LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The energy keeps building up to Derby 151.

What You Need To Know

  • Wednesday was "Winsday" at Churchill Downs. A day to celebrate area nonprofits

  • Brash, beautiful fashion was on display once again at the track

  • Ernest Johnson, 76, made first visit to Churchill Downs on Winsday

When “win” is in the name, you can’t lose. Wednesday at Churchill Downs was dubbed “Winsday,” and the crowd keeps building the closer to Saturday. Winsday was a day to celebrate area nonprofit organizations.

“It was a bit crazy but there’s been about 20,000 go through, but this is going to be different!” one gate attendant said.

Like 502’sDay, gates opened at 11:30 a.m. and thousands were waiting get inside Churchill Downs. The energy felt on 502’sDay flowed right into the second day of racing during Derby Week.

It was also Louisville resident Ernest Jackson’s first time visiting the track. “I’ve heard about it. I’ve seen it on TV but I never thought that I would experience it, but this is beautiful,” Jackson told Spectrum News as he approached the Paddock for the first time. It took Jackson 76 years, but he finally made it to Churchill Downs. “All these years I’ve been in Louisville and my first time out here. I’ve wasted some time getting here.”

No moment is wasted today, for Jackson, or anyone else. “I feel good,” Jackson said.

Drew Starck came to Winsday with 50 friends and family members. “Seeing the horses is beautiful. Seeing the races, seeing the horses live is awesome,” Starck said trackside.

Sharing these moments with family and friends makes it extra special. “He’s my boyfriend!” Kathie Neblett said of Mr. Jackson. “It’s his first Derby ever, and he’s more excited than I am and he should be!” Neblett said.

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