5 best Kentucky Derby traditions

The 143rd annual Kentucky Derby will be ran at Churchill Downs on Saturday. These are the best traditions surrounding the event.

Tradition is the backbone of every great sport. Sports wouldn’t be what they were without history and legacy, which get wrapped up into the history of the event. On Saturday, the 143rd Kentucky Derby will take place and very few events match it in traditions.

When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, tradition is bigger than the race itself. The buildup to the event is focused just as much on what’s going on off the track, as much as it is about what will be going on during the race.

That’s why people flock to Churchill Downs each year. It’s about taking part in the spectacle and being able to join in the Kentucky traditions. With yet another Kentucky Derby set to take place, it’s time to look at the five best traditions.

5. The hats

When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, very few things stand out as much as the hats. Wearing a hat that is completely over the top and makes everyone take notice is essentially dress code for attending the event.

Everyone tries to show off with their giant hats and it’s certainly the bane of every short person’s existence trying to see over them. This is one of the staple traditions and one of the first things that pops to mind when thinking about the derby.

It’s not just the ladies that wear the giant hats either. Even plenty of guys try to wear a fancy hat to match the designer suit that they have on. For an event that’s run on dirt, it’s all about class and elegance.