The Kentucky Derby is here! Known as the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports,” The “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” it has set the standard for tradition and pageantry, and elegance since 1875, and was established by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of the famed explorer William Clark.
Clark traveled to Europe, where he met with leading figures in the racing industry at the time and conceived the idea of starting a jockey club to sponsor races. With the help of his uncles, John and Henry Churchill, a racetrack was established,and the first Derby (a term in the industry used to describe a race for three-year-old horses) was run on May 17th, 1875, with Aristides rode by jockey Oliver Lewis establishing two firsts in the races history as the first horse and the first African American jockey to win the now famed Kentucky Derby.
More Derby Firsts
The Kentucky Derby has long been a stage for historic firsts, none more groundbreaking than in 1970, when Diane Crump became the first female jockey to ride in the storied race. Already a trailblazer with 228 career wins, Crump made headlines by winning the opening race on the undercard before saddling up on Fathom for the main event. She finished 15th in a field of 17, but her presence alone marked a pivotal moment in racing history.
For horses: Secretariat, also known as Big Red and considered to be the greatest racehorse of all time and widely regarded as one of the most legendary horses to compete in the Kentucky Derby, holds the record for the fastest time in the race’s history with an unbeaten 1:59.40. Another legendary name in horse racing, Seattle Slew made history in 1977 by becoming the first horse to win the American Triple Crown while remaining undefeated.
Derby Hats
Going to the Derby, ladies? Have you picked out your hat? The tradition of wearing elaborate headpieces to the Kentucky Derby dates back to the very first race in 1875. Inspired by British racing culture, founder Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. envisioned the Derby as a refined social event, encouraging high fashion among attendees. Women arrived in floral dresses and bright accessories, while men sported sharp seersucker suits. By the 1960s, women’s hats began to grow larger and more extravagant, evolving into the bold, attention-grabbing staples that now define Derby Day style.
Derby Traditions
The Kentucky Derby has become steeped and tradition and history, tens of thousands of people visit Louisville, Kentucky each year from all over the world to celebrate in the Kentucky Derby Festival, participating in the 70 events put together by the Kentucky Derby Festival committee.
Starting the festival off with Thunder Over Louisville, one of the largest annual fireworks shows in North America, to the Great Steamboat Race, an event unique to the city and the region, and the Pegasus Parade. There’s something every day during the two weeks leading up to the Derby that everyone can participate in.
One hundred and fifty-one years later, the Kentucky Derby is recognized worldwide as the pinnacle of horse racing. Nicknamed ‘The Run for the Roses’ by columnist Bill Corum in 1925, the race earns its title from the iconic garland of roses placed on the winning horse.
According to Kentucky Derby Festival Board Member, Nicole Yates “It is the best time to be in Louisville. It’s just two weeks of fun and celebration.”
Get There Early
When visiting Churchill Downs for race day at the Kentucky Oaks (Philly’s race) or the Kentucky Derby, don’t forget to tip your hat to the ladies, arrive early at the mutuel window or wagering window to place your bets for the next race. According to ForThe Win: “There was $210.7 million wagered on the 2024 Kentucky Derby, which was up from $188.7 million last year. Overall, the total amount of wagering on the 14-card race Saturday at Churchill Downs in Kentucky was a record $306.9 million, up 9.6 percent from last year (2023).”
OMG! The Crowd
Traffic and the crowds will be more than most people have ever seen, track attendance at the Kentucky Derby is a staggering 150,000 people, plus on average. Streets around the track are closed in all directions, TARC runs visitors to the track back and forth, and residents close to the track may offer you a fee to park in their front yard. Here are some helpful tips to make your visit to the track a little smoother. Once you get to the track, find yourself a place in the infield or in the stands, sit down and breathe a little easier, and enjoy a Mint Julep, the signature drink at the Downs!
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