Memories From Our City’s Favorite Time Of Year. Toast To Derby!

The 150-year-old tradition of the Kentucky Derby brings with it powerful stories of overcoming the odds, big hats, and making lasting memories for those of us who live here. At Derby parties across the state, questions pop up like Where were you when Secretariat won? Did you see Affirmed and Alydar race? Did you bet on the filly Genuine Risk? These memories connect us to our past and excite us in the present, so pour yourself a mint julep and take a moment to read some favorite Derby memories as told by those who lived them.

Pam Greenwell

Every year since the Derby’s first running in 1875, families, first-time race-goers, and students come to the infield to “watch” the race. For many, experiencing the Derby from this vibrant grassy space in the middle of the track is a rite of passage. Pam Greenwell’s first Derby experience was no different. “My earliest Derby memory was the 99th running,” she says. Still in college in Cincinnati, Pam and a group of friends arrived in a chartered bus, and standing in the infield in 1973, Pam was there for Secretariat’s record-breaking win – which also had a record-breaking crowd in attendance.

The Derby festivities leading up to the race have also been a highlight for Pam and her family. “I would take the week off work and take my kids to everything from the parade to the steamboat race to the balloon race,” Pam says. She and her kids had so much fun attending all the activities together that she has continued this tradition with her grandkids.

Teri Hickerson

Louisville native Teri Hickerson describes Derby season like this: “It’s an energy that brings everyone together, and it’s just good fun.” Today, the fun keeps going with over 30 official parties and galas around the city. And a good party is also Teri’s first Derby memory: “We looked forward to my mom’s party every year,” she says. Teri recalls her brother coming into town, perfect spring weather, and friends all gathering to celebrate.

Teri has attended the Derby twice and remembers the race in 1974, which set records for the largest field crowd and number of wages placed. This race even saw Princess Margaret of England in attendance. But Teri also remembers this one as the infamous Year of the Streaker, when a man disrobed as he climbed a flagpole. “In the two years that I went (to the Derby), I never even saw a horse because I was in the infield,” Teri says with a smile.

When it comes to favorite pre-Derby Day events, the 3-year-old fillies’ race the Oaks is Teri’s favorite. “It’s like Thanksgiving leading into Christmas,” she says.

Tim Mathistad

The first weekend in May, the average temperature here ranges from a high of 76 degrees to a low of 57 (except for 1989, which had sleet – but let’s not talk about that). It’s a lovely day for a horse race, and Tim Mathistad couldn’t agree more. “Spring is so beautiful,” he says, “and it’s just a contagious feeling of excitement.” Tim’s earliest Derby memory is watching the race on television. “I was waiting tables in downtown Chicago when Genuine Risk won in 1980,” he says. This race was definitely one to remember, as Genuine Risk was the second filly to win the Derby with a time of 2:02.

Since making Louisville his home, Tim has attended several Derbys and was there at the 117th running when Strike the Gold (sired by the famous Alydar) won in 1991. Tim describes Derby season like “a love letter to Louisville” and says the feeling that takes hold in the city is reminiscent of a Mardi Gras experience.

Georgette Kleier

Georgette Kleier says she appreciates the people who work tirelessly during the Derby Festival to make the experience look and feel magical. Growing up, her parents were an integral part of this magic-making. “My father and mother both worked at Hasenour’s Restaurant (a Louisville standard for 60 years until its closing in 1996), and tips from wealthy tourists and celebrities always helped,” Georgette says. The financial impact the Derby provides for the city continues, and today in 2024, an estimated $405 million is predicted to come from the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.

Watching the race on television with her mom (while her dad worked as a maitre d’ at Hasenour’s), is one of Georgette’s earliest Derby memories. “I remember screaming at the television as if the horses could hear me,” she says. The Balloon Glow and the Great Steamboat Race are festivities she loves: “As a kid, I always dreamed about being on the Belle of Louisville waving to the people on the riverbanks… The pride that people take in our traditions is palpable, and you gotta love that.”

Aaron Miller

If you live here, then you know about the Derby Festival: two weeks of more than 70 events leading up to the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports including massive fireworks, a parade, and a hot air balloon race. It’s the balloon race that Aaron Miller has always loved. The first race took place in 1973 with only seven balloons flying, and now more than 30 take off from Bowman Field airport. “When my kids were little, we’d get them up on Saturday mornings, go see the balloons, then get donuts,” Aaron says.

Aaron has attended the Derby a few times and was there in 2009 when the 50-to-1 longshot horse Mine That Bird won. Mine That Bird ran last until the final turn, when he overtook 18 horses and became the second-biggest outsider to win behind Donerail in 1913. “My 12-year-old niece asked my wife and I to place a bet for her on this longshot horse,” Aaron recalls. “I think we put $10 down to win.” That payout was the biggest ticket he’s ever gotten to cash. (And yes, he did hand over all the cash to his niece.)

For those who haven’t experienced the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, Aaron adds, “Do you like people-watching? You should go. Do you like playing dress-up? You should go. Do you like to drink minty bourbon? You definitely should go.”

By Tonilyn Hornung

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