The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race but a major springtime event that is steeped in history and tradition. This is a famous annual race that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Each year on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby horse race sets off as the first part of the renowned horseracing Triple Crown. The other two parts of this exciting horseracing honor are the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes.
Betting On the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby horse race stretches over 2.012 km and the approximate duration of the race itself is just two minutes. This famous race takes place at Churchill Downs and is a race for three year old thoroughbred horses. The year 2010 is the 136th Kentucky Derby race. The Kentucky Derby together with all its betting, odds and handicaps, has become a part of the culture and today even has its own museum offering visitors a glance into the Kentucky Derby experience.
Kentucky Derby Traditions
The Kentucky Derby is also known as ‘the run for the roses’ as the winner traditionally receives a red rose garland following the race.
The beverage mint julep, combining bourbon, sugar and mint, is a drink that has become customary and is strongly associated with the race.
Large hats are a part of the Kentucky Derby’s atmosphere and style.
Betting at the racing tracks also has a large part to play in the character and the ambiance of the Kentucky Derby.