Dear Sir,
Please do not be jealous because you still have a monarchy; we are more intelligent than your article portrays. At the first, we understand that breeding and pedigree is best suited for animals, not humans. At another, we understand that egalitarian virtues allow all comers and should be championed not derided. You owe Kentucky an apology. Personally I hope you never come back. As for the queen, I hope she enjoyed herself, but I do not salute an isntitution that we defied over 200 years ago and that time has ultimately proven to be an obsolete vestige of tyrannical dictatorship and irrational thought.

Steven Wilson, louisville, ky

Oh dear. Brad, Bobbie, Gary: calm down a little!
It's a brilliant piece, equally rude about everyone, but pointing out the essential kindness and hospitality of Americans.

Christopher, Lewes, UK

Your article shows what Americans have always known, most Brits are snobs. Who informed you that you were above anyone? Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky I need to inform you (apparently you haven't researched the city) that the infield does not represent the people of this large city. Churchill, I believe, is brilliant with the concept of the infield.. to have a place where the non-rich can feel comfortable to enjoy a special day in their city. I am aware bad behavior happens within the crowd, but it is mostly from young people who think this is yet another reason to get drunk and do stupid things that they will most certainly regret later in life.
Re: "no royal enclosure".. Why would we have a special enclosure for one day? If she desired a special enclosure or "box" do you not believe she would have asked for something beforehand? You also rank yourself high above the Queen by stating what YOU think would suit her with a win.

Vicki, Los Angeles, California

I would like to know who Mr. Hamilton would have prefered to be the primary sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, since Yum! Brands is so clearly insulting to his delicate British sensibilities.

I think what he is also forgetting is that HRH Queen Elizabeth II fulfilled her lifelong dream of attending the Derby. I doubt that it really made any difference to her that a fast food company was the primary sponsor.

Molly Schmidt, Salt Lake City , Utah, USA

While we Louisvillians are delighted the Queen was among the visitors the Derby attracted this year, you should know that the Derby itself isn't the day locals prefer to attend Churchill Downs.

Instead, we've always considered Oaks Day, the day before the Derby, our own "Derby." It features the Kentucky Oaks, a comparatively rich race for America's best three-year-old fillies, and much less insane behavior (particularly in the infield). Ladies still dress up and wear their best hats, however!

Sue Fomby, Louisville, KY

Given HM's run of rotten luck in the UK classics, she may want to consider seeing her silks carried in the US edition.

TJ Cassidy, Arlington, VA, USA

I think some of you are too sensitive. I think the author just means to point out the differences between America's best-known horse race and England's. If this were an article in an American paper about Ascot and how stuffy and formal it was, you'd be laughing along with it.

KH, Boston, MA

While we're delighted that the Queen attended Saturday's Derby, your reporter would probably have been much happier at the Kentucky Oaks, always held the day before the Derby.

The Oaks, which locals consider "our" Derby, features a comparatively rich (to Saturday's) field of America's best three-year-old fillies, more decorous behavior (no out-of-towners cavorting in the infield), and an equal number of ladies dressed up and wearing their best hats.

Sue Fomby, Louisville, Kentucky

I think the tone of the article may have been lost in translation as it crossed the Atlantic!!

Simon, London,

No one asked the Queen to attend the Kentucky Derby--she wanted to be there, Yum Brands or no Yum Brands as sponsor. While clearly this offends Alan Hamilton, he should really be taking the issue up with Buckingham Palace. Perhaps Allen can get Her Majesty back on the prim and proper track and make that crusade the subject of his next contribution.

David Ruppert, Arlington, Virginia, USA

I have a Californian wife. I hope that quashes accusations of racism.
I thought the article compared an American event very favourably with the English alternative. I am sure that many non-royalists would agree.
When an article in a UK newspaper very slightly criticises the USA the result is a good old bashing by rednecks.
One does wonder why we bother with such an imperialist and jingoistic nation.
No I don't want to live there. I don't like guns and rednecks give me the heebiegeebiies.
My Californian wife totally agrees - she doesn't want to live there either.

J D S, Cardiff, Wales UK

I would say that Mr. Hamilton doesn' t really give the Tradition and ways of Americans at these events. We like to hang loose and have fun! Who cares if it is sponsored by a Fast food corp. its not about that! Though i am glad the Queen had a good time!

Nicholas Rudolph, Kittery, Maine USA

The ugly American? This article is demonstration of the the ugly English!

Gary Johnson, Santa Barbara, California USA

Brits are always snide when it comes to America and Americans. But, oddly, most would live here (particularly in a lovely place like Santa Barbara) at the drop of a hat if they could. Even then they continue to diss us (I know this first hand) which becomes quite tiresome.

Gary Johnson, Santa Barbara, California USA

Mr. Hamilton obviously doesn't understand the charm and tradition of the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is an event for everyone not just those in the upper crust of society. I thought your comments about the event were catty to say the least. The Queen might have had a very nice time while in Kentucky. All of your comments about her and what she thought was at best a guess.

Bobbie, Beattyville, USA/ KY

Well, that was a bit elitist, wasn't it?

Brad, Mill Valley, CA USA

I have been looking all over the net for an insightful article about the Queen' s attendance of the 133rd Kentucky Derby. I was lucky to run into your sarcastic write-up written from the British point of view. Your piece really reveals the cultural differences between Churchill Downs and the Royal Ascot. It craked me up to find out how the two different cultures are displayed on the two racetracks although your first phrase on blurring infield behaviors is kind of comforting to us Americans.

Steve, Westminster, California

As a young lad growing up in the midwest of the United States I longed to go to Churchhill Downs for this storied event. Yesterday it finally happened and I must say I was somewhat impressed by the overselling of it all. Too think of the Queen waisting her courtley time on this circus is beyond me.

Local beer swelling yocos glistening with tatoes, 'ladies' who may or may not have been looking for after event business and as noted, the fast food vendors who appeared to have been granted weekend passes from the Kentucky State Prison.

The Masters it isnt but the Marti Gras of the North it is!

Bobby Mac, Scottsdale, Arizona