Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby  is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile (2 km) and the track is known as Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg) and fillies get a break to a lessor 121 pounds (54.9 kg).   The race is known  as “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” for its approximate duration, and is also called “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont Stakes. The horse must win all three to win the Triple Crown.  This is the biggest race in America, if you judge the size of the race by its attendance.

Classic Derby Day recipes include Burgoo, Bourbon Balls, Kentucky Hot Brown sandwiches, Horse Race Pie, Cheese Garlic Grits, and Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, all of which can be found at www.kentuckyderby.info/kentucky-derby-recipes.php

Here’s two of our favorites:

Pimento Cheese

Mint Juleps

For more Derby Day Classics as Featured in Chronicle of the Horse, which also work great for horsey girl birthday parties.  Click below.

Derby food and treats article Chronicle birthday treats

Leave A Comment