So you have decided to go to the Derby at the last minute..the hunt begins by looking for tickets at the Churchill Downs web site or figuring you will buy general admission at the track. That's cool but I have one piece of advice for you - listen up - buy a ticket with a seat!  Whether it's a bleacher seat in the infield or an inner room table seat - you must have a seat. Derby day and Oaks day are long days at the track. First post is early and the time between races is longer than usual to allow for the crowds and television. Trust me when I say that finding a place (other than the floor) to rest your pups is no given and in fact, I can't tell you how many times I have seen really gorgeous women dressed to the nines sitting on the floor in the clubhouse because they only have walk around passes. They finally realize that they can't drink five Mint Juleps and stand all day. It's not a pretty sight so do yourself a favor and buy a seat! 

    At risk of giving you a "well, duh" moment, two other must haves are sunscreen and sunglasses. Yes, you can buy $140  Maui Jims at the entrance to the clubhouse like I had to last year but that's money you could wager on the Derby IF you just remember your sunglasses from home. There is also sunscreen for sale at a few of the souvenir booths but by the time you decide you need it because your neck and nose are fried there won't be a tube available.  Trust me, sunburn is not the souvenir you want to take home!  So do yourself a favor and plan ahead and don't make a sunburn, a glare headache and a sore back part of your Derby experience.  It's that simple.