Staff Reports
Digital Free Press
The spectacle many call “the most exclusive and premier Kentucky Derby Event” saw the largest number of attendees of all time, event promoters say.
The Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub is the brainchild of one Jason Rose, public relations executive, who years ago founded The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, America’s most attended polo event, which returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale the first weekend of November.
The May 7 event took place at Turf Paradise — recording a total of 1,605 patrons — which included a party on the rails, hat contest, on-site betting terminals for live races and Kentucky derby races. M Catering provided catering alongside the catering enterprise’s food trucks and community businesses offering local bites.
Mr. Rose says the event is beginning to meet the vision of the event.
“Food and beverage sales were up 45-percent from 2021, which had previously shattered all attendance and revenue numbers, he said in a prepared statement. “The 2022 event also saw unique sponsor activation.”
Those one-of-a-kind experiences included:
- The Stella Artois Airstream Bar with draft beer;
- A mint julep tasting station at the Bulleit Bourbon Woody Tailgate Trailer; and
- A fresh flower and citrus photo wall provided by Ketel One Botanicals.
Event promoters report the tented event is offering more experiences as society begins to emerge from a global pandemic.
Guests enjoyed the Sanderson Lincoln Black Label Lounge that included reserved tables in the covered, air-cooled track-side tent near the finish line. Other Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub guests enjoyed the Ketel One Botanical Pavilion with reserved tables in the covered Ketel One Botanical Pavilion located near the finish line.
With new sponsors like Cintron and Draft Kings, the day proved to be one of the best in the history of the event, Mr. Rose said.
“This was our biggest and most festive Bulleit Bourbon Derby DayClub ever,” he pointed out. “Not only did we sell out of tables weeks before the event, but we increased the size of the tents by 25-percent and brought out additional food trucks and other accommodations for a growing crowd.”
The 2022 event also showcased a 50/50 Raffle with half the proceeds benefiting the Higher Education Trust Managed by the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona and the other half going to one lucky winner.
