2017 Derby Day Schedule
Aside from watching “the most exciting two minutes in sports”, placing a bet, and sipping a cold Mint Julep, there’s lots to do around the racetrack on Kentucky Derby Day. If you don’t want to miss all of the excitement and tradition of the Kentucky Derby, use our tip sheet for some suggestions on what to see and do while you’re at the track.
| Activity | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| Place a bet | Wagering windows will open 30 minutes before the first race, approximately 10:00a.m. |
| Sip a Mint Julep | Mint Juleps are available as soon as the gates open - 8:00am - and the last call is at post time for the 14th race, approximately 8:10p.m. |
| Watch the Garland of Roses arrive at Gate 18 from Kroger | Approximately 9:45a.m. |
| Make a Trip to the Infield and See What's Happening with Party-goers on the Inside of the Track | Anytime |
| Visit the Red Carpet, at Gate 10 and Spot a Celebrity | Celebrities will be walking the Red Carpet from approximately 12:30p.m. to 2:30p.m. |
| Make a Trip to the Paddock and Get an Up-close View of the Horses | Horses will be in the Paddock 20 minutes prior to each race, for each of the 14 Races. See the Post Times schedule for details. |
| Kentucky Derby & Oaks 143 artwork signing with artist Jim Cantrell in the Plaza | 1:00p.m. to 2:00p.m. |
| Watch the Military Armed Forces Enlistment Ceremony, in the Trackside Winner's Circle | Approximately 1:20p.m. |
| Kentucky Derby & Oaks 143 artwork signing with artist Jim Cantrell in the Plaza | 3:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. |
| Watch & listen to the National Anthem performed by multiple Grammy award winner Harry Connick Jr. | Approximately 5:08p.m. |
| Watch the 50/50 Raffle Drawing on the Horseshoe balcony near Gate 1 | Approximately 5:20p.m. |
| Toast a Glass of G.H.Mumm Champagne as we toast the Kentucky Derby in the Winner's Circle | Approximately 5:40p.m. |
| Watch the Track as the Kentucky Derby Contenders and their Connections walk from their barn to the Paddock, in preparation for the Kentucky Derby Race | Approximately 6:06p.m. |
| Listen for the "Riders Up" call as the jockey's are instructed to mount their horses, and take to the track. | Approximately 6:31p.m. |
| Sing "My Old Kentucky Home" with 160,000 fellow Kentucky Derby Fans | Approximately 6:32p.m. |
| Watch "the most exciting two minutes in sports," the Kentucky Derby | They're off at 6:46p.m. |
| Cheer as the Kentucky Derby Winning Horse is draped with a Garland of Roses and the Winning Connections are presented with the Kentucky Derby Trophy. | Immediately following the Kentucky Derby Race |