KENTUCKY DERBY: KENTUCKY DERBY CHURCHILL DOWNS IN LOUISVILLE FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY


MAY 17, 1875: 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: RUN FOR THE ROSES The winning horse receives a garland of red roses and a large trophy. This trophy is worth $100,000!!! The garland is made by Kroger and the public is invited to watch each year.


Slide4: Preparing the Red Rose Garland


The Kentucky Derby Trophy: The Kentucky Derby Trophy This trophy is worth $100,000!!! Trophies were given sporadically until 1924, the 50th Kentucky Derby. The design has been changed only twice (75th and 100th run). The 132nd run trophy has 300 rubies representing rose garland and a band of 12 emeralds below the nose. Just below the rim is a band of 50 rubies set in 18 karat gold!


THE RACE: 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: THE RACE 3 year old horses run in the derby. Each colt must carry 126 pounds. Each filly must carry 121 pounds.


JOCKEYS: 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: 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: 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: 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!!: MORE HATS!!


AND EVEN WILDER HATS!: AND EVEN WILDER HATS!


131st Derby Winner: 131st Derby Winner Giacomo and Mike Smith with the Derby winner's roses.


132nd Derby: 132nd Derby May 6, 2006 Tickets for “Millionaires Row”$3395 - $4500 VIP Tickets $1250 - $4500 Tickets for grandstand $395 - $995 Infield tickets $40 - $395


Who Will Win This Year?: Who Will Win This Year?


Slide19: A.P. Warrior Barbaro Bluegrass Cat Bob and John Brother Derek Cause to Believe Deputy Glitters First Samurai Jazil Keyed Entry Lawyer Ron Like New Point Determined Private Vow Sharp Humor Sinister Minister Steppenwolfer Sunriver Sweetnorthernsaint Note: The field changes constantly. This may not include EVERY horse (and some may be scratched before Derby Day!!!).


The Kentucky 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: Credits Information and pictures taken from churchilldowns.com , kdf.org , derbymuseum.org http://www.horse-races.net/library/tc05/tc-sunking.htm http://www.ticketsquick.com/KentuckyDerby.shtm http://www.horse-races.net/library/derby06-contenders.htm http://www.kentuckyderby.info/kentuckyderby-trophy.php http://www.stagefronttickets.com/derby/tickets.html http://www.horse-races.net/library/derby05-results.htm http://cnnstudentnews.cnn.com/2001/TRAVEL/NEWS/05/02/kentucky.derby/vert.winnerscircle.jpg Presentation created by Tracy Taylor and adapted by Becky Stephens, Catherine Bright, and updated by Kathye D. Greene (with an idea from Suzannah Whitfield).