Who's been to the Derby ?

[Fredo]

I haven't but it is on my wish list. Was it worth it to you? What would you do over ?

[Kermit]

1991 Best Pal. I was alone, stayed in my camper (Mazda pickup). Got there the day before, parked and slept on the street back by the stables, then stayed a few days at the RV park next to the Ky Horse Park. Best Pal paid for my trip so I stayed in a motel one night - you have to shower some times - and went to AkSarBen on the way back to San Diego.

I would spend about $1,000 on good seats and accomodations, or stay home and watch it. Way too many people.

[Moegray]

trust but verify you have to wear a hat - didn't they have a cheap-ass fedora giveaway at SAX recently??? that would work ...

I haven't but it is on my wish list. Was it worth it to you? What would you do over ?

[Diver52]

2007, Street Sense. We paid $495 each for seats at ground level with zero visibility. This year we're paying about $230 for Oaks seats on the third level about the 1/16 pole and we'll go to Keeneland simulcasting for the Derby. I'll buy a cheap hat at Marshall or Ross and dress it up with some ribbon and that'll do. Oh, we stayed in Lexington which worked for farms and stuff; traffic really wasn't too bad Oaks day and we took a charter bus Derby day. Problem with that is that it didn't leave until after the last race, which was WAY after most people were ready to hit the road.

[MaryS]

1997 -- Silver Charm. Expensive seating on low, temporary bleachers with no real view of the track as part of an expensive Smithsonian tour. Freezing rain, endless lines.

[PrivateSmiles]

If you want to see the best view of the races watch on TV. My opinion, anyway. My recliner, no line for food or the bathroom, out of the rain and/or cold, no jerks around me, lodging cheap and already paid for.

[Fredo]

Umm, ok

[Goofonroof]

1984 Swale. Fortunately working on Derby day ever since. Great experience.

[Andyc]

Irish Derby 1993. Great time but you had better have a driver. The roads are very narrow and the track is a long way from civilization. The bigwigs come in on their helicopters.

[DegenerationX]

1984 Swale. Fortunately working on Derby day ever since. Great experience.

You might be able to go again next year.