Churchill Downs Is Hiring a Taste Tester to Help Curate This Year's Kentucky Derby Menu

Churchill Downs isn't just home to the "greatest two minutes in sports"—The Kentucky Derby is also known for its stellar food and local libations. Chef David Danielson and his team who curates the annual Kentucky Derby menu are looking for an "Official Menu Taste Tester" to join them this March ahead of the event. Don't worry, you'll get to come back for it in May, too.

Starting today through February 12, aspiring Derby menu testers can submit an original Derby party recipe for their chance to win the honor of "Official Menu Taste Tester." The winner will be awarded a trip for two to spend time with Chef Danielson in the race track's kitchen in Louisville, dinner at Danielson's Old Stone Inn & Tavern, a dining voucher for a local restaurant of your choice, luxury accommodations, premium tickets to the Kentucky Derby and a $1,000 cash prize. We'd spend it on some incredible Derby attire and some local bourbon!

Applicants must be at least 21 years old—the event is sponsored by Woodford Reserve, after all—and a resident of the contiguous U.S. Only the first 100 applicants will be considered—so you'd better get to whipping up a fabulous Derby Day recipe ASAP!

Chef Danielson will select the "Official Menu Taste Tester" and the winning recipe based on its creativity, ease of preparation and consistency with the Derby party theme. Get inspired with our Garden-Fresh Mint Julep, our spin on the event's iconic cocktail.