Kentucky Derby Traditions Keep Race Interesting and Relevant
The Kentucky Derby, America's most well-known horse race, has garnered a cult following thanks to its many traditions that conjure up notions of Southern comfort and the age-old sport of horse racing.
Fox Sports provides a detailed list of the top 10 derby traditions, which include the race's ceremonial drink, favorite flower, signature dish, and feature song.
The race is a "Grade I" stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, held annually at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Ky. This year's event his held May 4 and 5.
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One tradition of the Kentucky Derby involves numbers. All horses racing must be three years old, and the event, which caps off the two-week long Kentucky Derby festival, is always held on the first weekend in May. The race is only 1 and ¼ miles, unlike the classic racing distance for England's race tracks, which is 1 ½ miles.
Making this track 1 ¼ miles set the precedent for all racetrack distances in the U.S.
According to Fox News, in 1896 a garland of pink and white roses was draped over the winner of that year's race, Ben Brush. Eight years later, the red rose was adopted as the racetrack's official flower.
Further association with red roses and the Kentucky Derby heightened when New York sports writer Bill Corum dubbed the event "Run of the Roses" in 1925. This phrase has been used repeatedly since.
The race expresses its unique Southern style through its signature food and drink: the mint julep, a concoction of bourbon, mint and syrup, and burgoo, a stew served since Kentucky's pioneer days which is allegedly never made the same way twice.
Even upon approaching the racetrack, attendees can see a little bit of history from the parking lot. Churchill Downs has the architectural landmark of twin spires, erected in 1895 by Joseph Dominic Baldez, a 24-year-old draftsman who wanted to give the park something of visual uniqueness.
As far as aesthetics go, the Derby has become synonymous with big, gaudy hats, which is a result of fashionistas attempting to outdo each other every year.
Lastly, before the race begins, all attendees stand and sing "My Old Kentucky Home" and the Louisville marching band performs. According to Fox News, the proud song was composed by pioneering U.S. composer Stephen F. Foster.
This year's race is to be held May 5, and Venezuelan Jockey Ramon Dominguez is expected to be a high contender for the $2,219,600 purse.
