The Louisville Jockey Club, responsible for organizing the Kentucky Derby, was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., the grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. He was inspired by England's Epsom Derby, held annually since 1780.
May 5, 2012 Derby Day The Kentucky Derby earned its nickname "Run for the Roses" because of the blanket of 554 red roses traditionally awarded to the winner after the race. Covering 147 acres, Churchill Downs, where the Derby is run, is among the most famous sporting venues in the world. It has a seating capacity of over 165,000 people.
The fastest Kentucky Derby ever run was by Secretariat in 1973. The Triple Crown-winning horse ran the 1¼ miles in 1 minute 59 seconds. The first Kentucky Derby was run in 2 minutes 27 seconds. The Derby was first nationally televised in 1952. Two years later, the prize purse for the winning team first exceeded $100,000.
Triple Crown – A series of three races, the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, that is run annually by a group of thoroughbred horses.
Mint Julep – The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. It is an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint, and a sweet syrup and is traditionally served in a commemorative Kentucky Derby glass.
Derby Hat Parade – The derby hat parade takes place inside of Churchill Downs and refers to the sea of stylish and elegant hats worn by women and men alike during the Kentucky Derby.
History of Mint Julep
Chris Morris from Woodford Reserve Bourbon says "Centuries ago, there was an Arabic drink called julab, made with water and rose petals. The beverage had a delicate and refreshing scent that people thought would instantly enhance the quality of their lives." When the julab was introduced to the Mediterranean region, the native population replaced the rose petals with mint, a plant indigenous to the area. The mint julep, as it was now called, grew in popularity throughout Europe. Mint Julep became Churchill Down's signature drink in 1938 when they started to serve the drink in sourvenir glasses for 75 cents a drink.
Today Kentucky Derby serves more than 80,000 juleps over the two-day event.
Source: Internet
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