kentucky derby

KENTUCKY DERBY• CHURCHILL

DOWNS IN LOUISVILLE

• FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY

MAY 17, 1875

• First Kentucky Derby was won by Aristides. Oliver Lewis, a black jockey won the first race.

• Admission to the first derby was only 50 cents.

RUN FOR THE ROSES

• The winning horse receives a garland of red roses and a large trophy.

• The garland is made by Kroger and the public is invited to watch each year.

THE RACE

• The race distance was 1 ½ miles for the first 20 years.

• The race distance is now 1 ¼ miles.

• Sometimes called the “most exciting two minutes in sports”.

THE RACE

• 3 year old horses run in the derby.

• Each colt must carry 126 pounds.

• Each filly must carry 121 pounds.

JOCKEYS• Each jockey weighs

around 110 pounds.• Equipment includes

saddle, whip, boots, safety helmet and silks.

• Each owner has a special silk design.

• Different silk patterns help people keep track of their horses as they race.

DERBY FESTIVAL• Activities are planned for

the two weeks prior to the race.

• THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE is a fireworks display over the Ohio river.

• Steamboat races, Pegasus Parade, hot air balloon race, Governor's breakfast and an air show are other activities during the week.

HOT AIR BALOON RACE

• The hot air balloon race starts at the fair grounds.

• Balloons try to fly to a target and drop a flour sack on a bull’s eye.

• The closest one wins the race.

KENTUCKY OAKS

• On the first Friday in May the Kentucky Oaks race is held at Churchill Downs.

• This race is only for fillies (girl horses).

MORE HATS!!

AND EVEN WILDER HATS!

FUNNY CIDEFUNNY CIDE

130th Derby

• May 1, 2004• Tickets for

“Millionaires Row” $3500.00

• Tickets for grandstand $200-350

• Infield tickets $30-200

Who Will Win This Year?Maybe Tapit!

Or Smarty Jones

Or Wimbeldon,Or Wimbeldon,winner ofwinner ofthe Louisiana Derbythe Louisiana Derby

The Kentucky Derby

• First Saturday in May• 3 year old horses• Two week long Derby Festival precedes the

race.• Many famous people, politicians, people

from around the world visit Kentucky for the Derby.

Credits

• Information and pictures taken from churchilldowns.com , kdf.org , and derbymuseum.org

• Presentation created by Tracy Taylor and adapted by Becky Stephens.