The Kentucky Derby
Almost every year on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby takes place in Louisville, Kentucky. This race is held on one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs and is graded as a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. It is part of a two-week Kentucky Derby Festival.
Shortening of the Derby
Originally run as a 1.5 mile race, the Kentucky Derby (G1) was condensed to 1.25 miles. The first race was run in 1875 and saw a field of 15 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.
The Kentucky Derby has been around for almost three centuries and has undergone a number of changes over the years. Originally, the race was held on the first weekend of May and the distance was an arduous 1 and a half miles.
The first time the Derby was held, a total of 10,000 spectators were on hand to watch the show. It was not until 1896 that the distance was shortened to a modest one and a quarter miles.
A few years later, the distance was further reduced to a mere one and a half miles. However, the Kentucky Derby has survived major historical events and has grown to be the largest spectacle horse race in America.
The Kentucky Derby has been called the "Rosemont of racing" for good reason. The tradition of draping the winning horse in roses is one of the longest standing traditions at Churchill Downs.
The new name for the Kentucky Derby is the Run for the Roses. As with the name change, the race itself has changed in many ways. The field now consists of up to 20 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. The distance has been reduced from 1.5 to 1.2 miles and the prize money increased to $3 million.
The Kentucky Derby has been called the granddaddy of all horse races and has been a major draw for the Louisville area for more than a century. It is also a major fund raising event for many organizations. The Kentucky Derby is a rite of passage for many of the state's horse racing enthusiasts and the state of Kentucky as a whole.
Mint julep
Whether you are a drinker, a drink-loving fan, or a drink-loving fan of horse racing, you know that the Derby mint julep is one of the most refreshing and iconic spring and summer drinks. The drink is a classic that is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
There is a lot of history behind the Derby mint julep. Its origins are traced back to Persia where julep was a daily health elixir. It was also sought after in the Byzantine and Egyptian empires.
The drink was popular in the 1800s, when wealthy plantation owners in the South and New York City would drink juleps. They would often add fruit and/or cream to the juleps.
The Derby mint julep is a favorite among southern sippers. The recipe for a mint julep is very simple. It involves using fresh mint and high quality simple syrup. You can also use granulated sugar as a simple syrup substitute.
The mint julep is best enjoyed on Derby Day. For the perfect drink, make sure you have a good amount of crushed ice. You can also make the drink a bit sweeter by adding a little gum syrup.
The mint julep is traditionally served in a silver cup, though you can find many alternative cups. The silver cup makes the drink keep its coldness longer.
If you want to make a mint julep for yourself, you'll need to head to the grocery store and purchase a few ingredients. Once you've got all of the necessary ingredients, it's time to get down to work.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest sporting events in the country. It has been held at the same venue for almost two hundred years. The Derby attracts over 150,000 attendees.
Horses from all backgrounds
Among the 20 contenders, there are plenty of horses to choose from. There are some well-known names and a few notches below the surface.
Among the most interesting is a youngster from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, that is making his first appearance in the Derby. He will be running in the aforementioned "1 hole" post position. He also has some pretty impressive stats. It is the first time the Mackin family has started a Derby horse.
Other notable entrants include Ricardo Santana, Jr., who has a pair of wins on his record. He also has the distinction of being the first trainer to have a Derby horse in over half a century. It's not every day that you get to run your horse in the Derby.
Another notable entry is the horse from Saudi Arabia businessman Amr Zedan. He owns Zedan Racing Stables. His horse, Zozos, qualified for the Kentucky Derby at the aforementioned April 2 Florida Derby. It has also been known to make a good fist of the Derby prep circuit.
There are also a few horses from all over the globe that are not only vying for the top prize but also a claim to fame. Among them is a colt named the Summer Is Tomorrow, who was the most expensive entrant in the race, but the one with the longest odds. There is also a Derby horse named Smile Happy, which is owned by the Lucky Seven Stable. In all, the list is an eclectic collection of horses and the Kentucky Derby aficionado will have plenty to watch and learn.
Of course, the biggest challenge is securing a post position. Posts 2 and 9 haven't produced a Derby winner in over 25 years.
Women in the field
Historically speaking, the Kentucky Derby is a men's club but that's not to say women can't participate in horse racing. Women can ride in the Kentucky Derby on select days. Women are also able to compete in horse shows throughout the country. In fact, the Kentucky Derby has the best women's racing program in the nation. The Kentucky Horseshow Association (KHA) boasts a robust network of women jockeys. There are a few notable exceptions. One such jockey is Jodi Rodgers.
Another noteworthy female horse jockey is Rosie Napravnik. Napravnik has had her share of ups and downs. In her first year on the track, she went from no-name jockey to a coveted starter position. Her impressive credentials include a win in the Derby's most competitive division, the Kentucky Derby Fillies. She has also competed in several high profile races including the Kentucky Derby itself, the Breeders' Cup, and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Her experience with the Kentucky Derby has been rewarded with a coveted starter position on the newest addition to the Kentucky Derby family, Pants on Fire.
The Kentucky Derby has been a male dominated affair for the past two decades, but that hasn't stopped a few sexy ladies from strutting their stuff. The Kentucky Racing Hall of Fame's Women's Committee has a well-documented track record of success, including a number of women jockeys on the rise.
Weather in Louisville in May
Whether you're planning a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, for the Kentucky Derby, or just to enjoy the city, you may be wondering what the weather will be like in May before the race. The good news is that you can rest assured that Louisville will be beautiful no matter what the weather is like.
The Kentucky Derby is the world's largest horse race. The event is held on the first Saturday of May. It is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The track is housed within a dirt track and a turf track.
The track will be a little muddy, but will be dry by race time. A few thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m. EDT, but this should not affect the racing.
The high temperature will be near 71 degrees. A 50% chance of showers will be present. The low will be around 60 degrees. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies. A wind out of the north-northeast will be a factor, too.
According to the National Weather Service, the weather is expected to be a little cooler on Derby Day. The high is expected to be around 72 degrees. The track will be a little chilly, but it should be dry most of the day. During storms, it is a good idea to shield your colorful attire.
The coldest Derby on record was on May 4, 1940, when the high temperature dropped to 36 degrees. The hottest Derby was on July 21, 1959, when the high temperature reached 94 degrees.
This is the most crowded time of year in Louisville. The Kentucky Derby festival draws large crowds for two weeks before the race. It's a fun time to experience.