On May 2nd, 2015 the most exciting two minute event in sports, known as the Kentucky Derby, brings together the best in first class horse racing. Held in the U.S. in Louisville, Kentucky, this years annual event will be its 141st time running with a $2 million guarantee. It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown and is followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes. A horse must win all three races to win the Triple Crown.
You can take a look at the following video link to watch last years 2014 Kentucky Derby Race, although still exciting, it won’t be as exciting as if you were actually standing there cheering amongst the crowd.
Interesting Facts:
- The first horse to ever win a Triple Crown was Sir Barton in 1919.
- In 1954, the purse exceeded $100,000 for the first time.
- The fastest time ever run in the Derby (at its present distance) was set in 1973 at 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds when Secretariat broke the record set by Northern Dancer in 1964.
- In 1970 Diane Crump became the first female jockey to ride in the Derby.
- The 2004 Derby marked the first time that jockeys, as a result of a court order, were allowed to wear corporate advertising logos on their clothing.
- In 2010 Calvin Borel set a new record, being the first jockey to win 3 out of 4 consecutive Kentucky Derbys.
*You can watch Secretariat’s historical winning race in 1973 captured here, Secretariat Kentucky Derby Race.
Traditions:
- The traditional beverage of the race is mint julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and a sugar syrup.
- The winning horse of the race, wears a 554 rose blanket.
- Women appear in lavish designer clothing and elaborate hats.
Records:
- Most wins by a jockey
- 5 – Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952)
- 5 – Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)
- Most wins by a trainer
- 6 – Ben A. Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952)
- Most wins by an owner
- 8 – Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968)
- Stakes record
- 1:59.40 – Secretariat (1973)
- Record Victory Margin
- 8 lengths – Assault (1946)
- 8 lengths – Whirlaway (1941)
- Longest shot to win the Derby
- 91 to 1 – Donerail (1913)
The Kentucky Derby is part of Americana, a legacy based on traditional values with a deep connection to previous generations. A great place to travel to for a good time and quite possibly, one of the most memorable 2 minutes of your life.
