Kentucky Derby

     Kentucky Derby 

                                                                        By

                                                                Mike Capron

Saturday May 4, 2024 was the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby.  Run for the Roses.  It has been run every year on the first Saturday of May , except the year Covid moved it to September. Big hats, Mint Juleps, Roses and Seersucker Suits along with 150,000 people storm Louisville, Kentucky at Church Hill Downs.  The Race Track officials claim the run for the Roses is the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the U. S.  The derby dates back to 1875, when it was called Louisville Jockey Club.  Twenty horses are running for a total of 5 million dollars with the winner claiming 3.1 million with 1 million for second place, $500,000 for third , $250,000 for fourth and $150,000 for fifth.   It has been titled the most exciting two minutes in sports….       This is the first race of the Triple Crown races.   The Preakness and then the Belmont in June make up the triple crown and it takes a whale of a horse to be a triple crown winner.  Several great stories about triple crown horses and my favorite is Secretariat, a tremendous horse with a great story.  It is a shame he never sired his running abilities. His record times still stands in all 3 races.