The Kentucky Derby
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The Greatest Thoroughbred Stakes Race in North America - The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a one and a quarter mile race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. This Thoroughbred stakes race began in 1875. It is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby is the most popular Thoroughbred stakes race in North America. Take a look and see why The Kentucky Derby is often referred to as the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Running for the Roses
The Kentucky Derby
Roses were first presented to the Kentucky Derby winner, Ben Brushin, in 1896. This presentation was a floral arrangement of white and pink roses. In 1904, the red rose was made the official flower of the Kentucky Derby.
The garlands that are currently presented were first introduced in 1932. It is a garland consisting of more than 400 red roses. Each garland also has a "Crown" rose that points upward symbolizing the struggle and heart necessary to reach the winners' circle. In addition to the garland, the winning jockey is presented with a bouquet of 60 long stemmed roses wrapped in ten yards of ribbon.
In the Beginning
The Kentucky Derby's first official race was held on May 17, 1875, with an estimated 10,000 in attendance. In 1883 the track began to be referred to as Churchill Downs. The very first winner of the Kentucky Derby, was a three-year-old chestnut colt, Aristides. Owned by H.P. McGrath, and was trained and ridden by Ansel Williamson and Oliver Lewis.
In 1913 Donerail became the longest shot to win the Derby, paying $184.90, $41.20 and $13.20 and collecting $5,475 for the victory. The following year Old Rosebud set a track record of 2:03 2/5, winning the Derby by eight lengths. In 1915 Regret joined record setting Donerail and Old Rosebud by becoming the first filly to win the Derby.
Image of Old Rosebud
Run for the Roses by Dan Fogelberg
In 1925 the first network radio broadcast of Derby was aired on May 16th. It was then that the phrase "Run for the Roses" was coined by N.Y.Journal-American writer Bill Corum.
The Magic Continues
The magic was brought to many additional viewers with the first network television broadcast of the Derby in 1952. A legend was made in 1973 when Secretariat broke the record by winning the 99th Run for the Roses in under 2 minutes, 1:59 2/5. The 125th running of the Kentucky Derby was held in 1999 bringing a close to the end of the century. The following year 2000 brings the third century in which Churchill Downs presents the Derby. The Kentucky Derby continues on every year with it's beauty, excitement and winnings. It is a race not to be missed.
Image by wjarrettc / CC BY 2.0
Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - DVD
Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments
Amazon Price: $14.87 (as of 05/27/2012)
The Kentucky Derby... the history, the mystery, the magic. It is the traditon of the Twin Spires and mint juleps on the first Saturday in May - where the sun shines bright on clubhouse celebrities, infield revelers, and full-fledged Kentucky Colonels amidst a spectacle of pageantry and tradition from the legendary Churchill Downs. With hardboot trainers and hard-riding jockeys carrying the hopes and colors from the mightiest racing families or the dreams of a single-horse stable, the Derby equalizes all contenders in the Run for the Roses, chasing the gold and glory that can go to just one winner who proves the swiftest and strongest on this single most important day. The Kentucky Derby has been run since 1875, more than 130 times without interruption - well into a second century and still counting with a heritage that carries a tale for every triumph. These are the magical memories of the world's most legendary horse race, the stories we most remember and cherish - the landmarks along a landscape of Thoroughbred excellence... these are the Kentucky Derby's Greatest Moments. From the fighting finish of 1933 to the inspiring triumph of the beloved Barbaro, this signature video features the most memorable moments of the Kentucky Derby. Witness the time-honored performances from the iconic names in racing history, like War Admiral, Citation, Affirmed, and the immortal Secretariat. This comprehensive collection of archival Derby footage and photography brought together for the first time is the ultimate officially licensed Kentucky Derby DVD.
Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Track Facts
The Kentucky Derby race track is a left hand dirt track. It was originally one and a half miles but in 1896 it was shortened to one and a quarter miles. This change was made because the original distance was too long for the three year old Thoroughbreds to run so early in the spring. It wasn't until 1930 that the box starting mechanism was used for the Kentucky Derby.
Image Courtesy of Kentuckytourism.com
Kentucky Derby Montage - 1987- 2006
Take a look at these exciting Kentucky Derby film clips.
Horse & Jockey Sculpture - Taking the Lead
Horse Racing Sculpture
Amazon Price: $312.40 (as of 05/28/2012)
Horse and jockey in solid pewter on black marble with wood base. Item comes gift boxed. Call us toll-free with questions about engraving Dimensions: 14"W x 5.5"D x 9.5"H, Imprint Area: 10" x .75"
Who's Blogging About the Kentucky Derby?
- No workouts for I'll Have Another before Belmont
- ?There will be a lot of days when I'll Have Another, strictly galloping, will pass a lot of workers,? O'Neill said Sunday morning after taking a red-eye flight from his West Coast base and being reunited with his Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner.
- Kentucky Derby-winning trainer O'Neill facing hearing
- ARCADIA, California (AP) ? Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O'Neill could be facing up to a six-month suspension when the California Horse Racing Board meets to discuss a case involving one of his horses testing for a high level of total carbon ...
- Mario Gutierrez is riding sudden fame with modesty
- Young Mexican-born jockey, a virtual unknown a few months ago, has guided I'll Have Another to Kentucky Derby and Preakness victories but remains grounded and hasn't forgotten those who helped him along the way. Jockey Mario Gutierrez celebrates after ...
- US hail storm pounds new Ford Escape models
- The same storm disrupted horse races at Churchill Downs during a trial race for the Kentucky Derby. Todd Nissen, a Ford spokesman, would not confirm the number of cars that were damaged because the process of inspecting each vehicle is "a fairly ...
The Kentucky Derby Located at Churchill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky 40215, USA
The First Saturday in May (2007)
Kentucky Derby Horse Movie
The First Saturday in May
Amazon Price: $10.05 (as of 05/28/2012)
The Hennegan brothers follow six trainers from varying parts of the country on their prize 2005 horses' journeys through various graded stakes to the Kentucky Derby. Both joy and heartbreak are present in this film, often shown by the same trainers and their families, concerning their horses' stances going into, coming out of, and after the Derby (if they even make it). Of 40,000 foals ever year, only 20 will make the Derby, and the Hennegan brothers follow six remarkable stories along their paths to defying the odds.
More Horse Racing Sites
Everything Horse and Pony
The Kentucky Derby Guestbook
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teriann
May 4, 2012 @ 5:48 pm | delete
- Being a Lou-a-villian native I grew up on the KY Derby. I don't live there anymore and it's always this time of year I get the most homesick. Great fun facts! Thx for the walk down memory lane.
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pheonix76
May 2, 2011 @ 11:24 pm | delete
- Nice lens!! I am really looking forward to watching the Kentucky Derby this Saturday.
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RenaissanceWoman2010
Apr 12, 2011 @ 9:09 pm | delete
- I have always been intrigued by the Kentucky Derby. I've not been to the race, though I have visited the track near race day. I enjoyed learning more about the history of the race and the horses. Thanks!
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Bobbi
Feb 4, 2011 @ 6:24 pm | delete
- anyone know where i can get a copy of the movie The First Week in May Please
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HorseAndPony
Feb 4, 2011 @ 6:40 pm | delete
- Hi,
It's actualy The First Saturday in May (2007). I added it above and you can find it Here on Amazon.
Hope that helps.
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Who is this HorseAndPony? I'm crazy about animals and a horse fanatic. I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA., have a degree in Electrical Engineering. I'm now married,... more »
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