How to Do the Kentucky Derby Like a VIP With Sentient Jet

The 143rd Kentucky Derby will be taking place May 5 and 6 this year. For those who have their tickets, Sentient Jet if offering one of the most exclusive way to experience the Derby—from what events to attend, what to wear, and how to get there.

Here are a few ways to experience the races in true style while rubbing shoulders with celebrities, CEOs and socialites:

Those in the know won’t be flying to Louisville commercial—instead, they’ll fly on a private jet. One option is Derby Air, a bespoke private jet shuttle service being offered to and from Louisville by Sentient Jet. In addition to posh service, guests aboard the flight will receive an exclusive, in-flight bourbon cocktail created by horseracing aficionado Bobby Flay.

You’ll want to show up early—the two weeks before the Derby is the Kentucky Derby Festival. Here, guests can enjoy: Thunder Over Louisville, the largest annual fireworks display in North America; the Great Balloon Race; The Great Steamboat Race, with the Belle of Louisville; the Pegasus Parade, one of the largest parades in the United States; the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon & mini-Marathon; and the Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic.

The night before the races, everyone looking to see and be seen will head to Unbridled Eve, the annual black-tie Derby Gala. It’s the ultimate evening of Southern hospitality with celebs and VIPs from the sports, music, TV, literary and horse racing worlds in attendance. Tickets are currently still available in the Individual VIP Ticket and Individual Dance Party Ticket categories at time of publication.

Over 30 special celebrity guests are expected to be in attendance of the Gala, so make sure you have a ticket secured. There will be a silent auction of gifts, including a VIP Indy 500 experience, private poker lesson with Phil Hellmuth, tickets to the LA Lakers Owners’ Box, and a Masters golf package.

The best way to begin the day is at Bobby Flay’s Derby Breakfast, which he’ll host at 21C for Sentient Jet Cardholders and VIPs. Flay will serve up dishes like a Kentucky Ham Benedict with chive and hot sauce hollandaise and black pepper buttermilk biscuits with molasses butter, while also offering betting tips and picks for the races.

VIPs will be watching the races is from The Mansion; however you can’t buy tickets—the Derby’s most exclusive venue, with top views of the track, access to a private wine cellar, and personal concierge service, is accessible by invitation only. Sentient Jet Cardholders, however, will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the Mansion as well as the Derby’s other hospitality venues during their exclusive pre-sale period this year.

As part of its partnership with the Derby, Sentient will also expand its travel services through Derby Air powered by Sentient Jet to allow non-cardholders to book private jet travel to and from Louisville.

Sentient Jet was named Preferred Private Aviation Partner of the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and Churchill Downs in a multi-year agreement in 2016.