Dust off your hats and get your Mint Julep cups down from storage. Saturday, May 5th marks the start of the Triple Crown of American Horse Racing, The Kentucky Derby (Race for the Roses). This ‘Fastest Two Minutes in Sports’ (1-1/4 miles of dirt track) occurs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Here you will witness the trio of races that sets the standards of excellence for three year old thoroughbreds.
The very first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875. There were 15 three year olds that ran and nearly 10,000 fans were in attendance. The Derby was organized by the Louisville Jockey Club. The Jockey Club was created by Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Churchill Downs, built on land donated by the Meriwether cousins, was officially incorporated in 1937.
Every year, the week before the race, Louisville comes alive with all sorts of wonderful activities geared towards celebrating the race. You will have the opportunity to attend a fabulous dinner party with live music on opening night, Monday April 28th. The next morning, April 29, known as the Dawn of the Downs, you will have the chance to enjoy a great Kentucky style breakfast buffet and then watch the jockeys work out with their horses. On the Thursday evening prior to the race, you can enjoy more of the best Kentucky cuisine available along with more great music.
So what are you waiting for, let Ingenious Travel put you in the saddle to see the First Jewel in The Triple Crown.
Do you know how long it has been since any horse has won all three races of the Triple Crown?
Photo source: flickr.com Patrick Fletcher
I have always wanted to go to the Kentucky Derby! It sounds like an awesome time and I have heard great things about it!
What about the hats? Isn’t this an event where all the women where their most colorful and creative finery?
Wow this sounds so nice I think I want to go!!! Holla