The Kentucky Derby

The first Kentucky Derby was run in 1875, is one of the best known horse races in the United States. Its held at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Since the late 18th century, Kentucky has been a major center of horse racing breeding. A higher than average amount of calcium contained in the Ordovician fields of the Bluegrass region produced superior race horses. In 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition, traveled to England, visiting the Epsom Derby, a famous race that had been running annually since 1780. From there, Clark went on to Paris, France, where in 1863, a group of racing enthusiasts had formed the French Jockey Club and had organized the Grand Prix de Paris, which eventually became the famous Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Parimutuel betting at the track is used for legal gambling on the race. A spectator area inside the track, called the infield, offers low admission prices but little chance to have a nice view of the race. The infield is, instead, a place to party. On Derby Day, sobriety is uncommon in the infield and on some occasions even being fully clothed has been optional. On the other hand is the expensive box seats that attract the famous, the rich, and the well-connected, called "Millionaire's Row" . Elegant women show in fine outfits accessorized with large, elaborate hats. While a horse parade passes before the grandstands, Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" is played by the University of Louisville marching band while the crowd stands and sings along. People from Kentucky often shed tears as they hear this traditional theme.

Along with the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby it's part of the Triple Crown.