The 2018 Kentucky Derby is the 144th annual Kentucky Derby. It is taking place May 5 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. 20 horses will compete for a purse of $2 million.
BEFORE THE RACE
The South Point Race Book is offering a Kentucky Derby Handicapping Seminar for racing fans on May 4 from 6 to 7 p.m. The seminar gives horse racing enthusiasts a chance to preview competing horses and learn complete racing histories from host and expert handicapper Patrick McQuiggan. This event is free and open to the public.
Head to Fiesta Henderson for a Kentucky Derby seminar at 1 p.m. May 3 in the race book. Led by race experts Jerry Jacovitz and Ralph Siraco.
Experts dole out all the Derby information you’ll need at the race book inside Sunset Station at 6 p.m May 4. The event will be hosted by Chuck Esposito, race and sports director at Sunset Station, and Brian Blessing, host of Sports Book Radio and the Vegas Hockey Hotline. Race experts to be featured at the seminar are Richard Eng from the Daily Racing form, and Steve Davidowitz from Gaming Today and author of several race handicapping books. Pizza and soft drinks will be served during the event.
The Kentucky Derby seminar at Palace Station kicks off at 8 a.m. May 4 inside the race book with expert analysis from Gordon Jones, Richard Saber and Dave Valento. Attendance is free and open to the public.
Come get all the race insight you need at 6:30 p.m. May 4 in the race book at Texas Station’s seminar with guest speaker Jerry Jacovitz.
Join veteran handicapper Bob Ike and Race & Sports Manager Duane Colucci at Rampart Casino for a Derby Day Seminar. Ike will handicap each horse, giving guests a leg up on the race. All participants will be entered into a raffle drawing for Free Slot Play that will be held during the seminar. The seminar is happening at 6 p.m. May 4 in the Cascade Lounge.
KENTUCKY DERBY WATCH PARTIES
BEER PARK will show the highly anticipated race on dozens of HDTVs with live betting available at its in-house sportsbook – —one of a few places in Las Vegas outside of casino sports books to offer live betting. Guests may also bet on the venue’s very own horse race among the staff, dressed as jockeys, for a chance to win free beer. Ladies dressed in their best Derby attire will receive a free glass of champagne, provided by Veuve Clicquot. The outdoors party will also feature Derby-inspired games, including croquet and cornhole, drinks sponsored by Belvedere Vodka, a bar serving mint juleps made with Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky and a trumpet player performing the iconic ‘Boots and Saddles’ bugle call with a traditional herald trumpet.
The MINT Tavern is combining Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby to bring guests drink specials fit for both celebrations. The steed-filled fiesta includes $5 Sauza margaritas, $5 mint juleps and $3 Sauza shots starting at 12 p.m. while showing the race on 18 High-Definition TVs. In addition to festive libations, the Derby de Mayo festivities will continue into the night with live entertainment performed by soul diva, Renee Davis, of the Solid Gold Soul show at Bally’s Las Vegas and Freddie B and the Jazz Band. Entertainment will begin at 9 p.m. and conclude at midnight.
HEXX Kitchen + Bar and Alexxa's Bar at Paris Las Vegas will offer Jim Beam Mint Julips for the day, as well as a Derby Pie, also made with Jim Beam, priced at $9.
Stake out your spot for the Kentucky Derby with VIP seating packages at Caesars Palace Race & Sports Book. Enjoy exclusive upper level or main level seating, drink packages and more.
Cheer on your favorite derby horse and enjoy specials on Woodford Reserve cocktails, Woodford Reserve mint juleps, wine by-the-glass and wine by-the-bottle at Bally’s Las Vegas Race & Sports Book.
Sip on a Woodford Reserve mint julep for $16 at the Kentucky Derby viewing party at the luxurious lobby bar, Bound, inside The Cromwell. Guests can also enjoy a Corona or Modelo with a shot of Sauza Blue for $14 or a full bucket of Corona or Modelo for $40. With Bound located steps away from The Cromwell’s new sportsbook, bet your favorite for a piece of the action.
The Commonwealth in Downtown Las Vegas and the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation are hosting a Kentucky Derby Watch Party and Cinco de Mayo celebration at 2 p.m. May 5. Tickets for Searsuckers & Sombreros are $20 online or $30 at the door. Table and bottle service for 4 people is $200. The Moonshiners brass band will perform and guests are invited to dress in their derby best.
Head to SLS Las Vegas for a day of drink specials at Center Bar, Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen and Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book to celebrate the Kentucky Derby on May 5. Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen, Center Bar and Umami Burger, Beer Garden & Sports Book will offer race fans signature Mint Julep cocktails, priced at $6, in honor of the annual Run for the Roses. Guests who place wagers of $20 or more at the onsite William Hill Sports Book inside Umami Burger will receive a limited-edition William Hill souvenir glass, limited to one per guest while supplies last. Guests may enjoy all of the racing action as it is broadcasted live on Umami’s giant LED video wall, and more than 50 high-definition TVs throughout the restaurant and beer garden.
The South Point Grand Ballroom will host an official viewing party for the Kentucky Derby on May 5 with doors opening at 9 a.m. Horse racing fans can take advantage of various food specials and receive complimentary drink tickets by placing bets at designated wagering stations located throughout the ballroom. Racing enthusiasts have the opportunity to learn handicapping tips and tricks from hosts Patrick McQuiggan, Ralph Siraco and Toby Turrell. This event is free and open to the public.
Watch the Kentucky Day Derby in the race and sportsbook at Rampart Casino. There will be a derby raffle. bettors will receive a certificate for each post position horse (1 – 20) to correspond with the post position number of each horse in the Kentucky Derby. The guests with the matching post position number for each horse (win/place/show) will win a Free Slot Play Bonus in the same amount of mutuels paid for a $20 Win/Place/Show wager. There will also be a souvenir glass giveaway.