In the car heading back home with 402 miles left to go so a great time to reflect back on our 2 days at Churchill Downs.
Our Hotel
We stayed at the Days Inn & Suites Crane Run Drive, which was within 2 miles of Churchill Downs. The hotel was very nice, clean, and a friendly helpful staff. The rooms were comfortable and icluced breakfast. The best part is they provided free car service to the track and back, which only took 10 minutes even on the return trip. If your staying in town the trip can take an hour or more. The only downside to our location was it was very hard to get taxi service after the race to go places. The only place within walking distance to the hotel to eat is a waffle house. Of course if you have a car and can drive after a day at the track this is not an issue. For us this became a bit of a problem Friday night after the Oaks.
The Oaks
Our day did not start so well. First as we were almost to the track I realized I had left something important back in the room. Thankfully we were close enough to go back & our driver didn't mind. Than we got to the gate with a backpack full of items needed for the day only to be told no backpacks. We found some very nice security guys who not only got us a plastic bag to transfer our stuff but kept our backpack for us. It was there at the end of the day.
Even with all this we were still inside early enough to walk around & get some great pictures before it got too crowded. There was plenty to see. Most people were dressed in pink and of course some great hats. We had grandstand seats but at the far end. Its a very big track and unless you are up high or at the finish line its hard to see much of the race. Most of the time your watching from a large screen. The funny thing is they didn't have many screens set up for you to watch. Only the big money seats have good views.
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| The infield |
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| The Backside |
In the afternoon we took a walk to the infield to experience that party. The dress is much more casual and lots of fun hats. It was fun to walk around checking it all out. In the tunnel you use to get to the infield there is a guy playing the Sax which was pretty cool.
Of course we had to try the drink of the day, the Oak Lily, which comes in a special Oaks glass. It was so good, we now have a whole set of glasses.
Just before the run for the Lilies race we went to the paddock to see the horse before they enter the track. It was crowded but we were able to get a good spot to see each horse with its jockey walk out.
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| Plum Pretty |
That was really cool. We watched the race from there and I had the winner, Plum Pretty. It was a fun day had by all.
Kentucky Derby pictures to follow.
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