The Kentucky Derby is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” and often referred to as “The Run for the Roses”. The Kentucky Derby is a 1-1/4 mile race held every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs and is restricted to three-year-old thoroughbreds. Because only three-year-olds may participate, it’s kind of like the Senior Prom – they have only one year in which they can attend, and that is assuming the horse meets the eligibility requirements.
Admittance to a spot in the Derby is based on earnings the horses have accumulated in graded stakes races only, and only 20 spots are available. In recent years, the fields have been full fields of 20 and often horses on the bubble of graded earnings just get shut out from participating.
The first Kentucky Derby took place on May 17, 1875, before a crowd of about 10,000 spectators, and was run at the somewhat longer distance of 1½ miles. It wasn’t until 1896 when the distance was changed to 1¼ miles at which it is currently run.
The Derby is the first “leg” or “jewel” of the Triple Crown, and to win the Triple Crown means going on to capture the second jewel, the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, and then the third jewel, the Belmont Stakes three weeks after that.
The term Triple Crown was first used in 1923 by the New York Times, but they started regular use of the term Triple Crown in 1930. Credit for the term is also often ascribed to Charles Hatton who also used the term in 1930 to describe Gallant Fox’s accomplishment of winning these three races in 1930. The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Affirmed in 1978, the 11th horse to accomplish the feat. A number of horses have come close, including recently Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, Smarty Jones in 2004, Funny Cide in 2003, and Big Brown in 2008, all of whom captured the first two jewels, but came up short in the Belmont.
Today the attendance at the Derby averages about 150,000 visitors per year, and is a popular attraction for celebrities, presidents, and even royalty. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip attended the 2007 Kentucky Derby which was won by Street Sense. President Truman, Gerald Ford, and Richard Nixon are among the U.S. presidents that have attended.
The winner of the Kentucky Derby is awarded a garland of some 400 red roses that is placed around the victor, a tradition which began in 1896.
The race is run beneath the famous twin spires of Churchill Downs, which have become a fixture associated with the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby is not just any sporting event, and the dress code that is in effect encourages attendees to dress stylishly. If you are lucky enough (or wealthy enough) to obtain tickets for one of the reserved seating areas – the grandstand, the Jockey Club, Turf Club, or other luxury suites, business casual is required. Do not wear denim jeans or shorts. Even tennis shoes are not permitted.
The infield is the only place where no real dress code is enforced and thus the attire is more casual. Derby fans are free to wear T-shirts, jeans, shorts, flip flops or other sandals.
The upcoming 2011 Kentucky Derby will be the 137th running and will take place on May 7th, 2011. Some of the Derby favorites for this year’s event include Uncle Mo, Dialed In, and The Facto
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