Sports-Memorabilia -> Fan-Apparel-and-Souvenirs -> Other-Sports ->

The Kentucky Derby is the first of the three thoroughbred races held in the United States each year, known collectively as the Triple Crown. The derby is the first race, the Preakness Stakes is second, and the Belmont Stakes is race number three. It’s held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, and is preceded by a 2-week festival to celebrate the derby.

Often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is a short event, with a length of only one and a quarter miles. That it’s held in Kentucky is no surprise, considering the state’s history of horse breeding and racing. Meriwether Lew Clark, Jr. originally organized the Louisville Jockey Club, after traveling and seeing similar clubs across England and Europe.

His club was designed to raise money to build a quality track. His relatives, John and Henry Churchill, gave him the land and when the track was built in 1937 it was named Churchill Downs after those who provided the real estate. The first Kentucky Derby was held there in 1875. Then, the race was one and a half miles, just like the races Clark saw while visiting abroad. But it was later shortened to one and a quarter miles.

The race was immediately successful, but later financial difficulties saw a group of businessmen take over. It was only then that the Kentucky Derby grew to become the most important thoroughbred race in the United States. No horse over 3 years old can compete. Successful horses then go, a few weeks later, to compete in the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes.

1952 was the first year the Kentucky Derby was televised, and in 1968, the first horse to win the derby to later be disqualified because of the presence of drugs became Dancer’s Image. In 1973, Secretariat set the record for the fastest race, coming in at 1 minute, and 59 and two-fifths of a second.

The Kentucky Derby, though a venerable tradition, has changed with the times and other sports. Beginning in 2004, jockeys could wear corporate logos on their clothing, much like the logos painted on racing cars. And now thanks to a corporate deal, the race is officially called “The Kentucky Derby, present by Yum! Brands.”

A popular Kentucky Derby collectible is the souvenir glass printed with a list of all prior Derby winners. These are used to serve the traditional mint juleps at the race. The best way to get one is, of course, to drink a julep at the derby, but barring that you can find these cups and other race memorabilia in sports shops and places like eBay.

Pictures of winners sometimes signed by the jockeys are a fun type of derby collectible, too. The race is often called “Run for the Roses” because of the blanket of roses, exactly 554, that is draped over the winning horse. Photos of Kentucky Derby winners covered in roses are attractive and easy to display.

Originally posted 2008-12-29 05:00:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

• What is the Best Sports Memorabilia? Millions of people are shopping online looking for the best sports memorabilia. The best sports memorabilia can easily span a number of different sports while including a wide range of different items including high demand items, rare items and cool items, funny items and even some more bizarre items as......
• Bobbleheads Sports Memorabilia -> Vintage Sports Memorabilia -> Bobbleheads Bobblehead dolls may be considered silly by some, but there is definitely a national craze to collect them. Whether it is of a famous personality, sports hero, or even a cartoon character, these fun collectibles can be found just about anywhere. While......
• Baseball Cards Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs, Original -> Baseball-MLB-> Trading Cards Baseball cards have been around for just about as long as the sport has and many of them have turned into very valuable collector items. Whether you are interested in collecting baseball cards from a fan perspective, or you are more......
• Richard Petty Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs-Original -> Racing-Nascar Richard Petty is a NASCAR driving legend. Known as “The King,” he was one of the most fan-friendly sports figures in the history of racing or any sport, always willing to sign autographs and engage with the fans for as long as they remained......
• Sports Autographs Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs - Original -> Autographs - Reprints When it comes to high value sports related collectibles, sports autographs are among the best. Whether it’s an autographed baseball bat, basketball jersey or a football helmet, autographed merchandise can be worth its weight in gold. If you are interested......

• About The English Thoroughbred by Paul Hubert Comberdale This breed of horse was originally bred in England due to the English horsemens desire to have a fast race horse. There are three that founded this bloodline which are: Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian, named after their respective owners, Thomas Darley, Lord Godolphin......
• 135th Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown Futures FANS WILL HEAD TO CHURCHILL DOWNS IN 10 DAYS - ALREADY FLOODING THE WEBSITE FOR EXPERT PICKS ON THE 135TH KENTUCKY DERBY AND TRIPLE CROWN. The 135th Kentucky Derby is set for May 2nd and fans have already caught the fever. The field is set and looks to offer the......
• Sports Beat Who is more upset right now? The Los Angeles Dodgers ownership, or all of the fantasy baseball nuts who have ManRam on their squads and have to find a 50 game replacement? I thing the Red Sox are pretty happy they have Jason Bay right now with all of the......
• Some fantastic games tonight I am really excited about the games this evening. I really see some great wagering opportunities tonight, summer is finally here, and I am going to grill out and watch some great hockey and basketball and maybe even a horse race on the computer. Here are my predictions and wagers......
• Giving 'em the bird Each year the first Saturday in May rolls around….and the casual horseracing fan in all of us takes over. It is much like the Indianapolis 500, or Wimbledon.  You may not follow the sport at all, but one week out of the year you tune in.  You watch.  You might......

• Track Field Other Sports Fan Apparel Souvenirs Sports Collectibles
• Ornaments by Year Hallmark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Betsey Clark Hallmark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Tom Clark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
• Guns N Roses G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia