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
Related Posts -
Types of Sports Memorabilia Items to Buy There are a number of different forms that sports memorabilia items can take, including both modern memorabilia and vintage memorabilia. Some of the sports memorabilia items that you can purchase and add to your collection include: - Autographed sports memorabilia items, including balls, gloves, bats, cards and anything else that...... -
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...... -
Sports Memorabilia Sports Memorabilia -> Autographs Original -> Cards Out of all of the different kinds of memorabilia, perhaps the one that collectors seek the most is sports memorabilia. There is something special about finding that special item from a player you admire, or a memento from a game that meant something...... -
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...... -
Spotting Real Autographed Sports Memorabilia Many people get excited about autographed sports memorabilia when they find it for a good price, and as a result, many people purchase so called authentic autographed sports memorabilia without investigating the authenticity of said memorabilia. The question that all buyers should be asking when shopping for autographed sports memorabilia......
Related Websites - Giving 'em the bird Each year the first Saturday in May rolls aroundâ¦.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......
-
Be An Owner for The Day With The Macau Racing Club Arriving at the Macau Jockey Club with style via the member's entrance, I was whisked to the ultra chic 2nd floor English Bar Room by a beautiful host of The Macau Racing Club. Just in time for the races to commence and surrounded by other owners and members, the excitement...... -
Collecting Sports Autographed Memorabilia One of the keys to sports autographed memorabilia is to know whether or not your sports memorabilia is actually authentic. A lot of people find themselves wondering how they can be able to tell whether or not their sports autographed memorabilia is authentic. The bad news is that it is...... - 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......
- We're Open Most of you know after reading my column week in and week out that it is no secret I am a golf fan. This upcoming week holds one of the best tournaments of the year in the Open Championship. Now we as hearty Americans call it the British Open, but......
- Betsey Clark Hallmark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
- Ornaments by Year Hallmark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
- Tom Clark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
- Kentucky Patches Police Historical Memorabilia Collectibles
- Guns N Roses G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
