Kentucky Derby Day
When is Kentucky Derby Day? The Run for the Roses is always held on the first Saturday in May
Kentucky Derby Day is upon us. The “Running of the Roses” or “The Run for the Roses”, as the Kentucky Derby is called, is America’s premier horse racing event. Steeped in tradition, the derby is the first step in the Triple Crown of horse racing. It is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Each year approximately 155,000 people attend this all-day event, which culminates in a roughly two-minute race.
The Kentucky Derby runs on a 1 1/4 mile, 10-furlong, dirt track. The winner of the race receives a garland of roses and a $2 million purse. The winner has also reached the first step in winning the Triple Crown. The winning horse goes on to compete against other horses to hopefully win at the Preakness Stakes and finally at the Belmont Stakes.
20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby. Normally, far fewer horses race in any other horse racing event. To qualify for the Derby, the 3-year-old thoroughbred horses must travel the “Road to the Kentucky Derby”, a series of 35 horse races at tracks in the U.S. and around the world. Points are awarded and the top 20 horses proceed to the Kentucky Derby.
The race lasts about 2 minutes. All-day-long activities and celebrations precede the race. The excitement increases in intensity leading up to the opening of the gates, and the “Run for the Roses” begins.
Tradition abounds at the Kentucky Derby. People come dressed to the nines. Ladies wear extravagant hats and participate in a Hat Parade. Mint Juleps are the traditional drink and are consumed in huge quantities, approximately 120,000 during this two-day event.
Mint Juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Use the Official Mint Julep recipe.
Triple Crown Winners
The Kentucky Derby this the premiere event in the quest for the Triple Crown. If you don’t win this race, you can’t win the Triple Crown. All of the other horses are “Also rans”. There are no second chances. With that said all of the other horses and their owners strive to upset the Kentucky Derby winner.
Winning the Triple Crown is very difficult. Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown. In 1978, Affirmed became just the 11th horse to win all three races. It was 37 long years before American Pharaoh accomplished the feat. The latest Triple Crown winner is Justify, in 2018.
Kentucky Derby Trivia
- The Kentucky Derby is the longest continually running sporting event in the United States.
- The race is sometimes referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports”.
- To win the Triple Crown, a horse needs to win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and the Preakness.
- in 1896, roses were first given to the winner. Jockey Ben Brush received white and pink roses.
- In 1904, red roses became the official color.
- The garland of red roses given to the winner has over 400 flowers.
- Mint Juleps are the official drink of the race.
- Approximately 125,000 Mint Juleps are served during the two-day event. 60,000 pounds of ice are used.
- As the horses step onto the track for the post derby parade, the band plays “My Old Kentucky Home. This tradition began around 1921.
How to Participate in and Celebrate Kentucky Derby Day
Here are some ideas on how to enjoy Kentucky Derby Day:
- If you can, go to the race.
- Watch it on television.
- Have a Kentucky Derby party.
- Make Mint Juleps.
Today's Quote
“All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse and a good wife.’ – – Daniel Boone
Related Holidays
People who like this annual event will surely enjoy celebrating:
More About Today
This Day in History – Indeed, many other important events occurred on this date in May. See what happened on this date in history.
Famous May Birthdays – Did you ever wonder what famous people share your birth date? If so, then find out now!
Ecards – Send a free Ecard daily for the Kentucky Derby or just about any calendar holiday, occasion, observance, or event. Undoubtedly, it’s fun for both the sender and the recipient.
Flower/Plant of the Day: Mint
Recipe of the Day: Asparagus with Dijon and Lemon
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