The 146th edition of the Kentucky Derby will be unlike any that came before it. Why? Because it will be held during a global pandemic. With that being said, the world's most famous horse race is set for Saturday, September 5, 2020.
Posted By FairwayJay on May 6, 2019 - Last Updated on May 8, 2019 Fans continue to enjoy betting on horse racing's biggest events. Wagering from all sources on the 2019 Kentucky Derby set an all-time record with $165.5 million bet on the American Classic. That represented a 10% increase over last year's Derby record handle of $149.9 million. A chaotic Triple Crown season continues apace, with the scratch from the Kentucky Derby of Omaha Beach. Professional handicappers share their ideas for managing the chaos at the betting windows. The Kentucky Derby is less than a week away, and the Run for the Roses is shaping up to be a more wide-open race in 2019. While fans and recreational race bettors focus on the favorites, the professional players and bettors interested in a better payoff believe this will be the year that a favorite does not win the Kentucky Derby. Best Bet on the Kentucky Derby 2019. By Trevor Whenham - 4/30/2019. The horses are all in Louisville. The draw has been made, and the morning line is set. Now all we can do is wait until post time.
You may be an annual Kentucky Derby bettor or just someone who likes Mint Juleps. But if you're planning on watching 'The Run for the Roses,' or throwing a party, PlayUSA has some ideas to help make it memorable, safe, and perhaps, even profitable during COVID-19.
The Kentucky Derby has run consecutively each year since 1875 at the world-famous Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville,Kentucky. Like the Masters golf tournament, it is an event heavily steeped in the traditions of a largely bygone era.
Derby parties–thrown at homes (à la the Oscars), restaurants and bars–are a common staple of the annual event. Signature Derby dress, food, and beverages are preordained through decades of repetition and reverence.
The 2020 Kentucky Derby field
The Kentucky Derby is, above all things, a horse race. But as mentioned, this year's race will be different. Millions of people will be betting on the race, but zero will be in attendance.
To help slow the spread of COVID-19, Churchill Downs has decided to run the race without fans.
CDI issued the following statement:
'The health and safety of our team, fans, and participants is our highest concern. Churchill Downs has worked diligently over the last several months to plan a safe Derby with a limited number of spectators in attendance. We were confident in that plan, but dedicated to remaining flexible using the best and most reliable information available. With the current significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Louisville as well as across the region, we needed to again revisit our planning. We have made the difficult decision to hold this year's Kentucky Derby on September 5 without fans.'
You can view the full statement here.
The decision was met with support from Gov. Andy Besher who said he applauds Churchill Downs for continuing to monitor the virus and for making the right and responsible decision.
'I am asking all Kentuckians to take action to stop the spread of the virus so we can get back to the many traditions we enjoy, like the Kentucky Derby,' Besher said.
Last year's race ended in controversy when Maximum Security (10:1) was disqualified for interference, the first on-track disqualification in history.
Eventual winner, Country House (65-1), was not even on the radar.
The Run for the Roses may lack the fan experience of all previous years, but it will not diminish the achievements for all involved. Tiz the law comes it at the favorite but it's been a couple of years since the favorite walked away as the winner.
The Kentucky Derby Official Site
Based on the name alone, Art Collector sounds like a great name for a winning thoroughbred.
Here are the top nine horses in terms of odds right now:
- Tiz the law 4:5
- Art Collector 6:1
- Honor A.P. 7:1
- Authentic 8:1
- Thousand Words 20:1
- King Guillermo 25:1
- NY Traffic 25:1
- Caracaro 28:1
- Dr. Post 30:1
The rest of the field is set at odds 25:1 or longer. The horse with the longest odds is Necker Island (200:1).
The Kentucky Derby Wiki
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby
There are several different ways to put a bet on the Kentucky Derby. First of all, residents in 32 states have the ability to place horse racing wagers through their mobile devices.
Companies that serve these states can vary. However, if possible, you should try to stick to one of these three sites to bet:
- BetAmerica
- Twin Spires
Both TVG and BetAmerica appear to be legal in all 32 states and are some of the best horse racing sites out there. Twin Spires (where available) maybe the most appropriate to bet the Derby since it is the online arm of Churchill Downs itself.
Bet On The Kentucky Derby 2019 Results
If you happen to reside in a state without online betting, or you prefer a live experience, it is possible to bet the Kentucky Derby from many horse tracks around the country. Many locations are simulcast facilities, and their tellers are perfectly capable of accepting wagers on the Run for the Roses.
Off-track betting facilities can also assist anyone who would like to bet on the Derby. The availability of these facilities varies on a state-by-state basis.
How to throw a Kentucky Derby Party during a pandemic
'The health and safety of our team, fans, and participants is our highest concern. Churchill Downs has worked diligently over the last several months to plan a safe Derby with a limited number of spectators in attendance. We were confident in that plan, but dedicated to remaining flexible using the best and most reliable information available. With the current significant increases in COVID-19 cases in Louisville as well as across the region, we needed to again revisit our planning. We have made the difficult decision to hold this year's Kentucky Derby on September 5 without fans.'
You can view the full statement here.
The decision was met with support from Gov. Andy Besher who said he applauds Churchill Downs for continuing to monitor the virus and for making the right and responsible decision.
'I am asking all Kentuckians to take action to stop the spread of the virus so we can get back to the many traditions we enjoy, like the Kentucky Derby,' Besher said.
Last year's race ended in controversy when Maximum Security (10:1) was disqualified for interference, the first on-track disqualification in history.
Eventual winner, Country House (65-1), was not even on the radar.
The Run for the Roses may lack the fan experience of all previous years, but it will not diminish the achievements for all involved. Tiz the law comes it at the favorite but it's been a couple of years since the favorite walked away as the winner.
The Kentucky Derby Official Site
Based on the name alone, Art Collector sounds like a great name for a winning thoroughbred.
Here are the top nine horses in terms of odds right now:
- Tiz the law 4:5
- Art Collector 6:1
- Honor A.P. 7:1
- Authentic 8:1
- Thousand Words 20:1
- King Guillermo 25:1
- NY Traffic 25:1
- Caracaro 28:1
- Dr. Post 30:1
The rest of the field is set at odds 25:1 or longer. The horse with the longest odds is Necker Island (200:1).
The Kentucky Derby Wiki
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby
There are several different ways to put a bet on the Kentucky Derby. First of all, residents in 32 states have the ability to place horse racing wagers through their mobile devices.
Companies that serve these states can vary. However, if possible, you should try to stick to one of these three sites to bet:
- BetAmerica
- Twin Spires
Both TVG and BetAmerica appear to be legal in all 32 states and are some of the best horse racing sites out there. Twin Spires (where available) maybe the most appropriate to bet the Derby since it is the online arm of Churchill Downs itself.
Bet On The Kentucky Derby 2019 Results
If you happen to reside in a state without online betting, or you prefer a live experience, it is possible to bet the Kentucky Derby from many horse tracks around the country. Many locations are simulcast facilities, and their tellers are perfectly capable of accepting wagers on the Run for the Roses.
Off-track betting facilities can also assist anyone who would like to bet on the Derby. The availability of these facilities varies on a state-by-state basis.
How to throw a Kentucky Derby Party during a pandemic
Bet On The Kentucky Derby 2019 Disqualification
Invitations
In a traditional year, Kentucky Derby party invitations would be of high-quality stock, and, preferably not electronic if you want to stick with the nostalgic motif. While you can still take this route, invitations during a pandemic could easily be sent electronically.
You can still set a time for the party that will allow for plenty of pre-race celebration. Early afternoon is ideal. In keeping with tradition, just because the party is virtual doesn't mean you have to skip dressing up.
Dress code
People dress for the Kentucky Derby as a sort of throwback to a more genteel time in the cultural South. So, proper attire requires a mixture of both formality and gaudiness.
The crown jewel, literally, of Kentucky Derby wear is the hat. A Kentucky Derby hat tends to be a wide-brimmed affair with some sort of over-the-top accessory adorning the band. Straw hats with bows or ribbon or fascinators work well.
Women typically wear these hats along with colorful patterned, ruffled or gingham dresses, or other floral garments. Men will usually wear suits, but some degree of gauche, preppy design is usually desirable (think seersucker, bowties, pastels, linen, bowler hats.) It's definitely a time to be loud, bold, and over-the-top. In other words, foul fashion-wearing poker player John Hesp would feel right at home at the Derby.
Social distancing party or virtual party
If you're playing it safe and opting to host your Kentucky Derby party online, you can do so via the many video conference apps out there.
- Zoom
- Skype
- FaceTime
Should you opt to have a few people in attendance be sure to follow they are either in your usual 'pod' or stay at the recommended 6-foot social distancing guidelines courtesy of the CDC. To add another layer of virus protection, wear a mask for your event and have guests wear masks too. If you all want to give a nod to the Derby's famed over-the-top style, wear a mask — but make it fashion.
Food and beverage
The Kentucky Derby may be the only sporting event with a well-known official beverage. The Mint Julep has been a staple at the race for decades, so having a Derby party without serving them/or drinking one, would be a cardinal sin.
For those who don't know, a mint julep is a unique concoction of bourbon, mint, water, and sugar. Woodford Reserve bourbon is the official whiskey of the Derby, but any good bourbon will do. For that matter, bourbon is pretty good as-is. The recipe is also easy to make, and if you want to get extra fancy, serve them in official silver Julep cups.
For food, you can't go wrong with the authentic Kentucky dish called hot brown. Basically, a hot brown is an open-faced turkey and bacon sandwich covered in Mornay sauce or cheese. It was invented at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, hence the name.
For dessert, naturally, serve derby pie. Derby pie is a chocolate and walnut tart that is so famous, people go to court over its naming rights.
Bet On The Kentucky Derby 2019 Contenders
Failing all of the above, you can use dishes served on the grounds of Churchill Downs. The racetrack itself publishes the recipes for all different types of food cooked for guests there.
Above all else, the Derby is a time to have fun, even during a global pandemic. Dress up, get loud, and yell for your favorite horse. If you have guests over, be smart, be safe. If you opt to go the virtual route, that's okay too. If you're having trouble getting into the spirit, a couple of Julep's should help.
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How to bet at a Kentucky Derby party
Planning on attending or hosting a Kentucky Derby party this year? Betting on your favorite horse(s) is a big part of the fun, and you don't have to be at the track to get involved.
These tips will ensure you and your guests get a run for your money during the Run for the Roses:
Bet with your computer or mobile device
If you live in one of the many states that allows advance deposit wagering (ADW), you're in luck—you can place bets online and await the results from home. A popular option is TwinSpires.com, the official wagering partner of the Kentucky Derby. TwinSpires users can place bets on their computer or mobile device and enjoy high-quality livestreams of all the action. Even better, new players can take advantage of a $100 signup bonus.
Get your bets in early
Don't assume you'll have a chance to bet the Derby in the final minutes before post time—once your party gets going, time is bound to fly. Plan your wagers beforehand and place them well before the race, double-checking each bet for accuracy. This goes double if you're placing bets on behalf of your friends and family. You don't want to congratulate your cousin on winning a $5 show bet, only to realize you submitted the wrong number and actually wagered his money on a losing horse.
Play party games
Games are a fun way to get everyone involved without necessarily spending a single cent. Write the names of every Kentucky Derby runner on slips of paper, place them in a hat, and let guests randomly draw a name to determine which horse they'll play.
From here, the variations on gameplay can be infinite. You could arrange for everyone to place a $2 win bet on their chosen horse, giving them a real rooting interest in the outcome. Or you could bet with 'Monopoly money,' wagering imaginary amounts and calculating what each player's winnings would have been. Consider writing down various dollar amounts on slips of paper so players can choose their wager amounts at random; use a wide range of values ($2, $100, $1 billion) for maximum entertainment.
- Which Party Games should I play?
- Other ways to pick a winner:
The Derby Hat Draw
Horse Auction Action
Lucky Longshots
Vegas at the Derby
Spin the Bottle Bet Selector
Even more games to try!
Bet Shares - Create a ticket and split the cost
Refer a Friend and get $10
Practice your betting with free-to-play games here
How to bet your favorite horse
How to bet on a budget
Bet On The Kentucky Derby 2019 Controversy
Where to get started and how to win at Kentucky Derby party pools and group games!
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race—it's a national event. Like the Super Bowl or March Madness, folks who don't normally follow Thoroughbred horse racing will tune in to watch (and wager) on the Derby, which has been held every year since 1875.
Planning to join in with a wager or two of your own? Whether you're paying a visit to Churchill Downs or partying from the comfort of your home, these five tips will help you get the most enjoyment out of your Derby betting foray.
Read about the contenders
- Bet the favorites
- Have a plan
- Get your bets in early
- Play party games
Good luck!