Talk Derby To Me

One of my favourite days of the year is Kentucky Derby!! Now, I have never actually been to the Kentucky Derby, I have always watched it on tv and I come from a horse racing family; family members have owned race horses, worked for tracks and spent many days watching races. 

Back to the Kentucky Derby...considered to be the most exciting two minutes in sports, 2015 will mark the 141st year that this event has taken place. The Derby always takes place on the first Saturday of May, this year's race will be on May 2- which is 10 days away!!

Today, I thought I would share some Kentucky Derby basics.

• Taking place at Churchill Downs, one of the most famous racetracks, the race is 1 1/4 mile long and takes roughly two minutes to complete.
• Also known as 'The Run for the Roses' because the winner is draped in hundreds of roses that are sewn together to create a blanket. 
• The Governor of Kentucky awards both the roses and the trophy to the winner.
• This  race is the first 'jewel' in the 'triple crown' of horse racing (followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes).
• Being well over 100 years old, there are a number of traditions associated with this event; mint juleps (the official drink) and the playing of 'My Old Kentucky Home' as the horses go to post are crowd (and personal) favourites.
• 'Millionaire's Row' is a term you will hear repeatedly on Derby day. This would be the incredibly expensive box seats.
• General admission is available for the infield, which ends up being a huge party, since it's difficult to see the actual race from this area. 
• 2015 horses (and information about them) can be found here- whether you pick your winner based on stats, name or post, there is some useful information there.

Tomorrow and next week, I will be sharing some ideas for hosting your own Kentucky Derby Party.. If you can't make it to Kentucky for the Derby, the next best thing is to host a Derby Party!!