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 151st Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Watch parties around town included events at Galatoire's 33 Bar & Steak, Martine's Lounge, The Jimani, Lots-a-Luck Lounge, and Patrick's Bar Vin, many serving 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 for the 151st Kentucky Derby. Excited patrons cheered as Sovereignty rallied in the final stretch overtaking odds-on favorite Journalism to win by one and a half lengths, ensuring the race lived up to it's reputation as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."
Even more thrilling for the hometown crowd was the annual hat contest—a win captured by New Orleanian Jasmine Englert whose Derby-themed chapeau was adorned with roses and topped with a black colt proudly standing on the "winners circle" crown, complete with the championship trophy and blanket of roses draped over its neck.
All eyes are now moving to the Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore on May 17, 2025 to see if Sovereignty will keep Triple Crown dreams alive for and advance to the Belmont Stakes on June 5, 2025— being run this year at Saratoga Springs, New York while the Belmont Park race course in Elmont, New York is being renovated.
