The Kentucky Derby is something that people wait for all year, so they can don their giant hats and enjoy the pricey bottle of bourbon that they have painstakingly avoided cracking open all year in anticipation of using it to kick-off the event. Texas is far removed from Churchill Downs, but there are plenty of us in the Lone Star State who love to watch the race with the pomp and circumstance it deserves. For those of you who are new to the Derby and want to make sure you aren’t the only one in the room who doesn’t know what’s going on, we have put together a handy guide to help.
First thing’s first, when and where is the Kentucky Derby held?
Date: May 5, 2018
Time: 9:30 AM – 7:50 PM CT
Post Time: 5:34 PM CT
Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
Channel: NBC from 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM CT
Where in Austin can I go to watch the Kentucky Derby?
Trifecta
360 Nueces Street #30, Austin, TX 78701
Cinco de Derby 2018
Come for the appetizer buffet from 2 PM to 4 PM with the race starting at 5:34 PM. The first 30 people get a souvenir glass as well. Enjoy signature mint juleps or some of the 99 bourbons offered.
Second Bar and Kitchen
The Austonian, 200 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Derby Day Party on the terrace
Enjoy food, juleps, and champagne. Come dressed for the event for the chance to win the best dressed/hat contests. Prizes include $150 gift cards to Stag or Kendra Scott!
Nickel City
1133 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Derby Day Party Outdoors
This outdoor party with live music is free to attend but if you purchase tickets in advance, you can take part in an early whiskey tasting, get raffle tickets for Maker’s Mark gift baskets and drinks, as well as swag bag goodies.
Boiler Nine Bar + Grill
800 W Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Derby Day Party on the roof
The Boiler Nine party will be on the restaurant’s rooftop deck in downtown Austin. There will be $5 mint juleps and frozen Pimm’s Cups, as well as snacks available starting at 3 PM. **Audio only event** You can also take part in their Durty Derby Party in the restaurant with rosé juleps at 8 PM.
The Four Seasons Hotel Austin
98 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
8th Annual Derby Day Party in the Lobby Lounge
This is The Four Seasons’ eighth annual Derby Day Party. It takes place from 2 pm to 6 pm in the Lobby Lounge with lots of events. There will be trivia, contests, giveaways, as well as a build-your-own mint julep bar and awesome pop-up hat shop! Your $25 admission will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas.
For more information, call the Lobby Lounge at 512 685 8150.
Now, let’s talk horses.
20 horses are selected to race in the Derby with clear leaders going in. This year, the race was also open to horses from Japan and Europe through the Road to the Kentucky Derby Program. Only three-year-old thoroughbreds are eligible to race in the Kentucky Derby. Horses accumulate derby points throughout the year across 35 different races.
The top horses on the Kentucky Derby leaderboards are:
US Kentucky Derby Leaderboard
#1 Midnight Bisou
#2 Monomoy Girl
#3 Sassy Sienna
#4 My Miss Lilly
#5 Chocolate Martini
#6 Coach Rocks
#7 Rayya
#8 Wonder Gadot
#9 Eskimo Kisses
#10 Take Charge Paula
Japan Kentucky Derby Leaderboard
#1 Sumahama
#2 Ruggero
#3 Taiki Ferveur
#4 Le Vent Se Leve
Europe Kentucky Derby Leaderboard
#1 Mendelssohn
#2 Gronkowski
The Perfect Mint Julep Recipe
Are you hosting your own Kentucky Derby Party? Make sure to invite us and try out this awesome mint julep recipe on your own. The Park Place Team loves to enjoy a good mint julep while watching The Kentucky Derby.
Our favorite recipe is a simple one:
1 ½ ounce Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
1 ½ tsp Powdered Sugar
Fresh Mint Leaves
Crushed Ice
Water
1) Muddle Sugar, Mint and a Splash of Water
2) Add Bourbon, Crushed Ice, and a little more water
3) Garnish with Mint
When selecting a good bourbon for a Mint Julep, Rob prefers Woodford Reserve while Justin prefers Maker’s 46. If you are in the Austin area we suggest you check out a perfect Mint Julep at Trifecta located at 360 Nueces Street.
Have fun this weekend and if Park Place Finance can help you with any mortgage lending needs on your race to own a home, please contact us today!