The Kentucky Derby

In 1872, Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. traveled to England, visiting the famous Epsom Derby and then went to Paris, to visit the French Jockey Club, home of the Grand Prix de Paris, the greatest race in France. Returning to Kentucky, Clark organized the Louisville Jockey Club to build a quality racing facility just outside of the city. It would soon become known as Churchill Downs, named for relatives, John and Henry Churchill, who provided the land for the racetrack. The Kentucky Derby was first run at 1.5 miles (2.4 km), the same as the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris. In 1896, the distance was changed to its current 1.25 miles (2 km). On May 17, 1875, a field of 15 three-year-old horses ran the first Derby in front of 10,000 spectators. By 1902 the Kentucky Derby had become the preeminent thoroughbred horse race in America. A number of traditions play a large role in the festivities; the most popular is the Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and sugar syrup that is the traditional beverage of the race. Women wear elaborate hats and as the horses are paraded before the grandstands; the University of Louisville marching band plays Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home." The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because of the lush blanket of 554 red roses awarded to the winner each year.