Today we will be looking at fun and interesting facts about the Kentucky Derby which will be raced on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most spectacular traditions in all of modern sports. This event has a special place in the heart of horse racing enthusiasts all over the world. For one day of the year, the entire sports world is focused on the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is rich with historical facts. Here are a few you may not have known:
The Derby’s first running took place in 1875 and it was won by Aristides. The colt was trained by Ansel Williamson and jockeyed by Oliver Lewis. Before you can look ahead to placing your Kentucky Derby betting picks and predictions you need to know the facts and Kentuckyderby odds.
The legendary Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 by setting the track record of 1 minute 59 & 2/5th seconds. Secretariats record still stands to this day. Secretariat beat Sham by 2 lengths while breaking Northern Dancer’s previous record.
The long shots have a shot: In 1913, Donerail won the Derby at 91/1 betting odds. Mine that Bird won in 2009 at 50/1.
The Kentucky Derby is known as the first leg of the Triple Crown in the thoroughbred industry. If a horse wins the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, they win the Triple Crown trophy. The last horse to accomplish this feat was Affirmed in 1978.