LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby is more than a racing tradition. It’s a place where family members reunite. 

Thursday of Derby Week is “Thurby” at Churchill Downs. It’s the third day of racing in a celebration concluding with the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Compared to the vibe of Tuesday, Thurby is a real party and it’ll only get more exciting from here.

One of the things that makes Derby Week so memorable is all the families reuniting at Churchill Downs. For many, it’s a tradition to reconnect during the first week in May.

On Thursday, Debbie Miller was track side with her adult daughter Ashley Green. “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’m so glad I got to come out, and I brought my daughter here with me,” Miller said.

Miller was so excited for the day she had already forgotten which horse she bet to win on an early afternoon race! Her daughter Ashley lives in Tennessee and says she is no stranger to horse racing. “I went to the infield in college, and I have to say this is much nicer and I love being here with my mom, making memories,” Green said. 

Thurby kicks it up a notch compared to the first two days of Derby Week. The gates open earlier on Thursday. There are more races and crowds are considerably larger. 

“It’s just awesome being close to the track and enjoy time with our friends and our neighbors. It’s great,” one spectator said. '

There are more fan experiences as well starting Thursday. Grammy award-winning bluegrass musician Michael Cleveland performed his prolific brand of bluegrass fiddle on Thursday. 

You know what else kicked it up a notch? The temperatures. Highs reached the upper 80s making for a hot day of racing. Friday temps cool down with expected rainfall throughout the day, but there’s no way it slows down Derby Week.