Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby; also known as “the run of the roses," is an infamous annual race that takes place in Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America. The competition comprises one and quarter-mile sprint that involves three-year-old thoroughbreds in a stakes race that compete for the Triple Crown. The winner must emerge victorious in three races.

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Location Churchill Downs
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Inaugurated 1875
Race type Thoroughbred
Website www.kentuckyderby.com
Race information
Distance 1 1⁄4 miles (10 furlongs; 2,012 m)
Record 1:​59 2⁄5 secs, Secretariat (1973)
Surface Dirt
Track Left-handed
Qualification 3-year-old
Weight Colt/Gelding: 126 lbs (57.2 kg)
Filly: 121 lb (55 kg)
Purse US$2 million
1st: $1,425,000
Bonuses US$ 200

The Kentucky derby started in 1875 and had been done in the successive years; World Wars notwithstanding. The famous race was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. after his travels to England, then Paris, France, he encountered similar races and clubs such as the Jockey Club de Paris. He then decided to start one just like theirs on his return by organizing a club; Louisville Jockey Club to raise money to build infrastructure that would accommodate the races. The facility was then named Churchill Downs after the owner of the land the facility was built on; John and Henry Churchill.

The first horse track was a distance of one and a half miles which was the same distance as the Epsom Derby but was later changed in 1896 to the current one and a quarter mile. The first inaugural derby was won by Oliver Lewis and his colt Aristides on May 17, 1875. The race was spectator by approximately10, 000 people.

Despite all its success, the sport underwent economic struggles, and in 1902, Col. Matt Winn of Louisville purchased the facility through a business syndicate and under him, it flourished and became the first stakes race for thoroughbreds all over North America.
The race also has a few traditions of its own like the Mint Julep which is a traditional beverage and the burgoo; a favorite dish served at the derby. To this day, the race still attracts spectators from across all North America.