Author: Stories by Yaatra With Amit Published: May 07, 2023
1. The Kentucky Derby is a famous annual horse racing event held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
2. It is also known as "The Run for the Roses" due to the garland of roses traditionally awarded to the winner.
3. The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, making it the oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States.
4. The race is a 1 1/4 mile-long thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses, and it is considered the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
5. The Kentucky Derby is a highly prestigious event and is often attended by celebrities and socialites from around the world.
6. Mint Julep is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby, which is a cocktail made of bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup.
7. The Kentucky Derby is also known for its extravagant hats, with women often wearing large, ornate headwear.
8. The fastest time ever recorded at the Kentucky Derby is 1:59.40, set by Secretariat in 1973, which is still considered a record to this day.
9. The Kentucky Derby has only been canceled once in its history, which was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
10. The total purse for the Kentucky Derby is currently $3 million, with the winner receiving approximately 60% of the total prize money.