LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Churchill Downs was packed with people for opening day Saturday. 

People showed up in their best outfits, and, after a full day of betting on races, some left with a little more money in their pockets than they came with.

"This is our first Derby," said Elena Pearson, who was in town for a work trip and attending Opening Day was a last-minute decision.

"We've always wanted to come so we were not going to pass up this opportunity to come," Mia Clark said.

"Derby is the one time of the year where everybody comes together whether you're from Kentucky or not," Francis said.

"The Louisville culture really shows up at Derby. It's one of the reasons I love living here," Felicia Smith said.

Many spectators, including Kenya Natsis, brought out their biggest fascinators.

"What we believe here is that you go big or you go home," Natsis said.

Aside from the excitement of seeing everybody dressed up, some were excited to bet on horse races.

"We may have won more than 50 percent of the races," Pearson said.

Adam Tobey comes to Derby every year to bet. He said he left Opening Day with more money than he came with.

"Its been a roller coaster of a day. I've won some money. I've lost some money, but the last couple of races, I've won a couple hundred bucks," Tobey said. "So, it's been a nice day."

Tobey said he's coming back most of next week to enjoy the festivities.

"Come on. Look around. Look at the people. Everybody's dressed up, having fun. You can't beat this. You can't beat it," Tobey said.

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