Welcome to the Kentucky Derby, folks! Yes, it is that time of the year when we warm our equestrian spirits with the Road to Kentucky races, while we wait for the legendary 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024.
Most horse racing enthusiasts would agree that the Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race; it’s a cultural phenomenon, and let’s be honest, it looks like a fashion runway.
But why do we love this event so much? Well, apart from the fact that the Derby is draped in history and tradition and brings some of the fastest horses in the world, there are a lot of other things that make the Kentucky Derby interesting to watch.
Let’s dive into some fun facts that make the Derby not just a race but a legend in its own right.
Kentucky Derby History
Did you know the Kentucky Derby has been sprinting since 1875? That’s right, it’s older than the light bulb! Imagine running in the dark – thankfully, we don’t have to since races were organized during the day.
This event is the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States, and this year is the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby. It is going to be a special event for sure.
The Run for the Roses
Ever wondered why it’s called the “Run for the Roses”? Well, the winner gets draped in a lush blanket of 554 red roses. That’s a lot of florist’s nightmares!
And if you think carrying that blanket is easy, think again. It’s heavy, like ‘Did I just win a race or a gardening contest?’ heavy. But it is like a feather for the winning horse.
Betting at the Derby
The Kentucky Derby is also an exciting race for betting. Even people who don’t know much about betting like to place a wager on their favorite horse. Each year, the total wagers of the Kentucky Derby reach unbelievable numbers.
In 2019, there was a record-setting wagering only for the Kentucky Derby that reached $165.5 million.
So, if you are excited about this year’s event and cannot wait to place a bet, make sure you learn how the odds work on TwinSpires, just to be prepared.
A Race of Firsts
First Female Jockey: Diane Crump broke the gender barrier in 1970. It’s not just a man’s world, folks! Sadly, this trend didn’t last long since the Kentucky Derby is now heavily dominated by male jockeys.
First African-American Jockey to Win: Oliver Lewis, in 1875. He was also part of the first-ever Kentucky Derby. Talk about setting the bar high!
First Photo Finish Camera: In 1948, they introduced this to avoid those ‘I totally won that’ arguments.
Mint Juleps
What’s the Derby without its signature drink? Over 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day event. That’s a lot of mint! And bourbon, don’t forget the bourbon. It’s like the race: quick, exciting, and leaves you wanting more.
The Kentucky Derby introduced the mint julep as their official drink in 1939, and since then it has become a signature drink for the Derby. So, don’t you dare watch the race and order a beer, you’ll get a lot of looks from your fellow spectators?
Fashion Statements on the Field
Hats, hats, and more hats! The Derby isn’t just a race; it’s a runway for extravagant headgear. Why? No real reason, other than it’s fabulous. From the elegant to the downright bizarre, these hats see no limits. It’s like Easter and a royal wedding had a baby at a racetrack.
Since the Kentucky Derby is a fashion-oriented event, most people spend a lot of time designing their outfits. Some come with unique tailor-made designs, and others go for something never-before-seen.
One thing is for sure, if we compare it to the Oscars, we think that attendants at the Kentucky Derby spent more time thinking about their outfits.
Record-Breaking Moments
Fastest Derby Ever: Secretariat, in 1973, ran it in under 2 minutes. Blink and you’ll miss it. This record has never been beaten since. After all, the Secretariat was a unique horse with an exceptionally big heart (literally).
Largest Attendance: In 2015, over 170,000 people attended. That’s like a small city congregating for horses and hats.
Need a comparison? Well, let’s take one of the most popular sporting events in the United States – The Super Bowl. The record-breaking attendance at a Super Bowl event was set at the Rose Bown California. The Super Bowl XIV attracted 103,985 fans, which is nowhere near the Kentucky Derby record.
The Youngest Winner: Alonzo Clayton, just 15, won in 1892. Nowadays, he wouldn’t be old enough to bet!
The Curse of Apollo
Did you hear about the Curse of Apollo? No horse had won the Derby without racing as a 2-year-old since Apollo in 1882. That’s until 2018, when Justify said, ‘Curse? What curse?’ and won. A true underdog story!
Final Words
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just about who runs the fastest; it’s a celebration of history, tradition, and, yes, incredible fashion.
It’s where sports, culture, and a splash of bourbon come together in a spectacular display of American spirit. So, grab your hat, ready your mint julep, and enjoy the most exciting two minutes in sports. Who knows what quirky tradition or record will be next?
