RP282 The Kentucky Classic

 RP282 The Kentucky Classic

Horses and horse racing have been obsession s in Kentucky for well over 200 years. Horses were raced in parks until the first public track was created in 1805. Then in 1875, Churchill Downs opened its doors. The legend of the Kentucky Derby was born.

Every year since 1875, the track at Churchill Downs has felt the pounding hooves of 20 three-year-old horses competing to win the Kentucky Derby, one of the most important horse races in the USA. Both colts and fillies (male and female horses) can compete. The horses run 1.25 miles. At the end, the winners get a large purse, a huge wreath of roses, and a place in history.

The Kentucky Derby has created some famous heroes. The fastest race time so far was posted by the famous Secretariat, who finished in 1:59.40 in 1973. The longest odds were overcome by Donerail, who came from behind to win despite 91-1 odds. Spectators who put two dollar bets on Donerail in the 1913 Kentucky Derby got nearly 185 dollars in return.

There is also drama off the track. The Kentucky Derby has always been a major social event in Louisville, Kentucky. People choose their clothes carefully, and women traditionally wear big, elaborate hats. The owners and backers of horses often sit in Millionaire's Row, a section of boxes with a great view of the track. Spectators fill the stands and the infield, where seats are cheaper. Cold, sweet Mint Juleps—the traditional drink of the race—flow. The race caps off a long party for horse lovers.

The end of the Kentucky Derby is also a beginning. It's the first race of the Triple Crown, the three most important horse races in the USA. The Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes are the other two races. As of now, the last horse to win all three was affirmed, in 1978. Each year at the Kentucky Derby, the dream begins again.