Win, Place, Show

            The Kentucky Derby is arguably one of the biggest attractions in the world. It draws hundreds of thousands of individuals including celebrities, presidents and even members of the royal family. The derby is ran at Churchill Downs and often referred to as “The Run for the Roses” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and is a 1.25 mile race for three-year-old thoroughbreds. The first race to ever be ran at the derby was in 1875 when nearly 10,000 people watched 15 horses run a 1.5 mile course (1.5 was the standard at the time). Derby winners soon started being run in the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes for the ultimate title of “Triple Crown.”

            The Kentucky Derby is also rich with tradition. Since 1938 the Mint Julep has been sipped on by derby goers. The drink is iced and consists of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup. It is offered in souvenir glasses revised for each year and lists all the former Kentucky derby winners. There is also a traditional food made with beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables called burgoo. Probably one of the most known traditions of the derby is the infield, which is a spectator area inside the track. It provides the cheapest seating and the least opportunity to actually see a race, but it makes up for it in downright ridiculous partying.

            The derby is something many Kentuckians hold dear to their heart and is something that sets us apart from the rest of the world. James Huddleston, a frequent derby goer, said “The derby is a tradition that is uniquely Kentucky and it’s something that we embrace and look forward to each year.”