What To Expect at the Derby The Kentucky Derby brings in over 160,000 race fans every year. The majority of the crowd is contained in the infield however the race track seating areas can be pretty busy all throughout the day. There are typically 13 races throughout the day and the Kentucky Derby is usually race 11. The first race of the day is at 10:30 am and the Kentucky Derby will run off right around 6:25pm. . What To Do at the Derby Enjoying the pageantry of the Kentucky Derby means checking out the horses in the paddock, reading your racing form and making your wagers, drinking a mint julep with your friends as you people watch in the stands and singing My Old Kentucky Home as the horse parade on the track before the Kentucky Derby. . What To Wear at the Derby Expect the majority of patrons to be well dressed which will include shirt, tie and blazer for men and dresses, heels and hats for women. There is no dress code for any of the outdoor seating areas only in the dining room areas on the 4th, 5th and 6th floor is there a strict dress code for men and women. .