LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the fillies shined in the rain, many spectators at Friday's 150th Kentucky Oaks said they cherished the whole experience.
What You Need To Know
- More than 107,000 filled Churchill Downs Friday for the 150th running of the Kentucky Oaks
- Many said they loved the experience, regardless of the rainy weather
- Thorpedo Anna's wire-to-wire win highlighted the day's festivities
- One visitor said it was part of a bucket-list trip for her
“This is my first time being here, and this is amazing," said attendee Ashley Walker. "I’m just dying."
Walker said she gives all the credit to her husband for planning the trip, one made even more special by the weekend milestone.
“My husband is amazing," she said. "He’s like, 'What’s your bucket list trip?'"
"I said the Kentucky Derby ... (it) happens to be the 150th anniversary, (it) happens to be the opening of the paddock and he made it happen. And I am losing it right now.”
Over in the newly renovated paddock, Louisville native Steve Wine was getting prepared for his shift as a mutuel clerk.
The 64-year-old's history at Churchill Downs goes back decades. He was a credentialed photographer for many years.
“I would always be at the end, where they come at the finish line with the long range, but the first turn was always my favorite," Wine said.
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 4 at 7:03 p.m.