MacDill Happenings

If you can’t make it to Churchill Downs this weekend for the 135rd Kentucky Derby, then do the next best thing and come over Tampa Bay Downs 11225 Race Track Road in Tampa. Ladies dress up and take out your best large brimmed hat and your silver mint julep glasses to toast the big horse race at Churchill Downs on Saturday. There are several long-standing traditions associated with the race each year and the most common tradition would be to place bets on the races. Everyone places their wagers and crosses their fingers that their horse crosses the finish line first. Another long standing tradition is for a guest at the track to indulge in a mint julep. A mint julep is an alcoholic beverage that consists of a sugar syrup, fresh mint, Kentucky bourbon, and lots of ice. The Kentucky derby is a long-standing tradition in Lexington, Kentucky. Each year, the most prestigious horse race takes place and is often said to be the most exhilarating two minutes of horse-racing history. The Derby has taken place each year at Churchill Downs, which is the name of the race track that was inaugurated in 1875. The track length is over one mile in length, and each year the stands are packed with over 150,000 onlookers. At Tampa Bay Downs, there will be 13 races starting at noon, including the $75,000 Chris Thomas Turf Classic, before the jumbo screen shows the Derby at 6 pm. Admission is $2.