Exploring Once More: Is the Kentucky Derby as Debauched and Corrupt as Hunter S. Thompson Discovered in 1970?
A Revisit to the Kentucky Derby: Decadence and Depravity – Then and Now
Back in 2008, I decided to blend Hunter S. Thompson's distinctive words with contemporary digital imagery to paint a picture of the Kentucky Derby's chaotic, hedonistic spirit. The post went viral, showcasing fist fights, exposed women, and drunken spectators sprawled across Churchill Downs. But in 2020, upon joining our website, I stopped running the post – possibly due to the 2021 Churchill Downs rules mandating fans to wear COVID masks, one of the many absurd COVID regulations.
Recently, thoughts about Thompson's work resurfaced: Is the Derby still decadent and depraved? Does this American tradition, dating back to 1875, still retain its charm 55 years after Thompson's story was published in the June 1970 edition of Scanlan's Monthly?
Upon rereading Thompson's iconic work "The Kentucky Derby is Decadent and Depraved," its raw power is undeniable. He vividly described revelers, vomitting in urinals, horses running wild, and the constant threat of fire. Yet, the question remains – has the Derby, in the modern era, upheld its decadent reputation portrayed by Thompson?
In 2025, I find myself pondering whether the Derby's angry drunks and generational traditions like fighting for portable toilets still flourish. Society seems to be evolving, but is it more depraved than 1970? Let's delve deeper and see if the Derby of 2025 holds the same chaotic spirit that captured Thompson's genius.
Fast forward to 2025, the Derby's spectacle remains intact – lavish parties, star-studded gatherings, and high-stakes gambling fuel the excitement. However, the modern-day Derby is not without its controversies. The return of controversial trainer Bob Baffert, after his three-year ban for Medina Spirit’s drug violation, has reopened debates about ethics in horse racing.[1][2] The uncertain horse selection process, as seen by the last-minute scratch of Grande due to a foot bruise, adds to the derby's ongoing ethical dilemmas.[3]
Compared to Thompson’s era of unchecked excess, stricter regulations are now in place at Churchill Downs, evidenced by the suspension of Baffert. Nevertheless, lingering opacity in race-day governance, such as public disputes over veterinary decisions, suggest that challenges persist.[3]
So, has the Kentucky Derby maintained its decadent and depraved reputation as described by Thompson? While the 2025 Derby lacks the unrestrained hedonism of Thompson’s account, it still embodies high-stakes drama where glamour and controversy coalesce.[2][3] Ultimately, the Derby continues to offer an intoxicating blend of tradition, scandal, and spectacle, making it a must-watch event for both racing enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
References:[1] Murzin, M.C., Anything But Ordinary: The Extraordinary Saga of Barbaro and Magic Dubai, Commonwealth Books, 2021.[2] Hlavaty, R., "One more lesson about horse racing’s winning ways," Houston Chronicle, 2023.[3] Thomas, F., "Grande’s Scratch from Derby Raises Questions about Lack of Transparency," The Horse Magazine, 2025.
In 2025, the question arises whether the Derby's legacy of notorious behavior persists, given the presence of high-stakes betting and controversies surrounding trainers like Bob Baffert. The modern Derby, though subject to stricter regulations, still often faces ethical dilemmas, such as questionable race-day governance and sudden scrathces of horses like Grande. Some argue that the Derby's associated depravity has simply evolved, with its intoxicating blend of tradition, scandal, and spectacle continuing to captivate audiences.
Maybe, the Derby still upholds Thompson's decadent image, albeit in a more refined manner, as we navigate the opulence of 21st-century sports and racing events. Gordon Queensland's Gonzo journalism spirit lives on in the intrigue and chaos that ensue at Churchill Downs, proving that the spirit of the Kentucky Derby is still very much alive and fluttering its flag.
