Ruthmere Derby Day will be held on Saturday May 2 from 4:30-7:30pm as we once again transform the grounds of Ruthmere Mansion into a sprawling estate of activities that’s an odd’s on favorite to win!
Watch live races from Churchill Downs all afternoon on the Monster Message Board giant screen TV, and if you’re chomping at the bit to try your luck with the ponies, Twin Spires online betting (legal in Indiana!) will be available with easy access on your phone. Pick your favorite horse to win the Derby just for fun at The Gate upon arrival. If your horse wins, so do you—your choice of a classic music concert ticket or free membership—pretty fabulous for a door prize!
REGISTER FOR ONLINE BETTING WITH TwinSpires
SO YOU'RE READY TO GO ON MAY 3.
CLICK ON THE TwinSpires LOGO ABOVE.
IT TAKES LESS THAN 2 MINUTES TO REGISTER!
Sit back and soak up the atmosphere of Ruthmere’s lush surroundings while you sip on a mint julep made to order with the premium bourbon of your choice. Or maybe you’d like to indulge in a straight up bourbon tasting or an Old Fashioned from a variety of premium bourbons while you enjoy a fine cigar on the Ruthmere Smoking Piazza? This is the only day of the year smoking is allowed on campus, so bring your own favorite cigars and go ahead-- have a puff! What’s that sweet music you hear? None other than Thirsty Thelma and the Half Pints will keep the vibe fresh and lively.
Admission to this general public event includes gourmet hors d’oeuvres prepared by Elkhart Catering, two drink tickets for authentic mint juleps, wine or beer (additional drink tickets available for purchase). We are also expanding our Derby Fashion Show to include divisions of Best Hat and Best Overall Outfit with prizes. Our handsome but docile live horse “Sarge” from RC Egan Training Stables will be back for photo ops in the paddock and when he parades the grounds. Limited home tours will be available during the event, and "tour rain checks" will be offered to all guests in case you run out of time.
Entry to Ruthmere Derby Day is just $100 per person (or only $85 for members).
Ruthmere Derby Day is the first of three events for 2026 in our NEW Signature Event Series delivering truly elevated experiences.
These are the Signature Events for 2026:
May 2 - Derby Day at Ruthmere Mansion 4:30-7:30pm followed by the Derby Day Afterparty 8-11pm at the Hotel Elkhart High Note
August 15 - The Great American Cookout at Beardsley Discovery Center and Havilah Beardsley House 4-8pm
December 4 - Ruthmere Night at Holiday Lights at Wellfield Botanic Gardens 5-7:30pm
You may sign up to attend 1, 2 or all 3 of the Ruthmere Signature Events as a VIP Underwriter for the following rates:
1 Signature Event of your choice in 2026 - $2,000
2 Signature Events of your choice in 2026- $3,500
All 3 Signature Events in 2026 - $5,000
What you get as a Signature Event Underwriter:
-Reserved Table of 8 for your party
-Up to 2 additional seats at your table to a maximum of 10 for $85 per seat.
-A bottle of champagne or premium non-alcohol beverage at your table.
-Extra VIP menu items or premium event gifts (will vary from one Signature Event to the next). For example, Derby Day Underwriters will receive handsomely engraved mint julep cups for everyone at your table (for the first 18 tables registered!), as well as exclusive invitation to the Derby Day Afterparty at the Hotel Elkhart High Note for additional desserts and music.
-Recognition at event signage, printed materials and on website.
-Annual Ruthmere membership is complimentary.
What your Signature Event Underwriter $ supports:
-Your $ sponsors the event music and entertainment.
-Your $ sponsors the event catering and bar.
-Your $ sponsors the event decorations and tablescapes.
-Your $ supports Ruthmere's mission!
Ruthmere Derby Day is a 21 and over event. No exceptions.
