There’s a new day of Kentucky Derby Week. What to know about 502’sDay and Champions Day
New Week #NewWeek
A couple watches a race from the infield during the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby is definitely a bucket list event and draws visitors to Kentucky from around the world. Understandably, newbies to the Kentucky Derby are often surprised to learn that the horse racing and festivities are not limited to a single day or race.
The legendary Run for the Roses is always held the first Saturday in May and is preceded on Friday by the Kentucky Oaks and Thurby — yes, that’s a made-up word — is held on the Thursday of Kentuck Derby Week.
While the Kentucky Derby has always been a special day for Kentuckians, as the number of visitors from out of state has swelled, locals shifted their attendance at the track to Friday known as the Kentucky Oaks. But it wasn’t long before Oaks Day at Churchill Downs was also bursting at the seams, attracting upwards of 100,000 race fans.
So, 10 years ago, locals gravitated again, this time to Thursday. Known as Thurby, the Thursday of Kentucky Derby week typically attracts about 50,000 mostly local fans to Churchill Downs.
The grandstand crowd waits for the start of the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Now Churchill Downs is throwing open its gates to fans for two additional special days leading up to mac daddy of horse racing known as the Kentucky Derby — Wednesday is Champions Day and 502’sDay takes place on Tuesday of Derby Week.
And to add to the fun, Churchill is celebrating the horses and the city where the iconic horse race got started. Here’s everything you need to know about the full Kentucky Derby Week of racing at Churchill Downs:
What is 502’sDay at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week?
A crowd watches the Oaks race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky on May 6, 2022.
Tuesday of Kentucky Derby Week finally has a name! It’s been dubbed 502’sDay, named for Louisville’s 502 area code and the day of the week — pretty cute, don’t you think? Thanks to the $5 entrance fee, 502s Day is meant to be a community-wide celebration of all things Louisville. Particular themed events will be included in the day of racing and will be announced at a later date.
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Gates open at 11:30 a.m., first post at 12:45 p.m.
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What is Champions Day at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week?
Trusted Company, daughter of Secretariat, is in a book called Secretariat’s Legacy as the only daughters still alive. March 2, 2023
For the first time in 2023, Wednesday of Derby Week will be Champions Day and will celebrate achievements in thoroughbred racing. Previously held on Tuesdays, Champions Day, this year on May 3, will be dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown run with a limited print giveaway, artist signing, and select premium dining tickets available.
Gates open at 11:30 a.m.
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When is opening night for the spring meet at Churchill Downs?
Christine A. Moore is the original Featured Milliner of the Kentucky Derby and owner of CAM Hats.
Opening Night, which kicks off the spring meet at Churchill Downs, is held this year on Saturday, April 29, and is the perfect chance to join in the spectacle that is Kentucky Derby Week.
This year’s Opening Night includes a Kentucky Derby fashion preview from Rodes For Him & For Her, artistic creations from KMAC Couture designers, style tips from featured Kentucky Derby Milliners and an evening of heart-pounding racing.
Gates open at 5 p.m., and the first post is 6 p.m.
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What do fans drink at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week?
A man grabs a mint julep during the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Like Mardi Gras in Louisiana or Fiesta in San Antonio, Texas, the Kentucky Derby celebration is spread over multiple days, each with its own traditions and personality. We sip mint juleps at the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks Lily during the Kentucky Oaks, and The Woodford Spire on Thurby. With two new days in the mix, undoubtedly there are some mixologists hard at work creating new trackside cocktails for Champions Day and 502’sDay.
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How do I get tickets for the Kentucky Derby?
Big, colorful hats were on display on Oaks Day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on May 6, 2022.
Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the 44-day Spring Meet at Churchill Downs are on sale at churchilldowns.com. The Spring Meet spans nine weeks from April 29 to July 3.
What other special events are taking place during Kentucky Derby Week?
A horse is bathed following a morning workout on the backside of Churchill Downs. April 24, 2021
Dawn at the Downs, Sunday, April 30, and Monday, May 1: Guests can watch horses train while eating a buffet breakfast in the Stakes Room or Millionaires Row
Taste of Derby, Thursday, May 4: A culinary experience with nationally-renowned chefs at the Kentucky International Convention Center
Tickets to those events are available at churchilldowns.com.
After Kentucky Derby Week, the Spring Meet continues through July. Twilight Thursdays, featuring $2 beer, live music, and food trucks take place every Thursday from May 11 to June 29. Downs After Dark will be held Saturday, June 17.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: 502’sDay and new Champions Day added to 2023 Kentucky Derby Week