There is no horse race more iconic in the United States than the Kentucky Derby. A race that has been contested every year without a miss since 1875. Held at Churchill Downs, the prestigious race is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is often considered to be the one race that everyone involved in the sport would like to Win. But where did the Kentucky Derby get its famous moniker? … Continue reading Why Derby ?
A week from tomorrow is the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. But if you’ll allow the Daily Racing Blog a bit of hometown pride, we’d like to harken back to the 1918 edition of the Run For The Roses. EXTERMINATOR was the 30-1, long-shot Winner of the Derby 105 years ago. EXTERMINATOR was owned by Willis Sharpe Kilmer of Binghamton, who gained his wealth and notoriety selling Swamp … Continue reading Local Legend
The Kentucky Derby is ten days away. For the field of twenty 3-year-old Thoroughbreds competing, it is one of the most important moments of their lives and racing luck can make or break their Derby run literally right from the start. It’s called the luck of the draw for a reason. The Kentucky Derby has used a starting gate since 1930; and traditionally two of … Continue reading Post Positions Matter
We all know what it’s like to walk into a new environment for the first time, be it a party, office, or a new friend group. You feel like an outsider because they are using words and references you are unfamiliar with. Sports have all sorts of insider phrases and idioms that can feel like a different language for a newcomer, and perhaps no sport … Continue reading Some Basic Horse Racing Terminology
As most racing aficionados know, the Kentucky Derby has a longstanding love affair with hats and fascinators. From the Derby’s humble beginnings in 1875, the Run For The Roses has grown into a mega-fashion event where elaborate headwear takes center stage. Just how did these stylish accessories become so symbolic of the Kentucky Derby experience? Back in the day, hats were more than just a fashion … Continue reading The Evolution Of The Derby Hat
The Kentucky Derby is less than three weeks away and while plenty can (and will) happen between now and May 6th, here are three story lines already in play at Churchill Downs. THE PLETCHER FACTOR The Hall of Famer has Won the Kentucky Derby twice, first with SUPER SAVER in 2010 and then ALWAYS DREAMING in 2017. Pletcher may very well have the top two … Continue reading Some Derby Subplots
The Kentucky Derby was first held in 1875 and ranks as the longest continuously held major sporting event in the United States. This year will mark the 149th edition of the Run For The Roses, which had been held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs every year since 1946 before the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the race in 2020 until September 5th. The rich history surrounding … Continue reading Derby Tidbits’
As we have previously mentioned, the Kentucky Derby is a sporting event immersed in tradition and spirit(s). So what better way to watch the Run For The Roses than with a Mint Julep in hand? The Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939, although its origins trace back to the first Derby Day in 1875. This iconic bourbon cocktail … Continue reading The Mint Julep
As the racing community celebrates the 50th anniversary of the greatness that was SECRETARIAT in his Triple Crown Winning season, it would be remiss not to talk about the beginning of the G.O.A.T’s racing career. Most of the fans in attendance at Aqueduct on July 4, 1972 probably had no idea that they had just witnessed the debut of one of the greatest horses who ever raced. … Continue reading SECRETARIAT’s Humble Start
The Kentucky Derby is the most-watched horse race of the year in the United States. It is widely considered one of the most important sporting events in the country, having grown to become much more than just a horse race since ARISTIDES Won the first edition in 1875. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 6th- the first Saturday in May. The … Continue reading Kentucky Derby 149
