If you missed this year’s Kentucky Derby, now’s your chance to live vicariously through the photos.
The race, which took place on Saturday, May 6 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, has been dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Fortunately, the celebrations lasted much longer than that.
Drawing a massive crowd each year, the event is a chance for guests to dress up and put on their most extravagant hats while sipping on a refreshing mint julep cocktail, the signature drink of the festival.
Take a look at the celebrations below:
Around 158,000 fans came out to watch this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Source: Kentucky Derby
It was the 143rd running of the race.
There were 20 horses competing.
True to form, some guests were very dressed up for the event.
Others were in more quirky outfits.
It made for great people-watching.
There were lots of hats on display.
Since the 1960s, the hats worn to the festival have become progressively more extravagant, the race organizers say.
Source: Kentucky Derby
Even men were wearing decorative hats.
Although the weather wasn't great ...
... the spectators weren't fazed.
Instead, they were tucking into mint juleps made with whiskey, sugar, and mint. It's been the drink of the event for almost a century.
Source: Kentucky Derby
According to the organizers, around 120,000 mint juleps are sold over the course of the weekend. This translates to 10,000 bottles of whiskey, 1,000 pounds of mint, and 60,000 pounds of ice.
Source: Kentucky Derby
The event is popular with celebrities like Larry David.
It's as much about the party as it is about the racing. Here, musician Morris Day kicks off the celebrations at a nearby hotel the night before the event.
There were parties going on all over the country. Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, who is now the chief entertainment officer for champagne producers, Maison Mumm, organized a party in New York City.
Source: Maison Mumm
There was lots of champagne ...
... and a live screening of the race.
But the biggest celebrations took place in the winner's circle as jockey John Velazquez celebrated his win atop "Always Dreaming."
He sprayed champagne in delight.
