5 Places to Watch the 2010 Kentucky Derby in St. Louis
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Post time for the race is at 5:04 p.m. Saturday.
Fairmount Park Racetrack
9301 Collinsville Road
Collinsville, Illinois
(618) 345-4300
As the area's only horse track, this is the most logical destination for the Derby. Fairmount will open its doors early, at 8:30 a.m., and races starting at noon. General admission is $2.50. The Kentucky Derby will be simulcast around the racetrack.
The Royale
3132 South Kingshighway Boulevard
(314) 772-3600
The Royale is serious about its Derby party: This means formal dress is required and hats are strongly encouraged. There is a $5 cover, and as of 3 p.m. on Friday about 200 tickets were already sold, says an employee. It'll be bustling. There will also be a "best hat" contest for men and women. Music will be provided by Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three. The party kicks of at 2 p.m.
The Stable
1821 Cherokee Street
(314) 771-8500
The Stable hosts its second-annual Kentucky Derby watch party at 2 p.m. There will be Mint Julep specials, a hat contest, and a crowd is expected. There is no cover charge or dress code, so The Stable makes for a more casual alternative to The Royale.
Ardie and Tiny's
100 Joe Street
Collinsville, Illinois
(618) 345-4933
Located right across the street from Fairmount Park, this little bar won the RFT's "Best Place To Drown Your Sorrows" category in 2003. As a favorite hangout spot for frustrated gamblers and horse track employees, expect this place this be a little more rowdy than the others on the list. No dress code here, and fancy-schmancy derby hats will likely not be prominent either. But the place should get packed and beers are just $2. If you lose your shirt on a horse, shots of schnapps are a $1, says Jan Ligibel, a bartender we called.
Route 3 OTB
2400 Mississippi Avenue
Sauget, Illinois
(618) 274-6468
If you're just a die-hard gambler who could care less about fancy hats or Mint Juleps, this might be the perfect place for you. Walk in, make a bet and pray your horse takes the title.
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