LOUISVILLE, Ky. _ For centuries, thoroughbred racing has been a mainstay of Kentucky's culture. Three generations of families will go to the races together, and not just on event days. The ultimate experience is Derby weekend, when as many as 275,000 show up in their fanciest outfits.
Elaborate dresses for the ladies, and pink or white shirts and black bow ties for the men, were on display. The endless lines to the ladies' rooms looked like impromptu fashion shows.
"People rally around horse racing here, everywhere you go," said California-based trainer Bob Baffert, a five-time Derby winner who calls Churchill Downs "our second home."
"What I love about the Derby is the buildup. That's part of the whole process to enjoy the Derby."
As always, thousands flocked to the backstretch during the week to see the Derby runners work out. They didn't necessarily know which ones they were watching, but that didn't matter. Being part of the scene, savoring the vibe and absorbing the anticipation of the big race late Saturday afternoon, was the irresistible lure.
Agent Doug Bredar represents transplanted Frenchman Florent Geroux, who joined the jockey elite with multiple stakes victories on 2017 Horse of the Year Gun Runner and last year's 3-year-old filly champion and Kentucky Oaks winner, Monomoy Girl.
To Bredar, the Derby's confusion and mystery make it unique among the great races of the world.
"I think it's an incredibly difficult choice for a rider if he has to decide (between two mounts)," Bredar said. "Horses are running in prep races all over the country before they come here. Pedigrees can give you a guideline, and so can their running styles. But you just don't know."
