The Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the annual horse race held at Churchill Downs. The race is held every year on the first Saturday of May in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is the first of three horse races that are part of the Triple Crown along with the Preakness Steaks and the Belmont Stakes. Winning the triple crown is considered one of the most difficult feats in all of sports and has not been accomplished since Affirmed did it in 1978.
The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 miles long (10 furlongs) race. To qualify a horse must be 3 years old. Both gelding and fillies are eligable for the race. The top graded stakes earners are eligable to draw into the Kentucky Derby.
The Derby has the trademarked name "The Run for the Roses" which highlights the blanket of roses that the winning horse is draped in.
Another trademark of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep drinks that are served. Each year the drink is served in a different collectible glass. Details about all of the collectible glasses throughout the years can be found on the Collection Cove.
