While Jazz Fest played on at the Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, around the city locals celebrated their own at an alternative tradition taking place at it's parent Churchill Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky for the 150th Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 4, 2024 ("Star Wars Day," as well as NOLA area code "504 Day"). Donwtown parties included events at Bar Marilou, Galatoire's 33 Bar & Steak, and Patrick's Bar Vin, complete with the Derby's signature Mint Julep cocktails.
Fans gathered at Patrick's Bar Vin in the French Quarter for the long-running annual viewing party. But no one expected a good old-fashioned Louisiana upset at the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Excited patrons were crazed as Shreveport-owned Mystik Dan (18-1) at #3 pole position edged out leading horse #13 Track Phantom by not even a nose—maybe a nostril?—to capture the win, truly making it "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."
The Louisiana horse threaded a tiny needle by forcing his way past leader Track Phantom's failed attempts to block him out along the rail, sneaking through to dominate the final stretch, expertly guided by Lafayette jockey Brian Hernandez Jr.
The home town crowds went wild when seeing the local horse and jockey prevail. Even more so after the win in a breathtaking three-way photo finish was deemed official.
All eyes are now moving to the Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore on May 18, 2024 to see if Mystik Dan will keep the Triple Crown dreams alive for Louisianians and advance to the Belmont Stakes on June 8, 2024— being run this year at Saratoga Springs, New York while the Belmont Park race course in Elmont, New York is being renovated.
