[Travelandtourism] The Kentucky Derby

[cheryl echevarria]

Today is May 1, 2010.  May Day.

Since it is also the first Saturday in May it is also the Kentucky Derby.

If anyone in the future would like to go to this sporting event or any of 
them out there. I do them all.  Great packages available.

A little information on the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three year-old Thoroughbred 
horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first 
Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival and is 
widely considered the most prestigious horse race in the world. The race is 
one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 
126 pounds (57.2 kg) and fillies 121 pounds (54.9 kg).[1] The race is known 
in the United States as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The 
Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, and is also 
called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the 
winner. It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of 
Thoroughbred Racing and is followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont 
Stakes. The attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America 
and usually surpasses the attendance of all other stakes races including the 
Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and the Breeders' Cup

It was first in run in 1864
Started by Col. Meriweather Lewis Clark, Jr. Grandson of William Clark of 
the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Returning home to Kentucky, Clark organized the Louisville Jockey Club for 
the purpose of raising money to build quality racing facilities just outside 
of the city. The track would soon become known as Churchill Downs, named for 
Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.'s relatives, John and Henry Churchill, who had 
provided the land for the racetrack. Officially, the racetrack was 
incorporated as Churchill Downs in 1937.

In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play a large role in 
the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, 
mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race. The historic 
drink can be served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup but most Churchill 
Downs patrons sip theirs from a souvenir glass printed with all previous 
Derby winners. Also, burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and 
vegetables, is a popular Kentucky dish served at the Derby
Cheryl Echevarria
Independent Travel Consultant
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http://Echevarriatravel.com
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