I Went Inside the Most Exclusive Viewing Spot at the Kentucky Derby (Hint: It Has an Unmarked Door)

Victor Maze

For those with access to The Mansion, the festivities typically begin the day before the Derby with the Kentucky Oaks. The Friday race spotlights the country’s top three-year-old fillies and carries a $1.5 million purse, along with the tradition of draping the winner in the “Lilies for the Fillies” garland. Over time, Oaks Day has also become closely associated with breast cancer awareness, most visibly through its signature dress code, as Churchill Downs fills with guests dressed in shades of pink.

Victor Maze

Once your commemorative tickets are scanned, you’re ushered to a step-and-repeat, where an official Churchill Downs photographer captures your arrival. For the Kentucky Derby, expect a traditional red carpet—perfect for the Run for the Roses. But I loved seeing that on Friday, it was actually a pink carpet, to match the theming of the Kentucky Oaks.

Victor Maze

From there, your personal concierge—one is assigned to each group—leads you through the ground floor of the race track to an unmarked door. The entrance is both exclusive and hidden in plain sight. Behind it, an elevator complete with an operator whisks you up to the sixth floor, where another set of double doors lead into The Mansion.

Courtesy of Churchill Downs

The Interiors

Inside, The Mansion is divided into a series of distinct rooms. According to Churchill Downs, the design is meant to evoke “the elegant feel and flow of a celebration at a stately home.”

Groups are assigned to seating areas named accordingly: the Dining Room, Living Room, Library, Parlor, and—of course—the Veranda.

The Foyer

Photo credit: Andrew Kung

The Living Room

Photo credit: Andrew Kung

The Library

Photo credit: Andrew Kung

The Bar

Photo credit: Courtesy of Churchill Downs

The Dining Room

Photo credit: Courtesy of Churchill Downs

The Parlor

Photo credit: Andrew Kung

The Veranda

Photo credit: Courtesy of Churchill Downs

The Food at The Mansion

While world-class horse racing is, of course, the main reason to attend the Derby, for Mansion guests, the food and beverage offerings are a very close second.

Throughout Oaks and Derby Days, an array of beautifully presented food stations is on display. Over the course of the weekend, I sampled everything from sushi to sliders—not to mention a bevy of desserts.

Carving Station

Photo credit: Victor Maze

Seafood Station

Photo credit: Victor Maze

Meats & Cheeses

Photo credit: Victor Maze

Sushi Station

Photo credit: Victor Maze

Dessert Station

Photo credit: Victor Maze

Cookies & Cakes

Photo credit: Victor Maze

And, of course, no day at the track would be complete without sampling the signature cocktails. On Friday, the drink du jour is a refreshing vodka and cranberry concoction called the Oaks Lily, while on Derby Day, the iconic mint julep can’t be beat.

Victor Maze

The Flowers and Fashion at The Mansion

Given that the Derby is known as the “Run for the Roses,” it isn’t surprising that flowers are also on display throughout the day. Thousands of tulips were in bloom throughout Churchill Downs, while inside The Mansion, stunning floral arrangements were on display on every surface—including hats!

Victor Maze

On Oaks and Derby Days, standout fashion can be found throughout Churchill Downs. But as I mention in my complete guide to the Kentucky Derby, higher-tier tickets often come with an elevated level of style. At The Mansion, I spotted some of the most striking—and delightfully over-the-top—Derby hats and ensembles of the weekend.

Victor Maze

During the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, high fashion is not only on display but also offered. As the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, Longines offers pop-up boutiques throughout the track where attendees can upgrade their ensembles with timepieces from the brand’s recent collections. What better way to immediately put those winnings to good use!

Victor Maze

The Surprising Perks of The Mansion

The first perk of The Mansion is that there is no waiting in line; a number of private betting windows make placing a wager super easy. But there are also a series of surprises and activations throughout the day, from a Chanel makeup artist who is available for touch-ups in the ladies’ powder room to a cigar roller who is on hand to provide freshly rolled cigars throughout the afternoon.

Courtesy of Churchill Downs

Another major perk of The Mansion is the access it affords to other exclusive areas of the track. Throughout the day, I visited the Turf Club, the Jockey Club, and Millionaire’s Row—all coveted spaces in their own right. Your group’s concierge can guide you through these areas, though you’re also free to explore at your leisure; your Mansion wristband grants entry.

Victor Maze

Because I attended as a guest of Longines, the named sponsor of the Kentucky Oaks, my visit included an additional level of access. Our group was invited onto the turf track itself to watch the running of the 151st Kentucky Oaks from inside the course, followed by the presentation of the “Lilies for the Fillies” garland to the winner. Talk about a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Victor Maze

The View at The Mansion

While the food, fashion, and interiors all contribute to The Mansion’s appeal, the one thing you truly can’t beat is the view. With tiered terraces perched just above the finish line, there is no better vantage point for the fastest two minutes in sports.

The only downside? Once you’ve experienced the Derby from The Mansion, it’s hard to imagine watching it any other way.

Victor Maze

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