Our readers may experience a bit of culture shock with this article about The Kentucky Derby. We’ve just done Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits of the Barley/Resurrection Day, and we’ve been counting the 50 days of the Omer from Passover to Pentecost. Now that is a lot of exciting, set-aside worship. It has been awesome, and we will continue after these two minutes which are scheduled to happen after sunset on Saturday. This article will step you back into the world a bit, but, it is only two-minutes, and God created these horses.
We need to be honest and graceful here, because I doubt there is anything religious about The Kentucky Derby. Or is there?
I’ve heard a lot of winners giving thanks in the past. There are stories of faith coming from some of these jockeys. https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/horse-racing/2018/05/21/jockey-mike-smith-riding-for-jesus-as-he-chases-the-triple-crown/. These beautiful stories are deeply appreciated. The Derby typically falls into a totally different category though. Don’t let that keep you from finding the fun. Whether it is good or bad is totally up to you and how you choose to participate. I think our part of that participation is pretty innocent.
A SHORT PAUSE FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY
So, today I’m coming to you with all of these thoughts of The Kentucky Derby. Is that a crazy switch or not? Don’t worry, the sun will be set by the race time on Saturday. Sabbath will end before race time begins……barely. Hopefully, we will be able to catch The Kentucky Derby again this year, right after ending the Sabbath.
I’m sure the contrast and change of seasonal subjects may bother a few people. I hope not. I’m simply a lover of horses. This author never gambles (though I used to every now and then.) I just love the beauty, excitement, exuberating feelings of watching horses race.
Apparently, many others agree with me. Have you noticed the blogs that support The Kentucky Derby? Here are links to several of the articles: https://thestripe.com/derby-day/, https://gatheredky.com/blog/the-kentucky-derby-recipe-roundup-2023, https://pineconesandacorns.com/2025/04/my-10-favorite-kentucky-derby-party/,https://cathedralsandcafes.com/the-kentucky-derby-experience-part-1/,https://louwhatwear.com/vineyard-vines-derby-collection/, https://www.derbymuseum.org/myderbystory.html, and there are many more!
HORSES AND TRADITIONS
Well, I’ll admit that there is a whole lot of worldliness associated with the Derby. At least if you want to make it that way. You don’t have to though. I’m not watching for the worldly things. Watching horses race is not a pagan activity as far as I know. Most likely I’ll get some comments saying I’m wrong. I hope my love for horses and beautiful old traditions of the south doesn’t give people the wrong impression.
There is a huge debate on whether or not it is a sin to gamble. Maybe we should let God do the judging, keep our activities low-key and decent, and just display our deep appreciation for the part of creation when God created horses.
Also, there seems to be too much crime, drugs, and alcohol consumption associated with certain aspects of this racing business. I will say that is the case with everything we do and everywhere we go. If you are going to participate in anything these days, caution and exercise of good judgement is absolutely necessary.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the simple pleasures of life in pure and simple ways. I guess that is how I think of the Derby. I totally appreciate the poetic beauty of a horse fulfilling its destiny. Not to mention that the annual festivities also raise money for charities which are very helpful for all of us.
A HISTORY LESSON FROM MY YOUTH
This fascination of horse races goes all the way back to growing up as a teen and living in the tobacco fields of Kentucky for one year of my life. That year, I got the pleasure of being in the fields not to far away and adjacent to Churchill Downs on the day that Secretariat won The Triple Crown!
I can’t think of a more exciting way to become a part of a moment which has melted into the history of a changing culture. I will never forget the thrill of being there, though our seats were only lounge chairs in a field, and our tickets were not in the cherished arena seats.
A few of us had our own party our own way. It was great fun and an unforgettable memory. We were in the vicinity during the moment that history was being made. The whole experience was very exciting. I have loved the stories behind all things Derby ever since.
Every year I try to watch the two minute race. It always takes my breath away. I study the contenders and pick out my favorites, though I never bet. It is enough for me to just keep the tradition quietly at home. I’m probably the only person in my family who would pay attention to this old traditional horse race. I do every year though. Sometimes I invite friends over to share the moment on television. Many years from the past have seen me coordinating our day’s meals with recipes that are traditional to the race. We’ve held Derby parties and had a lot of fun with these activities.
Over a period of several years (almost two decades) I’ve posted blog articles with various thoughts and ideas for Kentucky Derby Parties. We’ve told stories around that year’s events and written poetry of how the horses have inspired us.
This year I’m just going to post some older blog posts about the Derbies of the past, simply for the sake of history. Also, I will add a link at the end of this summary which covers all of the 2025 Derby Day details.
So, here are a few of the old articles we posted. The racing information will be out-of-date now, but it may bring back a memory or two. The party ideas and recipes are still very useful.
Enjoy:
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/kentucky-derby-2018/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/lets-get-a-hat-and-go-to-the-kentucky-derby/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/what-about-running-for-the-roses/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/the-most-exciting-two-minutes-in-sports/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/derby-day-is-coming/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/celebrating_kentucky_derby/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/derby-party-recipes/
https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/my-favorite-recipes-for-the-run-for-the-roses/
I think that is enough reading regarding our past posts from Derby Day. A few articles might have seemed repetitive. That is because we didn’t want to lose the same traditions from year-to-year. If you are looking for more variety with the recipes, I suggest you click into this article by Country Living. They have some excellent ideas for making your day even more fun. https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g2348/kentucky-derby-recipes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=mgu_ga_clv_d_bm_prog_org_us_g2348&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22406753651&gbraid=0AAAAACq-IrulmHCnMyBPIURTMwBH_dx8H&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxOyH1MGDjQMV5BBECB1O8C_yEAAYAyAAEgJOjfD_BwE. I highly recommend you try the Pimento Cheese recipes.
However, what about the significant things we need to know for this year’s race?
Here is a great link which will fill you in on the details of Derby Day 2025: https://thesouthernblueprint.com/2025/04/29/kentucky-derby-2025-the-complete-guide-to-this-years-race-legends-scandals-and-betting/.
May the best horse win!
Hope you enjoy all two minutes!
What a fun and insightful post! I love this and it makes me want to watch the Kentucky Derby. I just might get my hat on and watch it in style! Thank you for the inspiration.
I’m with you Sandi! Now where did I put my hat?