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 -
Mickey Mantle Sports -> Baseball Memorabilia When asked to list some of baseball’s greatest players, many people would list Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Ty Cobb, but no list would be complete without Mickey Mantle. The Oklahoma native was born to a father who was already a huge baseball fan and actually...... -
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...... -
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...... -
Formula 1 T-Shirts Sports Memorabilia -> Fan Apparel and Souvenirs -> Racing-Formula 1 One of the most popular types of sports merchandise is apparel, particularly hats and T-shirts. So it stands to reason that Formula 1 T-shirts and other merchandise that celebrates the most popular racing in the world are a hit with...... -
Collecting Signed Sports Memorabilia If you are interested in sports, then there is a growing business trend that you should be aware of, which relates to buying, collecting and selling signed sports memorabilia. This is a sound investment that would be well worth considering if you are into sports, but the first consideration that......
Related Websites - 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......
- Preakness Stakes I started wagering in horses a long while back mainly because I worked as a groom and it was a fun hobby especially when I had the video on dish network and on the computer for the tracks. I have never wagered alot of money because the odds of winning......
-
Gator Football Recap: Kentucky Wildcats Game The No. 1 UF Gators have managed to take Kentucky down with 41 to 7 in Lexington. Still the top ranked college team in football, the Gator football team has managed to improve their score to an overall 4 and 0 and a SEC 2 and 0 after claiming...... -
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...... - Rachel Alexandra: The Filly That Shocked The Established Order Everyone loves a story of triumph over great adversity, especially when this triumph comes as the odds against you are overwhelming. The world of horse racing is one of male domination, and this is where we find the incredible story of Rachel Alexandra, a filly who no one believed would......
- Tom Clark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
- Guns N Roses G Rock, Pop Music Memorabilia Entertainment Memorabilia
- Kentucky Patches Police Historical Memorabilia Collectibles
- Ornaments by Year Hallmark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
- Betsey Clark Hallmark Decorative Collectible Brands Decorative Collectibles Collectibles
