The Kentucky Derby is possibly the most famous horse race in the United States. It takes place in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Also known as the “Run for the Roses”, the Derby is the first stage of the prestigious Triple Crown. It is followed two weeks later by the Preakness Stakes, and three weeks later the Belmont Stakes is the first Kentucky Derby to be held in 1875, with Aristides taking the winner’s circle. It was originally run at a mile and a half, but in 1896, it was shortened to the mile and a quarter today. 1919 produced the first Triple Crown winner, Sir Barton.

Over the years, many of the favorites have won the Derby, including Exterminator in 1918, Black Gold in 1924, War Admiral in 1937, Whirlaway in 1941, Citation in 1948, Seattle Slew in 1977 and Barbaro in 2006. In total In Derby history, only three fillies have won the race: Repentance in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980 and Winning Colors in 1988. Another filly, Eight Belles, made a spectacular placement in 2008, placing 2nd behind the favorite, Big Brown. . Tragically, she broke both front ankles during the cooldown after crossing the finish line and had to be euthanized. This little game horse was the first to die in the Kentucky Derby race. She will be honored at Churchill Downs in the Kentucky Derby Museum Garden on the track. A magnolia tree is being planted in his honor, with its remains buried at its base. The La Troienne Stakes will also be renamed Eight Belles.

There have been some memorable rivalries associated with the Kentucky Derby, most notably between Swaps, a West Coast horse, and Nashua, an East Coast favorite. They first met at the Derby, and Swaps comfortably beat Nashua down the stretch. This led to a match race later that year that pitted not only both horses against each other, but also the two best jockeys in the nation at the time: Willie Shoemaker and Eddie Arcaro. Swaps injured his foot the day before the race, but continued with the race anyway, losing to Nashua.

The horse that still holds the record for the fasting finish at the Kentucky Derby is the Secretary’s, which he won in 1973. He managed to finish every quarter of the race faster than the last … something no other horse has been able to do. for this day.

There are also many traditions associated with the Kentucky Derby. Mint julep, a cold drink made from bourbon, mint and sugar syrup is the traditional drink of the races. Fashion dominates the day, with many visitors dressing in their finery with elaborate hats. It is tradition that during the parade to the stand “My Old Kentucky Home” it is played by the marching band of the University of Louisville. And one of the most coveted awards, the robe of roses, is placed on the shoulders of the winning horse. This blanket is made from 554 red roses. The rose blanket has been a Derby tradition since 1896, and is believed to have started at an after-Derby party in 1883, when New York socialite E. Berry Wall gifted all the ladies with roses.