Horse racing fans dressed to the nines in seersucker suits, vibrant-colored dresses, and extravagant hats will flock to Churchill Downs with Mint Juleps in hand on May 6 for the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. Affectionately known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports”, you can still be a frontrunner on social media without actually attending the race. Here’s how sharing the right type of content with creative hashtags will improve the odds of your Derby tweets and photos becoming part of the race day coverage.
Stable Style
One part southern tradition, and one part spectacle, the Derby hat parade is one of the best people-watching events in the world. Whether or not you attend the race, take the opportunity to show off the Derby fashionista in you on Instagram and Twitter by posting vibrant photos of yourself and friends in cotton dresses and heels or suits and bow ties. Use #KyDerby, the Derby’s official hashtag, with creative content and you may be retweeted. Other popular hashtags that will help you win the social media trifecta are #DerbyHat, #DerbyDay, and #DerbyLikeALocal.
Photo credit: sapphirespring
Stable Selfie
Who doesn’t love a colorful Kentucky Derby selfie with the track in the background? For many first time race-goers, the focus is experiencing the atmosphere of our nation’s greatest horse race. Giddy up your social media game by capturing selfies in front of the Churchill Downs sign outside the racetrack, the colorful Paddock area, and the infield. Bonus points if your selfie includes a Mint Julep, horses trotting in the background or the jumbotron. Lastly, if you’re among one of the lucky ones who score a Derby Day seat, don’t forget to take a selfie with the track in the background. These make for great photos on Instagram and Facebook.
Photo credit: kenziekapp
Stable Soiree
Prefer to place your bets locally on race day? Take your social media channels off track by sharing fun photos from your own Derby Day party or an event you attend. Party hosts can increase their chances of their Derby Day photos or videos trending on Twitter by having a social media photo booth with Derby-themed props for guests to enjoy. Encourage guests to share their photos on their own social channels with a creative hashtag. Raise the stakes by tagging @KentuckyDerby so they can join your festivities virtually.
Photo credit: thproductions
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