What To Do During Derby Week for Horse Racing History Fans
As the first Saturday in May approaches, the excitement in Kentucky reaches a fever pitch with the arrival of the 150th Kentucky Derby, the most exhilarating two minutes in sports. While Louisville hosts the main event, Lexington, the heart of Kentucky horse farm country, offers its own array of captivating activities during Derby Week. Whether you're a horse racing history buff or a casual visitor looking to soak in the festive atmosphere, here's a guide to making the most of your Derby Week in Lexington.
Where to Watch the Horse Racing History in the Making in Lexington
If you didn’t snag tickets to the Derby, don't worry—Lexington offers plenty of thrilling spots to catch the race. Many local bars and restaurants provide Derby viewing parties complete with mint juleps and festive hats. Check out some of these favorite spots:
The Horse and Jockey: This downtown pub offers a fantastic patio to enjoy the Derby in style. On Derby Day, they serve brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring bottomless mimosas. If you stick around, try their famous jockey wings for dinner.
Jeff Ruby’s: Celebrate the Derby at one of Kentucky’s finest restaurants. Enjoy a beautiful day dining on the patio with USDA Prime Steaks, an extensive wine list, and unmatched service.
Belle’s Cocktail House: Just in time for the Derby, Belle's is reopening this Derby weekend. As a popular three-story bar, arriving early to secure a spot in the bustling crowd is best.
Take a Mill Ridge Kentucky Horse Farm Tour
A visit to Lexington during Derby Week would be incomplete without exploring the historic Mill Ridge Kentucky horse farm. Known for its significant contributions to horse racing history, Mill Ridge offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world of thoroughbred breeding. Here’s what you can expect from a visit you’re sure to remember for years to come:
Meet the horses. One of the highlights is the chance to meet and interact with the thoroughbreds, including mares, foals, and two stallions standing stud, OSCAR PERFORMANCE and ALOHA WEST. This interaction allows you to appreciate the beauty and grace of these elite athletes up close.
Learn about breeding: The tour might explain the breeding practices that have produced numerous champions. You could learn about the science and strategy behind pairing sires and dams.
Snap as many selfies as you want. The farm’s picturesque setting in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region offers stunning scenic views, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts or wannabe influencers.
Increase your trivia knowledge. For those keen to learn more about horse racing history, the Kentucky horse farm tour can provide educational insights into horse care, farm management, and the economics of running a thoroughbred operation.
Grab some swag at the gift shop. Typically, a tour might end with a visit to a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs or memorabilia related to Mill Ridge and its equine stars.
Learn About Horse Racing History
The farm’s origins trace back to Hal Price Headley, a visionary who founded Keeneland Race Track, catalyzing Lexington's status as a world-renowned racing hub. His passion for horse racing was inherited by his daughter, Alice Headley Chandler, who established Mill Ridge Farm on the inherited land of Beaumont Farm after her father's passing in 1962.
Under Alice’s stewardship, Mill Ridge Farm burgeoned into a breeding operation for some of horse racing’s most notable champions including Kentucky Derby winner GIACOMO. Alice Chandler's pioneering spirit broke barriers in a predominantly male industry, extending Kentucky’s horse racing legacy globally by connecting with clients across continents.
Her son, Headley Bell, and later her grandson, Price Bell, continued to expand on this rich heritage. Headley Bell’s establishment of Nicoma Bloodstock, the bloodstock agency division of Mill Ridge, further elevated the farm's reputation by recommending the matings of Kentucky Derby winners BARBARO and STREET SENSE, and Horse of the Year champions HAVRE DE GRACE and BRICKS AND MORTAR.
Today, Mill Ridge Farm continues to produce thoroughbred royalty and serves as a living museum where visitors can experience the Bluegrass region’s deep-rooted horse racing history. Embodying the spirit of both innovation and tradition, the farm serves a connection that has brought horse racing to the masses by making it more accessible and engaging for racing enthusiasts around the world.
Visit Keeneland for Derby Day
Experiencing Derby Day at Keeneland is a must. While it's primarily known as a premier auction house and racing venue, Keeneland transforms into a vibrant gathering spot on Derby Day. Enjoy the full card of live races streamed from Churchill Downs throughout the day, and then watch the Derby broadcast live. Gather with locals and visitors alike under the trees or find a spot by the paddock to watch the races on the big screens. With over 1,000 TVs, live wagering, and great food accompanied by live music, it’s an ideal spot to take in horse racing history as it happens. The atmosphere is electric, with activities and entertainment that capture the spirit of the Derby, making it a memorable experience for everyone.
Check out Soul of Thoroughbred Racing Event
Scheduled around Derby Week, the Soul of Thoroughbred Racing event, presented by Echoes of Our Ancestors and The Buffalo Foundation, is a significant cultural and educational gathering exploring African Americans' rich horse racing history. Get a comprehensive look at the families, traditions, and notable figures who have shaped this aspect of the sport. Plus, support a good cause! Donations benefit the Barbara and Bias Tilford Scholarship Fund, which aids local youth organizations. RSVP to learn about a vital part of horse racing history and support the community by helping the next generation.
Have a great Derby Week!
Derby Week in Lexington is more than just about the big race; it celebrates the city's deep connection to horse racing history and culture. From the historic grounds of Keeneland to the educational Kentucky horse farm tours at Mill Ridge, each activity offers a unique perspective on why this region is revered as the Horse Capital of the World. Whether you're here to cheer on the thoroughbreds or to simply enjoy the festive atmosphere, Lexington provides an unforgettable backdrop to experience the thrill and pageantry of Derby Week. So, don your best hat, sip a mint julep, and prepare for a week filled with excitement and tradition in beautiful Lexington, Kentucky.
Have you ever fed a carrot to a thoroughbred broodmare or foal? Here’s your chance! We schedule group tours and private showings through Visit Horse Country. We’d love to see you at Mill Ridge Farm!
