at $25
Although there are few formal seating areas, you are allowed to bring your own folding chairs to the Infield. Located at the very center of the race track at Churchill Downs, you will be mingling with thousands of other fans that are there at this special opening of the Infield.
When you need a break from the Mardi Gras spirit of the Infield, you can explore the rest of Churchill Downs. You will have plenty of chances to mingle during the day before the race and visit the indoor facilities. There are also standing room only options for this general admission Kentucky Derby ticket.
Just like ticket holders to the Grandstand and the Club Houses, you will be able to buy food and drinks, place a bet, and meet the finest dressed citizens of the world.
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Buy your 2012 Kentucky Derby Tickets
2012 Kentucky Derby Celebrations
Most of the world is familiar with the Kentucky Derby, but few are aware of the local treasures contained in what is referred to as the Kentucky Derby Festival.
Local schoolchildren in Louisville, Kentucky will tell you that Derby begins with the first day of Spring. As a matter of fact, Louisville does seem to socially blossom around March 21. Around the Earth Day Celebrations in early April, a season of social events that the public is invited to begin. Also at the first of April, the town is overcome by a multiple public Easter events and this seems to set the stage for the 15 days of the Kentucky Derby Festival leading up to May 5.
Kentucky Derby Collectibles
These days, most people will tell you that they do not shop for souvenirs when they go on vacation. One exception to this rule is that when people go to New York City; they often buy something from Tiffany’s. However, when you visit Louisville, Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby, you soon realize that you should have taken more money with you for souvenirs.
Animal Kingdom Wins A Wide Open Kentucky Derby
With the unprecedented spate of injuries heading into the 2011 Kentucky Derby that sidelined many of the top contenders it was all but certain that a good sized longshot would emerge victorious. That’s exactly what transpired as 20-1 Animal Kingdom closed strong to edge Nehro in the stretch to win the ‘Run For The Roses’.
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Derby Kitten Sneaks Into The Field After Toby’s Corner Injured
The biggest Kentucky Derby story of the day was the injury to Wood Memorial winner Toby’s Corner that’ll keep him out of the ‘Run For The Roses’. His loss was Derby Kitten’s gain, however, and Toby’s Corner’s withdrawal allowed the #21 horse in graded stakes winnings to sneak into the field.
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Uncle Mo Now Likely For Kentucky Derby
After a bad outing at the Wood Memorial and a gastrointestinal infection there was a good deal of doubt about whether or not Uncle Mo would start in the Kentucky Derby at all. Now every indication is that he’s back to 100% and will be in the field at Churchill Downs on May 7.
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Baffert Thinks Midnight Interlude Can Go The Distance
Bob Baffert admits that his charge, Midnight Interlude, won’t be the fastest horse in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7th. He does think that the colt’s endurance could make him a winner at the mile and a quarter distance.
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