HENDERSON CO., KY (WFIE) -
Those who couldn't make it to Churchill Downs celebrated at their local race track, and that's certainly a big day for them. Officials say they estimate close to 7,000 people came out to the track and say Henderson can definitely put on a party derby-style.
The most exciting two minutes in sports weren't until 5:24 p.m. central time, but the festivities started at Ellis Park hours earlier.
"It's my closest track to home, it's a fun time, good crowd, good employees, they try to get us through quick, and it's a good time," said Tim Richards, who was at Ellis for the Derby.
Hundreds of betters lined up inside the concourse to pick their horse. For many, there was a strategy.
"He's a grade a jockey, and I like his times, and the workouts, and I think he's going to be a winner this year," said Richards.
"I have a book that I try to read and I've had a little luck. I pick out some pretty names," said Ruby Rickard.
Rickard spent all of Derby day in her wide-brimmed pink and green hat, choosing and monitoring her pick horses for every race of the day. She says her research paid off.
"I hit one, a really good one, a trifecta and exactus and it gave me money to bet on the Derby," said Rickard.
She says she didn't pick the winning horse this year, but she has in the past. She says the real fun is just the whole atmosphere, the betting and the competition, the mint juleps and of course, those famous Derby hats.
Director of Operations at Ellis Park, Bob Jackson says it's all part of Kentucky culture, very much alive and well every Derby day at the track in Henderson.
"It has a big effect on us here. People want to come to Derby, they can't get into Churchill, so they come to Ellis Park," said Jackson.
Jackson says the Kentucky Derby is the biggest non-live racing day at Ellis Park for their entire year.
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