LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For nearly two decades, a group of friends from Florida journeyed north at the start of May to attend the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby. Their streak ended in 2020 when the pandemic forced the races to be run without fans at Churchill Downs.

What You Need To Know

  • Four Florida friends have been attending Derby week for two decades

  • Their streak ended in 2020

  • This year, they’ve returned to a half-capacity Oaks

  • They said this isn’t the same, but it’s better than nothing

This year, they’re back.

“We’ve been in the infield. We’ve been over here. We’ve been sitting in the rain — you name it,” said Bob Braman, 70, from Deerfield Beach, Fla.

For the 147th Kentucky Derby, Braman and his friends sat in the grandstands, their seats shaded from the warm spring sun. “We're getting too damn old be sitting over there,” Braman said, pointing to the infield.

Some other parts of their tradition have evolved since it began two decades ago. “We used to drive my Volkswagen van here every year,” said Jim Greto, 68. “Now we fly.” 

Dave Hinson, 71, is the “ringleader” of the group. He said he was in touch with Churchill Downs as soon as the track said they’d allow limited capacity to this year’s races. Though he was “excited” when he got the news, he has found the half-capacity Churchill Downs disappointing.

“I’m not going to say it's horrible, but this isn’t anything like the real experience,” he said. “It’s good to be here and see something, but it’s lame.”

Last year, the group gathered in September to watch the 146th Derby and made their bets on the Twin Spires app. At least, Hinson thinks that’s what happened. “That’s a long time ago for guys who are 70 years old,” he said. “There’s some memory loss.”

Despite their complaints, the Florida men found some things to like about the track this year. Greto said the words “free beer” always have a nice ring to them (Churchill Downs has made most tickets all-inclusive to reduce lines and the chance of spreading COVID-19). And Braman said he was glad to have some “camaraderie” after the difficulties of the past year. 

Tim Little, the youngest of the group at 60, said he was reserving complete judgement about this year until the Derby on Saturday. As for the Oaks this year, he said, “It’s not quite the same, but it’s better than nothing.”

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