Kentucky Derby 149 brings thousands to a new experience at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby has come and gone, with Mage crossing the finish line first.

From out-of-towners to locals, the Derby brought out the horses and the fashion, with everyone decked out in their finest race-day attire.

"I've been coming for 15 years and today is fabulous, the weather is beautiful and I love seeing the fashion," said Anne Connolly, who traveled to Louisville from Hilton Head, South Carolina.

IMAGES | The best and craziest outfits of Kentucky Derby 149

For some, getting to Churchill Downs was something to cross off their bucket list.

"It's a bucket list win for me," said Jennifer James, from Atlanta, Georgia. "I could be here for days. It's beautiful, it's amazing, I love all the attire, I love all the hoopla and I love everything about it."

All around the track were lines of people waiting to place their bets for the big race, some of the betting windows having $50 minimum wagers.

Ann Breetzke lives in Nebraska, but is a Louisville native. She's been bringing a group of friends to the Derby for years.

"This is a group of 42, 43 friends that I've been friends with for a long time and every year I bring them to the Derby and treat them to three days of activities in the Louisville area and bring them to the Derby," Breetzke said. "I'm able to do that and I have a servants heart so it's nice to be able to give to people, and my ask is to give back, whatever that might be. So it's just a chance to experience a lifetime opportunity, to be here, to be in Louisville and support the Derby and everyone here."

Race-goers got to see a different Churchill Downs this year. The new Paddock area at the track is still under construction, but already had a new look for this year's race.

Also new this year, the First Turn Club Dining and First Turn Reserved Seating at the first turn of the track, which added thousands of covered seats to Churchill Downs. Inside the club, bourbon balls and plenty of good food and all of the classic drinks.

IMAGES | Crowds fill Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby 149

The 50,000-square-foot, climate-controlled space holds up to 2,000 people. The new construction nearly doubles the reserved seating in the first turn to 7,100.

But no matter what seat you were in or whether your horse won or not, it was a Derby to remember.

"Honestly I've had a ball. I've worked the past four days and it keeps getting better and better," one First Turn bartender told WDRB News. "I love seeing all the dresses and suits and all the wonderful hats, of course, it's a good time at the Derby."

Cleanup at the track will start Sunday morning, especially in the infield. Some youth groups started to clean the grandstands Saturday night.

The attendance for Saturday's race was 150,335.

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