The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuous sporting event in the United States, and for most of American history, thoroughbred racing was the country’s most popular sport. Held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, it has been held every year since it was begun on May 17, 1875.
The Derby brings into the region hundreds of millions of dollars a year, while the horse industry in Kentucky is a $3 billion industry. An economic impact study from a decade ago — the last one conducted — said then that the Derby brought at least $220 million to Louisville, and that is believed to have at least doubled since them, according to the Fiscal Times.
Here’s our favorite recipes for Derby Day. And our hot tip for horses is Bodemeister.
