In Pictures: Kentucky Derby Week Off to a Glittering Start as Thousands of Fans Join the Extravaganza

One of the biggest events in the world of equestrian sports is nearly upon us. In six days, the 2023 edition of the Kentucky Derby will open its gates to competitors and attendees. The Derby is the longest-running major sports event in North America. It’s been held every year since 1875. However, a week before the event’s 149th run gets underway, thousands gathered to celebrate opening night and the first day of Derby week.

Unlike many other sporting events, the Kentucky Derby attendees pay a lot of attention to their outfits. In keeping with tradition, the audiences at opening night flaunted their elegant and colorful outfits, and of course, extravagant hats. Over 20,000 fans also witnessed the Roxelana Overnight Stakes. The official Kentucky Derby Instagram page kept everyone updated with the latest pictures.

The most stylish night in horse racing

Now that derby week has started, their official Instagram page has been on overdrive mode, making multiple every few hours. As the fans arrived at Churchill Downs, Louisville, the derby page began sharing pictures of their well-dressed attendees. The Derby page posted a set of photos with the caption “Dress to impress,” showing how the diverse crowd dressed up for the big night.

From floral designs on dresses, to elegant hats strewn with more floral designs, to bold colors like pink suits, the fans didn’t hold back. The Derby page also posted several stories, where they showed attendees participating in fun activities like photo-ops, “wearable live art,” by KMAC Couture, and more. The venue was stunningly decorated with purple and white lights illuminating the iconic twin spires of Churchill Downs. Besides dressing up and fun activities, fans also got to witness the Roxelana Overnight Stakes.

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The Kentucky Derby Opening night race

The opening night of the Kentucky Derby also treated fans to horse racing. The first race began at 6 pm, and at the end of the night, Frank Fletcher Racing’s Frank’s Rockette won the Roxelana Overnight Stakes. The mare under Junior Alverado won $175,000 Saturday night, beating Last Leaf. 

Frank’s Rockette ran six furlongs in a record time of 1:09.26. In her 10th stakes win, the 6-year-old daughter of Into Mischief won the race by three-quarters of a length. With four years of experience on the tracks, Frank’s Rockkette’s picked up her 12th career win in 26 starts. The mare also has a good record at Churchill Downs, as this was her third win out of five starts at the historic venue.

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Thousands of fans turned up to celebrate the opening night of the Kentucky Derby. However, there is a lot more to come before May 6 arrives.