​THE KENTUCKY DERBY: A PERSONAL HISTORY

Growing up in rural Kentucky, one hour southwest of Louisville, the home of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, the excitement of “Derby Day” was palpable. More often than not, pulled pork barbecue was in the crockpot early in the morning, filling our farmhouse with one of the most delicious scents in the world (number one being really good fried chicken).

Coverage of the day’s events started in the morning on Louisville-area television stations, so no Saturday morning cartoons for the kiddos. Beautiful flowers, dresses, suits, hats, and horses filled our big color console television (way back before flat-screen sets were even a concept, and “big” was probably something close to a 28 inch screen).

In my house, both of my parents loved horse racing. My dad bought The Racing Form on a regular basis. Both parents studied the racing results on a daily basis during the season. Both knew which horses were the best bets, what a sloppy or dry track meant for certain contenders, which owners and trainers were putting forth the best thoroughbreds. I have fond memories of that shared bond between them, in what was otherwise, often a tumultuous relationship.

Kentucky Derby Day was a day of shared excitement between mom and dad, and it permeated my whole family. “Derby Day” was always a time of unity, happiness, food, and so much excitement.

I grew up hearing names like Wayne Lucas, Bob Baffert, Willie Shoemaker, and Pat Day. These were celebrities just as much as a famous movie star or NBA player. Sometimes we even knew someone who helped train a horse that ran in races leading up to the Derby, or even the Derby itself. Oh, and to me, when I hear “Derby” my first thought is the Kentucky Derby – not Roller Derby or a Derby-style men’s hat. Kentucky Derby for me – always.

I went along with my mom and her girlfriends, or my parents, or other family members, to races at Churchill Downs and Ellis Park on a regular basis. I was taught how to read the forms and I knew the proper way to place a bet – even all about an Exacta Box, Trifecta, and other complicated ways to, more often than not, lose your money.

This culture of horses and racing and all that surrounds it was very real and alive in my world. Nobody I knew in my hometown could ignore Derby Day. You had the television on the races leading up to the big race all day long. You might host or attend a gathering. Benedictine spread (cucumber, cream cheese dip with some spices), barbecue sandwiches, potato salad, baked beans, and sweet iced tea – these were all on hand. Beer and, of course, Kentucky bourbon were there for the adults.

My family and friends did not dress up or wear big fancy hats. We did not actually attend the Kentucky Derby, mostly for financial reasons, but also because the day of the race was so much about family. But watching the elite in Millionaire’s Row, all of the pageantry of spring dresses, hats too big to be practical, white gloves, white or seersucker suits…it was better than any fashion show. It was a fashion show and much more.

The Kentucky Derby itself is marking its 142nd year. It is the longest running sporting event in the United States. And this year, we are coming off the excitement of last year’s American Pharaoh finally being the horse to win a Triple Crown after so many years of failed attempts. As I’m typing this, Dan Fogelberg’s famous song, “Run for the Roses” is stuck in my head, and I do not mind it at all.

In Fargo, I have been hosting parties to celebrate my home state’s big day for seventeen years, only missing one or two years. The past several years, Dempsey’s Public House has been a very accommodating venue for that party. We wear beautiful dresses and dapper suits. We don hats of many shapes, sizes, and designs. We sing the traditional “My Old Kentucky Home” and we eat, drink, and are merry.

Dempsey’s even has the traditional mint julep on hand, something you do not typically see this far north. It is a special day for me that I love to share with my second home of Fargo-Moorhead.

I’ve never been to the actual Kentucky Derby, but I am more than okay with that, as I think the real spirit that I remember from Derby Day is being surrounded by family and friends.

The race itself only lasts two minutes. The excitement, for me, starts about a month before the event. The first Saturday in May triggers memories of shared emotion, tradition, and love.

Kentucky Derby Day is my favorite day, and probably always will be. This year, after the race, if you are on Broadway, look for a group of people in hats. We’ll be mingling with the Zombies from the pub crawl, which also happens to be sharing our special day. As long as they don’t get any blood or guts on my pretty dress and hat, y’all are welcome.

IF YOU GO:

Brittney’s Kentucky Derby Party

Saturday, May 7, 1-6:30 p.m.

Dempsey’s Public House, 226 Broadway N, Fargo