For Kentuckians the sun does shine a little more brightly on the first Saturday of May as the nation watches the best three-year old thoroughbred horses in the world emerge onto the famous dirt track below the twin spires of Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky.

As the University of Louisville Marching Cardinals Band plays “My Old Kentucky Home” over 150, 000 guests rise and hum along as the jockeys atop their horses are loaded into the starting gates.

Excitement grows as the doors behind the final horses click shut, the band plays the final stanza, and the voices of the crowd loudly sing the chorus. Suddenly the gates fly open and the crowd erupts in cheering as “the most exciting two minutes of sports” begins.

This excitement is not limited to those on Millionaire’s Row or even grandstand ticket holders. Gather a few friends, prepare a spring brunch, stir a mint julep and let the fun begin!?

For the complete guide to the Kentucky Derby complete with hosting tips, recipes, and a Louisville travel itinerary, see the Spring 2011 issue of Julep Magazine.