Betting The Horses

The Kentucky Derby is an American thoroughbred horse race held annually in Louisville, Ky.  The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May.  It is the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.  It is followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

The Kentucky Derby is considered by many to be the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in the world and Kentucky Derby betting lines are widely popular among horse betters.  It is a one and a quarter mile (2 km) race held at Churchill Downs.  It is a race for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses.  The Kentucky derby is sometimes known as “The most exciting 2 minutes in sports” for its approximate 2-minute duration as well as “The run for the roses” referring to the bouquet of 544 red roses that is given to the winner.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest American Thoroughbred horse races, having been inaugurated in 1875.   It has many traditions that make up a large part of the Derby atmosphere.  The Mint Julep, an alcoholic drink made with mint, sugar syrup and bourbon, has a long history as the traditional drink of the Kentucky derby.  Also a thick stew made with chicken, beef, pork and vegetables, called burgoo, is a popular meal served at the derby

Records of the Kentucky Derby include:

• Speed Record: 1:59.40 – Secretariat (1973)
• Longest shot to win the derby: $92.40 to 1 – Donerail (1913)
• Most wins by a jockey: 5, Eddie Arcaro, Bill Hartack
• Most wins by a trainer: 6, Ben A. Jones
• Most wins by an owner: 8, Calumet Farm