text: EVENTS 2019: THE KENTUCKY DERBY – BALISSANDE FINISHING SCHOOL
  The Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, is a horse race that is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is a top rank, Grade I stakes race for 3 year old Thoroughbred horses for a distance of one and one-quarter miles long. It is normally held the first Saturday in May, ending the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. It is the longest continually held sporting event in America and currently draws a crowd of about 155,000 people.
  This year the Kentucky Derby will be held May 4, 2019. You can buy tickets at KentuckyDerby.com. Some hotels are already sold out. So, plan carefully.
  The same week, there is also the Kentucky Oaks which is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Oaks was modeled after the British Epsom Oaks which has been run annually in Surrey since 1779.
  There are several ways you can experience the Kentucky Derby. You can buy General Admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby and/or Oaks. With this ticket, you can bring your own chair or picnic blanket and watch the races from the world's largest 4K video board. You can also purchase Reserved Outdoor Seating which offers a variety of seating options from Bleacher-style seats to Box seats as well as a variety of outdoor seat locations along the first turn and the finishing stretch of the historic racetrack.
  At a higher price, you can purchase the All-inclusive Interior Dining tickets where you can watch the races and enjoy an exclusive buffet from your private, indoor dining table. There's also the Corporate Hospitality & Private Suites which offers breathtaking views of the races, luxury furnishings and exclusive fine dining. It allows you and your guests to enjoy the races in style in a private suite. For more information, please click here.
  And finally, there is the Derby Experiences Package. Derby Experiences is the official Experiences Package provider of Churchill Downs® for the Kentucky Oaks® and the Kentucky Derby®. It is a full-service travel company that provides exclusive benefits and unparalleled access to the races and its parties. You can choose from different packages offering various amenities like premium bars, a seat at the finish line, gourmet food selections, tours, hotel accommodations, celebrity jockey Meet & Greet, tickets to elite parties like the Winner's Party, and more.
  WHY THIS A FINISHING EXPERIENCE
  It is one of the few places and events in the U.S where you are asked to wear beautiful hats and clothing. As a matter of fact, before you go, we advise you to look at the dress codes carefully. There are varying dress codes for seating locations and events. While you are at it, study the Derby look. This would be another wonderful opportunity for you to develop your understanding of style and how to dress appropriately and purposefully for events, especially themed events.
  Also, for those who can afford it, the after-parties are great places to socialize and meet new people from around the world. They will provide you wonderful opportunities to further develop your conversational skills. What conversation starters and topics do you think would be the most appropriate and engaging at this event?