Excitement levels are already at an all-time high ahead of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby in 2023. But, organizers are already planning on upping the ante ahead of the 2024 edition, which will be the historic 150th time that the famous Triple Crown race has been staged.
Organizers are also offering a number of celebrations across the week leading into the 150th running, and there will be a number of other fan experiences available to get closer to the action at Churchill Downs.
So, this is the perfect time to download the TwinSpires horse racing betting app and get your picks for the race going.
Competition For ‘Derby of a Lifetime’
One of the most exciting offerings available at the new Derby150 website that has been created for the Kentucky Derby next year is an unbelievable prize that all fans can enter to win. The competition will see fans get an unrivaled experience at the famous race in 2024, made up of two Derby Day tickets, as well as round trip airfare.
As well as that, organizers will cover ground transportation and accommodation costs for the lucky winner and a guest.
The prize winner will also be able to set foot on the famous Churchill Downs paddock, and walk the Kentucky Derby red carpet. The competition is now open, and a winner will be drawn at random monthly from the end of January.
Upgrades Ahead of 150th Edition
Churchill Downs has been working hard to offer an unrivaled experience to those attending the Kentucky Derby, with all their emphasis put on the 150th edition of the race next year. Improvements have been made to the track, with the $200 million renovation set to be completed at some point before the start of 2024.
The changes will see additional space for walking horses in the parade ring, while there will be additional room for 3,600 seats and over 3,000 standing tickets. These new changes will also offer more unrivalled access for hospitality guests, with premium club spaces and dining options set to be available in time to witness the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby in 2024.
Why Is The Kentucky Derby So Special?
There are few sporting events on the U.S. calendar that garner as much excitement as the Kentucky Derby. It is the longest running sporting event in the country, having taken place annually since 1875. Furthermore, it was also staged throughout the World Wars and the COVID pandemic when other sporting events were halted.
It is a historical race, and forms the opening leg of the Triple Crown series for thoroughbreds in the United States. Following the Kentucky Derby, horses can then compete in the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes to join the lines of Secretariat and American Pharoah that have claimed victories in all three prestigious races.
It is also a day where both horse racing and fashion collide, with as much emphasis put on the social aspect of the day as the racing actually taking place on track. Therefore, it is an occasion that even captures the imagination of fans that don’t watch horse racing regularly throughout the year.
When Is The 2023 Kentucky Derby?
Before we get excited about the 150th edition of the race, we first have an enthralling renewal of the Kentucky Derby in 2023 to look ahead to. This year’s race will be staged on Saturday, May 6, with Forte looking to land success for Todd Pletcher.
The winner of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile has been the long-time favorite to land Derby success, but Angel of Empire, Practical Move, and Kingsbarns could all still have key roles to play.
There is also an international feel to the race this year, with Derma Soto Gake looking to become the first Japanese-trained winner of the illustrious race.
