Sights, sounds and observations from a first-time Kentucky Derby attendee

I’ve lived in Kentucky for about two-thirds of my life, but I had never been to the Kentucky Derby. Outside of a few rodeo events, I had never even been to a horse race.

But that all changed Saturday.

I schlepped through the mud and muck to help manage the Herald-Leader’s outstanding coverage of this year’s Derby — and also, I suppose, to share a few observations.

The Kentucky Derby is a strange place. Churchill Downs is a strange place. Louisville is a strange place.

So here’s what I saw, thought, heard and smelled during a marathon day capped off by the most exciting two minutes in sports.

• Why is it still socially acceptable to smoke cigars in public places when they smell like that and the stench is that strong, even when we’re outside? I get it. Tradition, victory cigars, whatever. But cigars, even good ones, smell like wet, hot, burning garbage in the middle of summer, and under any other circumstances, a person would be shunned for stinking up the joint like that.
• Why didn’t anyone tell me to bring a rain poncho?
• The Kentucky Derby was significantly less commercial than I expected. I anticipated an event of this magnitude would feel like a cross between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri, but that wasn’t the case. The Derby somehow maintains a sense of identity that hasn’t been entirely consumed by the bad kind of kitsch.
• The most popular booth in the infield, by far, was the one that sold (gave away?) cans of nicotine pouches called Zyns. The bros loved it. And you know what, I support it. More Zyns, fewer cigars, please.
• Vendors at Churchill coax Derby-goers into buying drinks like carnival barkers. “It’s warmer with a drink in hand!” “We have cover from the rain! And drinks too!”
• My directional skills are essentially in a constant state of having been spun around blindfolded and then released into unfamiliar terrain. So Churchill Downs presented a real problem for me. That place is huge, and I got lost several times.
• I saw at least two people crying on the infield. I wish I could’ve asked why, but they were crying pretty hard.
• It was strange not to see any DraftKings or FanDuel advertisements around Churchill. It’s been years since I’ve attended a sporting event without them. Strictly horse betting apps for the horse folks.
• The final 30 minutes before post time were absolutely electric. There was a buzz throughout Churchill that’s hard to put into words, and it was a reminder of one of the best things about live sports.

And finally, a recap of songs I heard throughout the day to give you a sense of the party:

“Grove Street Party” by Waka Flocka Flame.

“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood.

“Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan.

“Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon.

“Sweet Dreams” by the Eurythmics.

“Baby,” by Justin Bieber.

“DJ Turn it Up” by Yellow Claw.

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem.

“I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.

“The Time” by the Black Eyed Peas.

“Party Rock” by LMFAO.

“Hotel Room Service” by Pitbull.

This story was originally published May 4, 2025 at 4:00 AM.