All you need to know about the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, weather you want to call it a race, emotion, a turbulence or a high adrenaline explosion, remains one of the most beautiful and satisfying sporting events to be experienced.
It is often referred to as ‘The most exciting two minutes in sports.’ So what makes the Kentucky Derby so unique?
Here are 6 reasons not to miss the 147th edition of the event, which will be held on Sunday, May 1 at Churchill downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
1. The Kentucky Derby is America’s longest running sporting event
The first time the Kentucky Derby was organized dates back to May 17, 1875, when a whopping crowd of 10,000 saw African-American jockey Oliver Lewis triumph at Churchill Downs. The Derby has since been held at the same venue and enduring both World Wars, making it the longest running sporting event.
2. Youngest Winning record
The record for the youngest winning Kentucky Derby jockey is 15 years old, by Alonzo Clayton in 1892 riding aboard Azra and James ‘Soup’ Perkins in 1895.
3. Undefeated Kentucky Winners
There have been nine undefeated Kentucky Derby winners from 30 undefeated horses who have taken part since 1915. The most recent undefeated winner was Triple Crown winner Justify in 2018.
4. An Attraction for Celebrities
The colorful dresses. The exciting parties. The massive hats and caps. Like any other widely publicized sporting event, the Kentucky Derby attracts a great amount of famous celebrities that will have you wondering why, they are specifically there.
Previous Derby guests include Britain’s Princess Margaret, Hollywood legends Lana Turner and Bing Crosby, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, and in recent years even Pop sensation Justin Timberlake and NFL star Eli manning.
5. Spectacular amount of Food
All things considered; the amount of food consumed at the event is nothing but astonishing. On average, fans and spectators will eat around 142,000 hot dogs, 18,000 barbecue sandwiches, 13,800 pounds of beef, 32,000 jumbo shrimp, 8,000 pounds of potatoes, 30,000 cookies and 300,000 strawberries. Now that makes for some serious calorie intake!
6. A great tradition
Over the years the derby became not just the leading American horseracing event, but also a mainstay cultural festival as well. Thousands of locals and visitors annually congregate to Churchill Downs to be a part of the exuberant events, various galas, dinners that are included with each Derby weekend.
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