How to throw a virtual Kentucky Derby party

On the first Saturday in May, millions around the world will celebrate the Run for the Roses, even though the Kentucky Derby has been postponed for September.

On May 2, Churchill Downs will host a "Kentucky Derby at Home" party, a day-long event broadcast on NBC and social media to honor a spectacular racing tradition and raise money for COVID-19 relief.

Festivities will include a virtual racing simulation, featuring the 13 Triple Crown horses, where you can enter to win a VIP Derby experience by picking the winner.

Broadcast schedule on NBC

While you’ll have to wait until the fall to see the top 3-year-olds challenge for the garland of roses at Churchill Downs, NBC will feature coverage of American Pharoah’s historic run in the 141st Kentucky Derby from 3-6 p.m. ET on Saturday.

The Bob Baffert-trained colt eventually ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought, and he crossed the finish line first on May 2, 2015 to get the series started.

The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown

At 5:45 p.m. Saturday, American Pharoah will meet his 12 fellow Triple Crown-winning mates for a virtual race on the Churchill Downs main track. The computer-simulated competition, created by Inspired Entertainment, will use data algorithms, such as historical handicapping information for each horse, to determine the probability of their potential finishes. Secretariat is the 7-2 favorite in the race.

You can select the winner here and enter to win the ultimate VIP Kentucky Derby experience for the race in September. Entries close at 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday.

Arkansas Derby

To get your betting fix, tune into the Arkansas Derby,  a 1 1/8-mile race hosted at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. One of the major prep races of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, American Pharoah won this event in his second start of his three-year-old campaign, before sweeping the Triple Crown.

Visit BetAmerica to wager on the race.

Schedule of Derby-related festivities

Churchill Downs will offer a ton of other Derby-themed entertainment throughout the day on social media. Follow @KentuckyDerby on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to witness all the excitement.

What to wear

It might feel a bit strange to dress in your Derby finest while sitting at home. It's up to you if you want to pull out the old seersucker suit or opt for a comfortable pajama jumpsuit.

There are no rules in fashion, especially Derby fashion. Except for one. You must wear something on your head.

Churchill Downs will host a DIY fascinator class at 1 p.m. ET. You probably have a hat or two sitting in your closet somewhere, so bring it out and have some fun decorating it with extra fabric lying around the house. Whether it's a safari helmet, baseball cap, or beret, it doesn't matter! This year's Derby can be themed however you choose.

Don't forget to post a photo on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #KyDerbyAtHome as part of Churchill Downs' fashion contest.

What to eat

If the weather is nice, like it's supposed to be in Louisville, then Saturday is the perfect occasion to grill up some American-style fare.

If you're looking to get more into the Southern spirit, go for Kentucky's traditional Derby cuisine. Try your hand at a hot brown — an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and Mornay sauce. Benedictine sandwiches, bourbon-mustard glazed ham, and the chocolate and walnut-infused Derby pie are also hometown favorites.

If you want to order takeout, you can't go wrong with fried chicken.

Lastly, muddle together a Mint Julep to have ready for post time. All you need is some bourbon, simple syrup, ice, and a few mint leaves. Check out the recipe here.

At-home Derby games

As you gather with your family at home, or stream through Zoom to connect with relatives and friends during the broadcast, you can amp up the competition with a few Derby-style games.

Create a Derby bingo sheet, customized for this unique stay-at-home Derby. Fill in the squares with items like "poured a cocktail," "heard Secretariat mentioned," "saw a commercial for Derby 146," or "donated to COVID-19 relief." 

If you have young children at home, help them design their own Derby hat or jockey silks and have them race each other with cutout horse puppets in the backyard.

You can also bet against your family in the virtual Derby, by each choosing a Triple Crown horse and putting a little Venmo cash on the line. Or, if you feel like chasing the big money, place a bet at BetAmerica on the Arkansas Derby.

It's a strange time in the world, but that doesn't mean we can't still share the magic of the Derby while we hang out at home.

Here's to another first Saturday in May. Happy Derby!

Head to BetAmerica for all the latest horse racing odds.