Kentucky Derby Traditions

REDD — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:55:00 GMT

If you're anything like us, you've barely recovered from the spectacle of Foxfield last weekend, but REDD's taking you back to the races in celebration of the 2010 Kentucky Derby.

Chances are, you already know the basics—the Derby is a Grade I Stakes Race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses that takes place annually on the first Saturday of May in Louisville, Kentucky, and is widely regarded as the world's most prestigious horse race. Jockeys race on a one-and-a-quarter-mile track at Churchill Downs for approximately two minutes—hence the colloquial name for the event, "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." The Kentucky Derby is also known as "The Run for the Roses," as the winning horse is draped in a blanket of roses.

The winning thoroughbred wears a blanket of 554 red roses

This year, the field features Lookin at Lucky in first post position, with opening odds at 3:1. Other candidates to keep an eye on include Sidney's Candy (5:1), Ice Box (10:1), and Noble's Promise (12:1). Who've you got money on?

More importantly, how are you celebrating? As is typical for horse races, the Kentucky Derby is party to a plethora of storied traditions. Most famous of these is the Mint Julep, an ice drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup, which has become the event's de facto beverage. And for good reason, although we at REDD tend to stick with the Bloody Mary. Lesser known but just as crucial to the Derby mythos is burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables typically served at the race.

Notable Derby records:

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 (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952)

5 - Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)

Most wins by a trainer

6 - Ben A. Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952)

Most wins by an owner

8 - Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968)

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Kentucky Derby Traditions