Run for the Roses

Rich and I went to the backside again on Derby Day. We had an enjoyable time and the weather cooperated. It rained for about ten minutes then the skies cleared, the sun appeared and the day turned out to be wonderful.

The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 Stakes Race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually on the first Saturday in May. The Derby is one of the oldest Thoroughbred horse races in the United States. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds and fillies carry 121 pounds. Unlike the Oaks race, "girls and boys" can both run in the Derby. The race is known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" and the "Run for the Roses" because of the blanket of roses draped over the winner in the winner's circle. The blanket of roses is also made by the Kroger Co. and is on display while the florists are hand crafting the masterpiece. It is truly something to watch them piece together such an important part of the Derby experience.

The Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is followed by the Preakness Stakes (being run this Saturday and the shortest distance of the series) and then the Belmont Stakes which is the longest of the three races, one and a half miles, often referred to as "The Test of the Champion". The horse who wins the Derby must follow through and win all three legs of the Triple Crown in order to take home the title. The last Triple Crown winner was Affirmed in 1978. Big Brown won both the Derby and Preakness in 2008, but came short of winning the Belmont. He truly is a magical horse.

First Place: Animal Kingdom

Second Place: Nehro

Third Place: Mucho Macho Man

137'th Running of the Kentucky Derby

After the Derby race, going to get a bath and rest in their barn