This game is licensed for personal, private use only. If you plan to use it for any commercial purpose, public event, business, organization, school, fundraiser, church, promotional activity, paid event, or any use that generates revenue or provides a commercial benefit, you must purchase a Commercial License.
- Type Download
- SKU DERBY
- Age Range 13 to Adult
- Minimum # of players 7 Suspects
- Max Players (Main Game) 15 Suspects
- Max players available 25 Suspects (Expansion Pack Sold Separately)
- Difficulty rating Moderate, 4/10
- Character roles Co-Ed (See Host Character List for Ratio)
- Game Duration 2 to 4 Hours Average (Flexible Timeline)
- Game format Murder | Guided Clue Mingling | 4 Rounds
- Vibe and Content Notes Glamorous Gala Vibes * Horseracing Rival Energy * Lighthearted, Clean Fun
- Date of publication 2016 Last Revised: 2020
A thrilling horse-racing murder mystery party game for at least 7 players, ages 13 and up, with co-ed and all-female casting options.
The main game includes 15 unique suspect roles. One expansion pack, sold separately, adds 10 optional characters and expands the game to 25 unique suspects.
This glamorous race-weekend mystery is packed with thoroughbred owners, socialites, racing professionals, enormous fortunes, elaborate hats, business betrayals, bruised egos, bitter rivalries, suspicious secrets, and murder at the prestigious Gotham Downs Gala.
This is the instant download version, so there is nothing to ship and no shipping fee. Simply download, print, prepare, and play!
Prefer a professionally prepared game? Choose the Boxed Kit version, and our staff will professionally print and prepare the game materials for you.
Helpful Links:
Main-game players can prepare for the gala with character information, costume suggestions, extravagant Derby-hat inspiration, and details about the elite guests gathering at Gotham Downs.
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Expansion Pack #1: Adds 10 Characters
Sold separately. Adds 10 optional unique suspect roles and expands the game to 25 unique suspects. The expansion characters may be added in any number and combination with the optional characters from the main game.
Horse-Racing Murder Mystery Party Game Synopsis:
The Louisville Derby, also known as the Run for Red Roses, is an esteemed horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. The long-awaited day at Gotham Downs is quickly approaching, and the city’s most prominent horse owners, racing professionals, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and socialites are preparing for the prestigious Gotham Downs Gala on the evening before the big race.
Millionaire’s Row is not particularly famous for camaraderie. Many members of the exclusive racing circle share complicated histories involving failed business ventures, personal betrayals, questionable decisions, retaliation, and fierce competition. With fortunes, reputations, and championship dreams on the line, even the smallest spark could ignite a spectacular scandal.
Nevertheless, the paddocks are ready, the racing silks have been pressed, and the thoroughbreds are eager to reach the starting gate. Your invitation has arrived, and it is time to select an unforgettable hat and stunning gala attire because you would never allow your rivals to outshine you. When the celebration takes a deadly turn, the surviving guests must investigate the evidence, expose hidden motives, and identify the killer.
Expand The Deadly Derby Murder Mystery Party:
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Main Game: 15 unique suspect characters
- Designed for 7–15 players.
- Includes 7 required and 8 optional roles.
- The required cast includes 6 female and 1 gender-flexible character.
- The optional cast includes 4 female, 3 male, and 1 gender-flexible character.
- The complete main-game cast includes 10 female, 3 male, and 2 gender-flexible roles.
- The required cast may be played by an all-female group.
- The game may also be played with a co-ed group.
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Expansion Pack #1: 10 additional suspect characters
- Sold separately.
- Includes 5 female, 3 male, and 2 gender-flexible roles.
- All 10 expansion characters are optional.
- The characters may be added in any number and combination with the optional main-game roles.
- Expands the game to 25 unique suspects.
All 25 available roles are unique suspect characters. This game does not use duplicate or expandable team roles.
This is the instant download version of the game. Simply download, print, and prepare everything you need to play, with no shipping fees or delivery wait.
PDF files included:
- Host Instructions
- Printable Game Materials
- Solution
- Optional Extras, such as the free invitation
For the boxed kit, also called the Party Pack, use the link provided on the product page.
Printing Tips
For the best results, open and print the files using Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free from Adobe.com. Other PDF viewers may alter fonts, spacing, colors, page sizing, or interactive features.
- Download the PDF files to your computer and note where you save them before opening or printing.
- Select Actual Size or 100% Scale unless the instructions specify otherwise.
- Do not select Fit to Page, as this may resize cards, labels, or other game materials.
- Confirm that the paper size is set to US Letter, 8.5 × 11 inches.
- Print one test page before printing the complete game.
- Use standard printer paper for any worksheets or investigation sheets.
- Use heavier paper for invitations, clue cards, and other materials that will be handled during the game.
- Print in color when possible for the intended appearance.
- Do not select double-sided printing.
- Allow ink to dry completely before cutting, folding, or assembling the materials.
Printer settings and results may vary by printer.
We did this for my daughter's 14th birthday party and they loved it! It was easy to do and the girls really got into it and had so much fun! We will be doing more of these.
Can't wait to have our party, this will be our 2nd murder mystery from this company and we loved the first one. Friends all had a great time. The packet includes all the info for a great time. Definately recommend the pre-game phone calls, we do ours the night before the party.
This is our 5th Murder Mystery with My Mystery Party and as always it was an absolute blast! We played with 16 characters (we also purchased the expansion pack) and everything was great! It worked great to have this party the actual night before thr real Kentucky Derby 2023. This was the first time for many players, each round card had lots of information to build the character storylines! I added a few more props this time and I think it added a nice touch! I think this game is the best one yet! At the end of the night everyone was wondering when the next one will be! Can't wait to start planning!
We had a romp & a great laugh - such a fun time!
I used the provided clues to "write" the script for the players, the cast of players present this to residents of our mobile home park at no cost. This is my 10th time scripting the clues. I am disappointed in this Mystery, this is my least favorite. I am pushing the horse race, we have 'horses' on poles that each of the owners will be introduced with (the owner and rider of Moon River riding on his horse). I plan on sliding a colored T-shirt on the horse's body (stick) with their names and post position on. At the end each horse will start from their post position and the winner will advance to the finish line by the roll of the dice and be the winner and will be presented with a wreath. I omitted much of the Round 2 clues, too much. I found it difficult, there were too many sub-plots. I am a fan of Murder Mystery Parties and plan to offer more in the future.