Traditions of the Kentucky Derby

Since 1875, The Kentucky Derby---often called just The Derby---has been the highlight of the horse racing season. It is the first leg of the so-called Triple Crown of the racing world, but the event is so much more than just the "two most thrilling minutes in sports." The event itself is a spectacle as thousands of people crowd into Churchill Downs to watch and be watched over two days of parties and fun while millions more view via television across the globe.

  1. The History

    • More than 10,000 people packed Churchill Downs on May 17, 1875 to watch 15 horses run the then 1.5 mile race. The event quickly grew in popularity even as the length of the race was shortened to 1.25 miles in 1896. However, some of the key rules of the race were set from the beginning including a rule that only three-year-old horses be allowed to run.

    The Mint Julep

    • The mint julep has been the official drink of the Derby for more than 100 years. It is a mix of ice, water, Kentucky whiskey and a sprig of fresh mint drunk from a silver cup if possible. More than 100,000 are consumed at the Derby's two-day celebration annually.

    The Funny Hats

    • Hats have become somewhat of a comical tradition. Some women wear extravagant head wear to be noticed while others say that the funny hats help pick better winners. Fuzzy, furry or feathered---nothing is too much for the Derby.

    Pies

    • A pie mix of chocolate, walnuts and more chocolate inside a doughy crust is another Derby staple. The official Derby-Pie trademark is owned by Kentucky-based Kern's Kitchens, and got its name not because of the race, but because they held a derby to come up with a name. However, the pie style and the race have since become somewhat intertwined.

    The Infield

    • This is where the partying occurs en masse and the phrase "I went to the race and never saw a horse" originates. The official Derby website refers to the infield as "part Woodstock and part family reunion."

    Roses

    • Roses have been a part of the event since 1896 when the winning horse was crowned in a blanket of the red flowers. Since then, a hand-stitched blanket of 554 roses is created and awarded to the winners, which is why the event is often called the "Run for the Roses."

    My Old Kentucky Home

    • This sweet song about the wonders of the Bluegrass State has been an event staple since at least 1921. By 1929, it became the song played as the horses made their trot to the starting line. It is most often played by the University of Louisville's marching band.