What is your Kentucky Derby experience?

My answer on Quora:

I’ve been to the Derby in about every location on track that they have - infield, grandstand, paddock only, clubhouse, corporate tent - haven’t been to millionaire’s row or the turf club though! Before 9–11 we could party in the barn area and that was the best of course but very restricted nowadays. If you want to see old pics from the backside on Derby Day, check out this link - Louisville Horse Community, photos and videos from local horse events

I always had fun, but you have to put in the effort to dress comfortably for where you will be, and the weather, and personally I probably won’t ever attend again unless I can go to the clubhouse or turf club, ha. The cost of a clubhouse ticket for one person on Derby Day is minimum $2000. Turf Club I’m guessing around $10,000.

Like another writer said, the TV experience is very good because you get all the background stories on the horses, owners, trainers, jockeys. You don’t get all that when you’re at the track. If you’re lucky enough to have a front row seat at the Derby, it really is a thrill to be there in person.

Training for the Trainers

The #1 question asked here is "how can I become a trainer"?  In recent years that question has become a little easier to answer due to the "Groom Elite" program.  We're happy to report that there are new classes coming up that include the Trainers' Exam Prep class.  Find out more at https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/231832/groom-elite-announces-three-new-classes

The #2 question asked here is "how can I become an exercise rider at the track"?  The answer to that one is sadly still the same as it ever was, a long work in progress that I detail in this article, http://racehorsetrainers.com/article/example-website-article-1/

I say the answer is sad because I feel there should be a more formal and affordable course for exercise riders to take before they try to gallop horses at the track.  Something like this really should be required for riders to get a track license. This is very badly needed today as veteran riders are aging and retiring, and young riders are showing up at the racetrack unprepared for that environment.  Accidents are increasing because some new riders don't understand the rules of morning training hours and some don't have the experience to be able to stay aboard and control very fit thoroughbreds.

Maybe Groom Elite can add an exercise rider class to their program.