The Kentucky Derby: The most exciting 2 minutes in sports

The Kentucky Derby is arguably horse racing’s most famous race, and easily is North America’s most premier international sporting event.  Not even the Super Bowl, or the Masters’ golf tournament, has as many viewers glued to their viewing devices (tablets, phones, televisions, laptops) as the Derby.  “The most exciting 2 minutes in sports”, captivates the minds and hearts of old, young, man, woman, and child.  

Every May, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, 3-year old Thoroughbreds gallop around a dirt-track 2 kilometers in length.  Horse racing odds [1] have added to the already frenzied chaos surrounding the race.  Other than the wagering, there is much more that is appealing about the Derby.  Knowledge of the horses, and the jockeys, adds to helping betting odds, but has nothing to do with the magic.  The introductions, where the horses are introduced and cheered individually, the call of the race over the loud-speaker, and the expected dramatic ending of the race, all have those in attendance on the edge of their seats from start to finish.  

The name itself (Kentucky Derby) goes hand in hand with tradition, however, there are some traditions of a minor nature, that make the event more than just a 2-minute race.   The Mint Julep, is an iced drink with bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup.  The drink is a traditional beverage of the race.  The drink comes served in an ice-frosted silver julep cup.  Most of the Churchill Downs patrons sip their drinks from souvenir glasses.  Burgoo is the name of a popular dish served at the Derby.  Burgoo is a thick stew with the ingredients; beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables.

How much does it cost to go to the Kentucky Derby. General admission begins at $70, and seats start at $550 for 2-day access.  It is not an expensive event on its own, but can have many out of sorts financially by the time the race is finished.  

Interesting little known fact, the race is dominated mostly by male horses (colts), but there have been 3 female horses (a filly), in the 144-year history of the Kentucky Derby.

“Storm the Court”, “Tiz the Law”, “Thousand Words”, and “Independence Hall”, are the top 4 ranked horses in order, for the 2020 edition of the Kentucky Derby [2].  

The 2020 Kentucky Derby will be the 146th Kentucky Derby, which is normally scheduled on the first Saturday in May but it was rescheduled to Saturday, 5 September 2020 due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States.

The possible main contenders this year could be Authentic and Nadal both trained by Bob Baffert who look very talented along with Dennis' Moment for trainer Dale Romans who is progressing nicely.

It's sure to be a great race and we just have to wait a little longer than usual but that just adds to the anticipation!