Derby doings

Claire Rogers of Orlando, 6, sits behind the wheel of a vintage VW Beetle during Festivals of Speed at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla. on Saturday, May 7, 2022. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2022.

If you are not at the Kentucky Derby on May 4, the next best thing is a Derby-themed event in the Horse Capital of the World. With the 150th running of the Run for the Roses, there are even more events to choose from locally and we’ve broken them down by type to make it easier to find a perfect fit.

Large and family friendly

The World Equestrian Center’s Festivals of Speed Kentucky Derby automotive showcase will provide more horsepower to the world’s most legendary horse race, featuring more than 200 exotic, classic and muscle cars. Guests will experience automotive designs by Porsche, Ferrari, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin, BMW, Mercedes, and McLaren. The festivities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 4 include a Derby hat contest. Your best Derby attire is encouraged for this family friendly occasion.

The big race will be on jumbo screens on the main concourse starting at 5 p.m. The race goes off at 6:57 p.m. Special offerings will be available from the WEC food truck and restaurants, along with classic cocktails at onsite cash bars until 7:30 p.m.

From 5 to 7:30 p.m., WEC is hosting a Kentucky Derby Hat Party on the terrace at The Equestrian Hotel. The Hat Party features chef-attended action stations serving elegant race-day small plates, including garden-cuterie, bourbon maple-stung fried chicken and more. Enjoy included samples of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and mint juleps, or purchase derby-day cocktails, beer and wine from the cash bars.

Tickets include your choice of one derby hat (available on a first-come, first-served selection basis) or a bottle of Woodford bourbon, as well as beverage samples, small plates of cuisine and sample mint julep. For tickets, go to showclix.com/event/2024-kentucky-derby-hat-party-

Very VIP

The Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research are hosting their Derby event on Saturday at GoldMark Farm in the Triple Crown Museum at 5290 NW 130th Ave. from noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include Derby style drinks and edibles. RSVP to Bern Paraiso at (352) 216-5493. Farm owner Janelle and her husband Paul Bulmahn welcome guests to experience the pinnacle of horse racing achievement in the museum nestled within the enchanting GoldMark Farm.

Short drive

The Black Prong Resort Bar and Grill is hosting a Derby Soiree from 4 to 8 p.m. on May 4 and they encourage guests to dress in Derby finest for an afternoon of Woodford mint juleps, hors d’oeuvres, chances to win contest, Derby games, race day fun and race day coverage. Tickets are $45 (includes one drink) and are available on EventBrite. Dinner will be available for purchase. The Nagles, the owners of Black Prong, also have connections to horses in the race through their training center, Oak Ridge, with Just a Touch and Sierra Leone.

Casual golf resort vibe

All the televisions will be on the Derby at the Stone Creek Golf Club in Ocala for its celebration from 3 to 8 p.m. on May 4, which includes a traditional Derby menu of fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, Kentucky hot brown sliders and the official drink, mint julep. Reservations are not required but are accepted and the clubhouse offers seating indoors and outdoors. Nicole Bring is available for more information at (352) 291-2140.

Sheep derby

Only in Ocala would there be a Derby Day Lamb Sale offered by Sacred Silence Farm at 6775 NW 21st St. Viewing of lambs will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the live auction kicks off at 1 p.m. While the event invitation shows sheep in fancy Kentucky Derby hats, we’re pretty sure the 35 lambs will be selling sans the hats, but there will be lambs for all budgets. Guests who wear a Derby Day hat will receive a prize. Lawn chairs are recommended, and lunch is available onsite.

Campout and polo

The Sun Country Trail Blazers of Ocala are hosting a Kentucky Derby campout from May 3 to 5 at the Seminole Wind Ranch at 29248 Fl-44 in Eustis, for more information, call (954) 263-3964. Bring your own horse.

The Ocala Polo Club is hosting a Get Derby With It Kentucky Derby party at 5 p.m. May 4 with a sunset polo match. Guests can bring their own fare, tailgate, or purchase from local food trucks onsite at the Florida Horse Park at 11008 S Hwy. 475 in Ocala. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash. Gates open at 4 p.m.  Derby themed events on tap.

Betting

Ocala BetS, at 1781 SW  60th Ave., will open at 12:15 p.m. with wagering available on the Derby and more horse racing simulcasts from across the country, displayed on more than 100 televisions. A fast-casual menu and full bar service are available. Advance wagering for the Derby will be available on Friday, May 3.

Thoroughbreds and their exercise riders come back on the track from their workouts at Ocala Stud Farm in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2023.