The Kentucky Derby has been called ’’the greatest two minutes in sports’’. It is the oldest, continuously held sporting event in North America. For most of you, that two-minute race is probably all that you know about the Kentucky Derby. For those of us who live in Louisville, Kentucky, and those of you who have ever been here for the first Saturday in May, you know that there is so much more to the Kentucky Derby than a two-minute horse race. Horses and horse racing is a way of life for many people that live in and visit Kentucky.
Kentucky is home to many horse farms. Thousands of people from all over the world keep their horses boarded here. They pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to breed and train those horses in hopes of someday having a Kentucky Derby Winner. It’s not necessarily about the trophy or the money the winner receives, it is more about tradition and a simple, but elegant garland of roses (which is why the Derby is also often called Run for the Roses). Most jockeys, trainers and owners often say the ’’Garland of Roses’’ mean more to them than anything else.
Horse racing began in Kentucky in 1789. It was very popular in the Lexington area, where many of the horse farms still are today. In the 1800’s, horse racing moved to Louisville, and on May 17, 1875, the first official Kentucky Derby was held. On that day, only four races were run in front of a crowd of 10, 000 people. A three-year old chestnut colt named Aristides was crowned the first Kentucky Derby Winner.
Derby Day is the first Saturday of May, regardless of the weather. There are usually an average of 19 horses that start the race, and the average winning time is between 2 minutes and 2 minutes and 5 seconds. Derby attendance has grown from that first year of 10, 000 to one-and-a-half million people!
The horses that run the Derby race are three-year old thoroughbreds. The day before the Derby is ’’ladies day’’ called Oaks Day. On this day the three-year old fillies get their chance to run for the Garland of the Lillies. This year will be the 127th annual race for both the fillies and the thoroughbreds.
Other traditions surrounding Derby Day are the festive Spring colors. The flowers surrounding Churchill Downs are at their most spectacular the first weekend in May. The colors are also reflected in the clothing people wear. Ladies’ hats are also a big event. Women wear their most beautiful hats on Oaks Day and Derby Day. There are actually hat companies that make one-of-a-kind hats for women to wear on this special day.
The drink of the day is also very special.Mint Juleps are served in special Derby collector glasses. The Julep is made from sugar, water, Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey, crushed ice and a sprig of mint.
Another tradition of Derby Day is the singing of My Old Kentucky Home, our state’s anthem, right before the race begins. It is a beautiful song written by Stephen Foster and is guaranteed to bring a tear to those of us native to Kentucky and others as well.
As I said previously, there is more to the Derby than a two-minute horse race. There are horse races run all day on Derby Day and Oaks Day. There are also events held all over the city for the two weeks leading up to the big race. The first big event, the kick-off to Derby, is called Thunder Over Louisville, which is the biggest fireworks display and airshow in North America. ’’Thunder’’ is held on Saturday, two weeks before the Derby. There is an all-day air show of jet fighters, parachuters and sky divers, then after dark, the fireworks show begins and lasts for 30 minutes. It is definitely one of the most spectacular events I have ever witnessed.
The Saturday before Derby there is a Balloon Race. People come from all over the country to race their hot-air balloons. The event is a photographer’s dream, with all of the vibrant colors of the balloons.
There is also a steamboat race between the Belle of Louisville and New Orleans’ Delta Queen the week before Derby. These are two of the world’s oldest, still-running, steamboats. They race a stretch of the Ohio River, which runs the border of downtown Louisville.
The Thursday before Derby is the Pegasus Day Parade, which takes place on Broadway in downtown Louisville. This parade features local celebrities, school marching bands from all over the country, and many movie stars, athletes, musicians, etc., who come to Louisville for the Derby.
Even if you don’t care much about horse racing, the Kentucky Derby has something to offer everyone. There are many more events not listed here, but to give you an idea of how big the Derby Festival is: even though most events are free (except the Derby itself), Louisville still brings in 58 million dollars annually from the festivities. Not bad for a mostly free party!
If you do enjoy horse racing, then you really should make it a point to visit us in May. Horse racing can be very exciting and you get to see the world’s most beautiful horses.
This year, the 127th Derby will be held on Saturday, May 5th. If anyone is planning to attend and needs help making arrangements, needs advice on how to get around, or has any other questions, feel free to email me.