LOUISVILLE – The first Saturday in May is Kentucky Derby Day.
The 150th “Run for the Roses” will occur at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Two iconic symbols come to mind when we think of the Kentucky Derby – the thunderous rush of horses and the dazzling array of hats perched atop the heads of fashionable onlookers. Churchill Downs transforms into a runway where men and women from across the globe showcase their finest millinery creations.
Last year’s race was marred by an unusually high number of horse deaths in the days preceding the main event. Seven horses died at the racetrack in the week-long lead-up to the race.
Fierceness, Sierra Leone, and Catching Freedom are among the favorites in Saturday’s week.
Finding a horse to follow on the Road to the Kentucky Derby could be overwhelming for some. Typically, around 20,000 Thoroughbreds hope to earn their way as one of 20 contenders in the Kentucky Derby,
A list of all the contenders can be found here.
The fastest horse in history – Secretariat.
The legendary bright-red chestnut began his historic Triple Crown trek on May 5, 1973, when he romped to a sub-two-minute finish in the 99th running of the Kentucky Derby.
Before a then-record crowd of 134,476, the Lucien Laurin trainee entered as the 3-2 favorite as a coupled entry with Angle Light. From post 10, the son of Bold Ruler broke last and passed just two horses in the first turn but came up the outside with the final furlong to beat out Claiborne Farm’s Sham by 2 1/2 lengths.
With a final time of 1:59.40, Secretariat set a track record at 1 1/4 miles that still stands at Churchill Downs. He set speed records in the Preakness and Belmont and achieved the largest margin of victory (31 lengths) in Belmont history.
