2009 Kentucky Derby History and More

2009 Kentucky Derby History. The Kentucky Derby is the premier race held for three year old thoroughbred horses. The race is held once a year in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in the month of May at the Churchill Downs racetrack. The Derby is the first of three horse races that comprise the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Horse Racing. The Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are the 2^nd and 3^rd legs of the Triple Crown and occur later in the horse racing season. The Kentucky Derby is one and one quarter miles in length and is also known as "The Run for the Roses" because of the large blanket of roses that is placed on the winning horse.

KentuckyDerby Records

There are a number of records associated with the Kentucky Derby that date across the 1900's. Perhaps one of the most famous thoroughbred's in horse racing history is Secretariat who won the 1973 Derby in a time of 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds. Some other notable records are: Largest Odds to Win the Derby - 91-1 (Donerail in 1913); Most Wins By a Jockey -5 (Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952) and Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)); Most wins by an owner - 8 - Calumet Farm.

Kentucky Derby Dress Code

If you have never been to the Kentucky Derby before, there are two things that separate this race from all others - 1 - The Traditions associated with the race and 2- The Dress Code. Mint Juleps and Burgoo are the drink and food of choice for Derby Day. Mint Juleps are traditionally served in a frosted pewter or silver cup and consist of Kentucky Bourbon, syrup, and mint. Burgoo is a popular stew for the derby that has a little bit of everything in it (chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables). Another big tradition for the Kentucky Derby is the wearing of fashionable hats. The women of society are well-known for wearing expensive dresses with large hats that are also known as chapeaus.

Kentucky Derby Dress Code

The Kentucky Derby is known as one of the more 'dressy' or 'stylish' sporting events of the year. If you are going to be going to any of the clubs or special seating areas at Churchill Downs or at the Simulcast at Keenland Race Track, the appropriate attire is business casual. If you're unfamiliar with business casual, think "Church Clothes" and you'll be most of the way there. Typically, business casual dress consists of Jackets and Blazers, collared shirts and sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, and slacks.

Refs:

http://www.kentuckyderby.info/kentuckyderby-history.php

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/2008/history/statistics

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

http://www.celebrations.com/article/kentucky-derby-traditions--culture-party-food

http://horseracing.about.com/library/weekly/aa050600e.htm