The “Run for the Roses” is the most storied of all horse races in the world. It came about two years after the Preakness, but has served as possibly the most important race to horse racing fans year after year. One thing is certain, no horse can win the Triple Crown without winning the first leg, and the Kentucky Derby is that first leg.
Louisville, Kentucky is home to two major sporting events every year, Louisville basketball, and the Kentucky Derby. The horse race, which is run at Churchill Downs, takes place in May, and serves as an indicator as to whether a horse is good enough to compete for the Triple Crown.
The early years for the Derby were rocky. The race was a success when it debut in 1875, but that did not guarantee it would be around long. The business end of the race was not surviving. Economically, the race was in danger year after year, until 1902. It was at that time that Col. Matt Winn put together his team of investors. They acquired Churchill Downs, and it soon became profitable.
In order to run in the Kentucky Derby, a horse must be no older than three. The Triple Crown originated from the success of horses at the Derby. Owners wanted the best horses competing consistently, so they began to send the top horses to Pimlico, to race in the Preakness a couple of weeks after the Kentucky Derby.
The tradition at Churchill Downs for the Derby is about as rich as any in professional sports in America. Attendees of the race are treated to Mint Julep, an alcoholic drink that contains bourbon, sugar syrup, and mint. Souvenir glasses are given out with the concoction inside.
The rich and the famous can always be found in Millionaire’s Row. This is a location by the track where the “who’s who” of the world mingle. The women are frequently seen trying to out duel each other with their lavishly large hats. Ah, and there is, of course, the roses. The winner of the race is awarded a blanket of 554 red roses. This is where the term “Run for the Roses” originated from.
Possibly the greatest horse in history, former Triple Crown winner Secretariat, holds the record for fastest time ever posted at the Derby, 1:59.40. Two jockeys, Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack hold the records for most Derby’s won at five. Most of Arcaro’s wins came in the forties, while Hartack did most of his damage in the sixties.
In the past several years, as is the case with most horse racing facilities in the US, Churchill Downs has been in financial trouble. Governor Steve Beshear has been pushing casino gambling machines as an option to help the track survive. He has been met with some opposition, but the race is too important to Kentucky to risk it leaving for another state.
