The Kentucky Derby Experience

Do you think your top performers and clients would be interested in watching next year's action in person while enjoying the VIP treatment?

Read on for details of one of the world's most prestigious stakes races and how to build your own unforgettable trip to Churchill Downs in 2020.

145 Years of Roses

The Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. on the first Saturday of each May, is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses. The race has been held each year since 1875, even during both World Wars. It is also known as "The Run for the Roses" in honor of the blanket of roses draped ceremonially over the winner.

As the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, the Derby is followed by the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes. To claim the title of the Triple Crown, the horse must win all three races. This feat has only occurred 12 times in history, including the victory of American Pharaoh in 2015.

Of all stakes races, attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America, drawing over 155,000 fans each year.

Did the Best Horse Win?

The 2019 Kentucky Derby proved to be a controversial year in the history of the Race.

Maximum Security was originally ruled the winning colt, bringing Gary and Mary West the Kentucky Derby win that had eluded them for 40 years, before a surprise ruling stripped them of the title.

Three stewards, horse racing’s version of referees, ruled that when Maximum Security jumped a puddle, he had impeded the progress of a rival off his horse. That meant Maximum Security had committed a foul and could not be declared the winner.

Country House was formally declared the winning horse of the 145^th Kentucky Derby, by disqualification.

See History Unfold in 2020

This year's Derby race is all set for Saturday, September 5th, 2020 at Churchill Downs, with the Oaks Race on Friday, September 4th.

You can sit and watch the telecast at home, or you can witness the pandemonium in person. Imagine breaking out your finest hat or bow tie, sipping a mint julep, then cheering on your chosen horse over the roar of thundering hooves...

Which do you think would leave a greater impression on those most important to your business?

Winspire can help you leverage the allure of the Kentucky Derby into an irresistible incentive. Check out just a few testimonials from our guests that have attended the Derby...

• “Just wanted to say what an awesome time we had. Best sporting event ever! Our table at was absolutely perfect with views of the Twin Spires and the ability to walk and see Paddocks and Races. Didn’t hurt to be close to the cigar bar either!” T.B.
• "Our Derby Experience was beyond amazing!! The staff were very professional, thorough & accommodating - just awesome all the way around!!!" - D.B.
• "Thank you for making our first Kentucky Derby an amazing and memorable event. We look forward to working with your Team again in the near future." J.S.
• "We loved EVERYTHING! We are already planning our next trip, and bringing our friends. Thank you so much for your organization and professionalism...it made the trip our favorite memory!" M.B.
• "No other event could compare to the Kentucky Derby - Best Time in my life." S.W.

Here are sample components we can put together for a customized incentive trip or corporate hospitality package:

• Grandstand Tickets: You’ll have an elevated view of the starting line and final stretch with intimate 5-row seating for increased visibility of all the racing action and the new video board.
• Deluxe Seating: Give your VIPs the best seats in the house. Options include:
• Clubhouse Box Seating. Enjoy first-floor, open-air box seating with exciting views of the first turn and the crossing of the finish line. This gives your party the feel of being right in the middle of the action.
• Infield Suites. Infield suites are located next to the home stretch, where viewers can watch the action from luxurious glass-enclosed rooms or the rooftop patio. The suites face the grandstand and clubhouse sections.
• Millionaires' Row. There’s arguably no vantage point of the Derby that offers more excitement than Millionaires’ Row. Enjoy an unforgettable view from deluxe seating on the 4th, 5th, and 6th level clubhouse right at the finish line.

• Deluxe Hospitality: Churchill Downs has some of the finest hospitality of any sporting event. Each option we offer includes extravagant buffets, patios or rooftop decks, top-shelf bars, televisions, betting machines and breathtaking views of the track and field to make your entire party feel like a VIP. Some hospitality offerings:
• Affirmed Lounge. This exclusive in-track hospitality venue is located in the Kentucky Derby Museum at Gate 1. This venue offers live entertainment, all-you-can-eat buffets, a bourbon lounge, live wagering tellers, closed-circuit TV coverage and more, all in an indoor climate-controlled environment.
• Sunny's Halo Lounge. Situated outside on the rooftop behind sections 326-328, this in-track hospitality venue offers open seating, a live betting parlor, partially covered tables and plenty of fresh air. A celebrity jockey will make an appearance on the day of Derby!

• Turf Club. The Turf Club is an exclusive lounge and dining room located in the clubhouse section of Churchill Downs with panoramic views overlooking the racetrack’s finish line. Celebrities have been known to frequent this area of Churchill Downs, thanks to the gourmet dining, excellent views and first-class service. Your VIPs will also walk away with an Official Derby Experiences gift bag.
• Deluxe Hotel Accommodations in Louisville, KY 
• Private Transfers between Hotel and Churchill Downs. We work with trusted local vendors for seamless transportation and logistics.
• VIP Derby Private Parties Throughout the Week (like The Fillies & Lilies Party, a lively night at the Kentucky Derby Museum and official kick-off party of the Kentucky Derby.) Enjoy live performances, food stations, premium open bars and a private bourbon lounge.

• On-site Private Concierge.
• VIP Fast Access Pass allowing for faster and more secured access into Churchill Downs.
• Horse Farm Tours. Book a fun and informative tour through the heart and soul of Kentucky’s Bluegrass horse country. Tour the ivy covered grounds of Keeneland race course, also home to the world’s most expensive horse auction. Take a peek at the horse farm lifestyle, explore a working horse farm and visit their famous stallions.
• Bourbon Tours. Besides horse racing, Kentucky is known for distilling world-famous bourbon. Must-visit establishments include Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve.

We arrange details in the background, while your organization takes all the credit.

For more information, leave a comment or click below to contact us.