The Kentucky Derby
The first jewel in The Triple Crown, The Kentucky Derby hosts the best of three year old thoroughbreds qualifying to compete.
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The Kentucky Derby.
The American racing world’s biggest event takes place on Saturday May 7, 2011.
Kentucky Derby Eve party tickets are currently on sale for $ 943.00 Brownstable Section as of 27 of 01, 2011.
Kentucky Derby Oaks & Derby 2 day pass tickets rage from $432.oo to $3912.00 as of 27 of 01, 2011.
Horse racing is the greatest hit in Kentucky.
After a night of celebration the city of Louisville Kentucky prepares for the big day.
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On May 17, 1865 the first Kentucky derby was held at Churchill Downs in front of 10,000 spectators. Fifteen 3 year old colts competed for the one and a half mile stretch of dirt track. Aristides won the ‘ Run for the Roses ‘ in 2 minutes 37 and three quarter seconds. The race is now a one and one fourth mile stretch.
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Out of the gates the horses race to victory for the 2 million dollar prize.
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On May 17, 1875, Jockey, Oliver Lewis experienced what has been called “one of the fastest two minutes in sports” as he rode Aristides and won the inaugural Derby. This photo reportedly is the first known painting of Aristides.
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The race is celebrated with gala parties and celebrations. Which hat to wear is on the agenda each year for the ladies. Fans celebrate at track-side and Mint Julep is the drink of choice.
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Queen Elizabeth was a wonderful attraction for Louisville during a recent race.
The rich and famous are consistent in going to ” The Downs” and of course reserving the best seats.
Bets are placed small and huge therefore more than just the horse is the winner and/or the looser in most cases.
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President Richard Nixon appeared elated after the race in 1969.
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There are many thoroughbreds raised in Kentucky. Pastures and country side views as the horses graze are spectacular. The horses in the race are 3 year old fillies or foals. Only 3 fillies have won throughout the history of Churchill Down’s Kentucky Derby.
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The horses are guarded closely as the rules are strict and along with the jockeys must meet specific regulations.
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Secretariat, 1972 Triple Crown Winner gazes as the photo is taken at an undisclosed location . The horses must win The Kentucky Derby which is held every May in Louisville Kentucky, the Preakness Stakes that is held on the third Saturday in May at Pimlico course in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in June held in Elmont, NY…The third Jewel of The Triple Crown.
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Since the 50th race of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs a gold trophy has been presented to the winning owner of the famed ‘Runner For The Roses’ .
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very interesting.
thanks for the share.
Well written post, nice share
A very interesting and well presented post. It looks like a really exciting event.
Christine
What an excellent article! with brilliant pictures of the horses. I have always heard the experession “Kentucky Derby” I didn’t even know until today it was a real event? now I know better. Great work. David.
Awesome pictures and a very exciting post Angela
I used to live in Lexington, KY. I went to Louisville for the summer camp in the army reserves. I went to the Kentucky Derby. It was soooo wild!
It sounds like a wonderful event, and the history was very interesting.
Good. Nice pictures!