The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is held in Louisville, Kentucky and it is the biggest horse racing event in the world. It is held for three year old thoroughbred horses that race around a one and quarter mile long track. The race takes place at Churchill Downs and it is said to be the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” The event draws more than 150,000 people who all place large wagers and have a great time.

History of the Derby

The Kentucky Derby began in 1875 where 15 three year old horses competed on a stunning track that was 1.5 miles long. In 1892, Alonzo Clayton became the youngest rider to win the Derby at the age of 15. The derby has been gaining exposure ever since 1952 when it was first televised. This allowed for a much broader fan base to take a part in the phenomenal action that takes place. The quickest time ever recorded at the derby was in 1973 when Secretariat ran a miraculous 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds. Some of the recent winners of the derby include Smarty Jones in 2004, Barbaro in 2006, and Big Brown in 2008.

The Event

The Kentucky Derby is well-known for its fashion and wearing the correct attire is a must. Men generally wear solid suits or tuxedos while women are known for having their prestigious hats. These hats tend to be very large and have joyous spring colors.

The Kentucky Derby has its own special food and drinks on the day of this great event. Try a Mint Julep which is a festive drink that many derby viewers will try. It consists of bourbon, mint, and syrup. Also, a burgoo is a type of meaty stew that has become very popular.

Seating at this event is split into certain sections. The infield is the most common area where general admissions may sit. This spot is known for being a huge party, but there is no cap on the number of people so the spacing may be tight. Millionaire’s Row is a group of box seats where rich and famous celebrities will sit and watch the derby. Michael Jordan, Jessica Simpson, Queen Elizabeth II, and many more have all stayed in these box seats.

Other Derby Facts

The derby always takes place on the first Saturday in May. You may be wondering how you could acquire tickets and you can do so in two ways. First you may order the more expensive tickets through their website or you can buy a ticket to the infield at the gate on the day of the event.

The derby is a great place to be and taking part in this event can leave you with an experience that will last a life time.

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