Kentucky Derby 135th: The Run For The Roses
May 7, 2011

Churchill Downs
Louisville, KY

Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for Thoroughbred horses and one of the oldest Thoroughbred horse races in the United States. The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association gave the Kentucky Derby a Grade I status. This horseracing event is held every year in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. The event starts on the first Saturday in the month of May, culminating the two-week-long Kentucy Derby Festival. This is a one and a quarter mile race at Churchill Downs.

The race has been dubbed by Americans as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate period and is also referred as “The Run For The Roses” in reference to the lush blanket of 554 red roses draped over the winner. Along with the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes, the Kentucky Derby is part of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing as its first leg. Thousands of people come in attendance during the Kentucky Derby and for this reason it is ranked first in North America in terms of attendance.

The Kentucky Derby is more than just horse racing since it has a rich history that is full of traditions. When you attend the Kentucky Derby, you will enjoy the Mint Junep which is a mixed iced alcoholic drink or cocktail made with bourbon whiskey, sugar, mint, and water. This is the traditional beverage of the Kentucky Derby and has been promoted by Churchill Downs in association with the race since 1938. This drink is paired with a serving of the popular Kentucky dish burgoo, which is a thick, spicy stew made of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables.

TwinSpires.com - Live Horse TV Streaming

The Kentucky Derby offers two distinct audience areas for its patrons: the infield is the spectator area inside the track that is being offered in general admission prices. However, this offers the poorest quality viewing experience of the race. For this reason, revelers go here for the crazy party that is being thrown here. On the other hand, the “Millionaires Row” as its name suggests offers premium viewing experience and is usually reserved for the rich and famous. The University of Louisville Marching Band serenades the crowd with Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses are paraded around the horse track.

The Kentucky Derby’s record for the most wins by a jockey is co-held by Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack with 5 Derby wins each. Arcaro won in 1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, and 1952 while Hartack dominated in 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, and 1969. Last year’s Kentucky Derby winner was the Winstar Farm-owned Super Saver with its 3-time Kentucky Derby winner jockey Calvin Borel, who also won the Kentucky Derby the year before and in 2007.

Related Articles:
» Horse Racing Home Page
» Del Mar Stakes Race Preview
» The Saratoga Springs Race, 142nd Tavers Stakes
» Horse Racing Belmont Stakes Race
» Horse Racing Preakness Stakes Race Betting Odds
» Horse Racing Kentucky Derby Betting Odds