Say No To Breaks: The 5 Fast Facts You Need To Know About Kentucky Derby Race
By Sarah Walker
The horse racing events may it be held anywhere is considered to be an amazing part of sports history. Though considered as a gambling activity, horse racing is considered a profit generator. According to some study, 98% of the profit of all horse racing events comes from wagering bets.
That said, there are several horse racing traditions have been established and celebrated annually. One of these is a big event called Kentucky Derby. It is considered an essential cultural event in a place where it is usually done.
Since Kentucky Derby is almost around the corner which will be held very soon, we’d like to showcase to you the fast facts that tackle all about the said horse racing activity. This will enlighten more about your knowledge about the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby’s Date of Birth
The first ever Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, which was Monday and the said racing event was first popularly known as Churchill Downs. It has said to be the second of the races which are being run by 1 ½ mile.
In addition, the said race also allows all ages to run paving a way for all racing enthusiasts to grace the said competition. The first horse to win with three-peats is named Fair Play. This first Kentucky Derby race lasted for six days which is now being followed up to this day.
The Kentucky Derby’s Version
The Kentucky Derby is an adjunct product of the famous Derby Stakes. The first Derby stakes were first held in Epsom Down which was outside London, England way back in 1780. Despite the fact that was some loose connections of the Kentucky Derby speaking by its version and measurement of running, the racing event remains a very strong format.
Additionally, the first horse to run in the main Kentucky Derby tournament was named Bold Agreement. He finished 14th place at the Epsom held in 1986 but ended up second in the first Kentucky race.
Lastly, the first English horse to grace the event who was sent to American franchises of the Kentucky Derby race was Dr. Devious. Unfortunately, Dr. Devious finished seventh place in his first run in Kentucky, but when he returned to England and competed in the Empson the following month, he won by two lengths.
The Kentucky Derby’s Tradition
It has been said that the best tradition of the Kentucky Derby is the positioning schedule it holds in the calendar. The permanent spot of the Derby since 1980 is held every first Saturday of May since 1938. It was only then in late June of 1945 where the first edition of the Derby was run late.
Meanwhile, 1945 was a hard time for all horse racers because there was a push to across the country to ban all horse racing events including the Kentucky Derby from January to May of 1945.
While this comes a very hard part for all racing enthusiasts and the racing is frequently done and all racers were prepared, organizers still managed to squeeze in the tournament for several weeks. It was a hard time for them because the starters who circumvented the event were banned to join the upcoming horse racing events.
The Kentucky Derby’s Success
The Kentucky Derby’s success has spanned twice only for the past three generations. Reigh count of 1928 which was sired first by the 1943 Count Fleet which comes as the 1951’s Count Turf.
The second occurrence that appeared was the Pensive of 1944 which sired 1949’s Ponder that turned into the 1956’s Needle. That said, there was only one Kentucky racer that emerged as winner named by a Bold Venture.
The Bold Venture was the father of the 1946 racer names Assault and 1950’s racer named Middleground.
The Kentucky Derby’s Legacy
Based on the current records of the race’s history and legacy, the oldest living winner of the said horse racing event was named as Sea Hero. This horse racer is only 28 years old who won way back in 1993.
Also, the oldest living horse trainer alive was named Don Combs. Although there are other old living trainers alive that competed in Kentucky, Combs emerged as the record holder of the said title.
Lastly, some oldest living trainers who were successful for the Kentucky Derby were named Dust Commander. Also, Bill Boland became the earliest Derby jockey winner.
Takeaway
Primarily, betting the 2019 kentucky derby race is the most awaited annual stakes of all horse race betting events across the country. The said race is normally commenced in Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This is also the capping of a two-week long Festival of Derbies.
Furthermore, the normal estimated number of crowds that graced the event is around 150,000. This is composed of all horse racing fans and millions of TV viewers across the globe waiting for this eagerly prestigious race.
To this end, the Kentucky Derby has established a good reputation when it comes to horse racing events. Expectedly, this year would be a great series of Kentucky Derby opening its doors to all old and new horse racers.
