1998 Marked the first year that we made the journey to Churchill Downs.  I had been working in Louisville for Reynolds Aluminum installing a new rolling mill, and invited some friends to join me for the weekend.

As we did not purchase any tickets (nor could we find any) we simply went to the infield.   

The twin spires amongst the huge crowd

Everyone had the chance to sample a mint julep or two.   There's nothing quite like a julep in the heat and excitement of the day, however, I can't imagine having one at any other time to the year.'

Doug stopped to pose with random woman in her Derby hat.

I did say that you will find all types in the in-field.  We happened across some spontaneous mud-wrestling that formed in some random puddles that had formed.