NBC Sports and Kentucky Derby launch interactive experience to inspire fans to host their own Derby parties

By NBC Sports StaffApr 26, 2023, 11:17 AM EDT

NBC Sports and the Kentucky Derby have launched an interactive tour highlighting the activities and pageantry associated with the Kentucky Derby to inspire fans to host their own Kentucky Derby parties ahead of the 149^th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

In partnership with Woodford Reserve, vineyard vines and TwinSpires.com, fans will be able to experience the traditional fashion, special food and drink, and wagering that are synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, including:

Food and Drink: Drink mint juleps and mocktails alongside bite-size appetizers courtesy of Woodford Reserve.
Fashion: vineyard vines is back for their 13th year as the Official Style of the Kentucky Derby. Discover the new Derby Collection, receive giveaways and don a fascinator at the trailer’s rose replica photo op.
Wagering: Learn more about the contenders and betting options for this year’s race with TwinSpires.com and take photos at the trailer’s custom Churchill Downs photo op.

RELATED: How to make a mint julep

Leading up to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 6, the experience will make stops in five cities following yesterday’s kickoff appearance in Dallas, Texas:

Nashville, Tennnesse: April 26 and April 27
Cincinnati, Ohio: April 29
Baltimore, Maryland: May 2
New York, New York: May 4
Louisville, Kentucky: Derby Day (May 6)

All fans that visit the experience can enter for the chance to win the “Ultimate Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Home” and learn more about hosting their own Kentucky Derby party at https://www.kentuckyderby.com/party.

How to watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby

The 149th Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 6. Coverage begins at 12pm ET on NBC, Peacock, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown of horse racing. It is historically run on the first Saturday in May. First run in 1875, this 1 1/4 mile—or 10 furlongs—race runs on the dirt track at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where it has been held since its inaugural running in 1875.

Only 3-year-old Thoroughbreds can qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Eligible horses compete in the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of 35 races around the world. Horses win points for finishing in the top four spots, and the 20 horses with the most points at the end of the series gain entry into the Derby.

Forte works out, waits for Belmont Stakes clearance

Associated PressMay 27, 2023, 3:14 PM EDT

Matt Stone/USA TODAY NETWORK

NEW YORK — Forte, the early Kentucky Derby favorite who was scratched on the day of the race, worked out in preparation for a possible start in the Belmont Stakes on June 10.

Under regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr., Forte worked five-eighths of a mile for Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher. It was the colt’s second workout since being scratched from the Derby on May 6.

“It seems like he’s maintained his fitness level,” Pletcher said. “It seems like everything is in good order.”

Forte was placed on a mandatory 14-day veterinary list after being scratched from the Derby because of a bruised right front foot. In order to be removed from the list, the colt had to work in front of a state veterinarian and give a blood sample afterward, the results of which take five days.

“There’s protocols in place and we had to adhere to those and we’re happy that everything went smoothly,” Pletcher said. “We felt confident the horse was in good order or we wouldn’t have been out there twice in the last six days, but you still want to make sure everything went smoothly and we’re happy everything did go well.”

Pletcher said Kingsbarns, who finished 14th in the Kentucky Derby, will miss the Belmont. The colt is showing signs of colic, although he is fine, the trainer said.

Another Pletcher-trained horse, Prove Worthy, is under consideration for the Belmont. He also has Tapit Trice, who finished seventh in the Derby, being pointed toward the Belmont.

Judge grants Churchill Downs’ request for summary judgment to dismiss Bob Baffert’s lawsuit

Associated PressMay 25, 2023, 9:36 PM EDT

Abbey Cutrer/USA TODAY NETWORK

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A federal judge has granted Churchill Downs’ motion for summary judgment that dismisses Bob Baffert’s claim the track breached due process by suspending the Hall of Fame trainer for two years.

Churchill Downs Inc. suspended Baffert in June 2021 after his now-deceased colt, Medina Spirit, failed a postrace drug test after crossing the finish line first in the 147th Kentucky Derby. The trainer’s request to lift the discipline was denied in February, keeping him out of the Derby for a second consecutive May.

U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings ruled in a 12-page opinion issued Wednesday that Churchill Downs’ suspension of Baffert did not devalue his Kentucky trainer’s license. It cited his purse winnings exceeding $1 million at Keeneland in Lexington and stated that his argument “amounts to a false analogy that distorts caselaw.”

Jennings denied CDI’s motion to stay discovery as moot.

The decision comes less than a week after Baffert-trained colt National Treasure won the Preakness in his first Triple Crown race in two years. His record eighth win in the second jewel of the Triple Crown came hours after another of his horses, Havnameltdown, was euthanized following an injury at Pimlico.

Churchill Downs said in a statement that it was pleased with the court’s favorable ruling as in Baffert’s other cases.

It added, “While he may choose to file baseless appeals, this completes the seemingly endless, arduous and unnecessary litigation proceedings instigated by Mr. Baffert.”

Baffert’s suspension is scheduled to end on June 2, but the track’s release noted its right to extend it “and will communicate our decision” at its conclusion.

How to watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby

What is the Kentucky Derby?

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