The Kentucky Derby: two views.

The Kentucky Derby was an experience I'll probably never forget - and an event I plan on covering Again. It was a day filled with nice hats, sharp clothes, muddy drunks - with elite upperclass up above and everyone else down below. A day of decor, order and manners, mixed with unruly masses just wanting to have fun while waiting to see if their bets come through.
While those above placed their large wagers on favored horses - many decided to entertain themselves in other ways. Between mud wrestling, drinking bought and smuggled booze, and a gauntlet-like run across port-a-potties where the person who makes it across - dodging beer bottles, lawn chairs, and attacking people - get the applause of the crowd, it was an interesting day.
While people in the stands talk and watch the horses prepare, people in the middle of the track come for the social interaction with everyone else and the hopes of winning on a horse is just an added bonus of a day of partying. But one thing both groups have in common - they all gather for the race - even with the Rain. This is my account of the Kentucky Derby:

Ladies pose for a picture in the tunnel before entering the Derby



The National Guard watching over the crowds as they enter the track



Those high above watch down as everyone places bets, watching the horses being shown, waiting for the races that start later in the evening



The National Guard watches over the crowds as they place their bets on the horses they think will place.



Vendors sell Mint Juleps and Cigars to the crowds as they make a day of the derby.




Everywhere you look, there are well dressed men in suits and women wearing elaborate hats.





Even a man enjoying the day decides to sport a hat with the ladies as well.










And finally when the races were over - everyone left - leaving the traces of the day behind.



Left behind, passed out in the trash covered field, was a man too drunk to leave. The cops woke him up, struggling to get him off his feet, as the fought back - as they worked to get everyone out of the area as the day came to a close.





And this picture describes that day - it was a mess, my equipment and clothes were covered in mud, but managing not to get hit by too many beer bottles and lawn chairs, all-in-all, the derby was one eventful day.