2011 Kentucky Derby: 8 Reasons Why This Is America's Favorite Horse Race
The Kentucky Derby, the goal every horse is pointed to from the time they are born.
The first Saturday in May is circled on every horse lover's calendar. But why is this America's favorite race?
There are others that are just as competitive if not even more so and there are those that offer more prize money for the entries but the Kentucky Derby stays in the eyes of all of America as "America's Race" and here are some reasons why.
No. 1: Longest Running Event
1 of 8
The Kentucky Derby has run consecutively through 136 years (137 years), never skipping a beat no matter what is going on in the world.
Did the Depression stop the race? No.
Did two World Wars stop the race? No.
If there's one thing you can count on every year, it is that the Derby WILL be running on the first Saturday in May no matter what happens.
No. 2: Anyone Can Win
2 of 8
There is no saying who will win when the gates fly open. Giacomo and Mine That Bird have been major upsets in the last few years. You can't overlook any of the horses because you never know who will step up and run the race of their lives.
No. 3: The Derby Hats
3 of 8
Derby hats may even be more famous than the race itself in some circles. You can see classy all the way to outrageous and everything in between. Even if you don't like horse racing, you'll probably tune in to see the hats.
.jpg?w=256 "Titans Camp Football")
No. 4: My Old Kentucky Home
4 of 8
You never think this song will affect you if you aren't from Kentucky but hearing it as the horses are led to the post proves everyone wrong.This song is almost guaranteed to bring tears to even the most stoic person's eyes.
No. 5: These Are the Best Three Year Olds at the Time
5 of 8
Sure, the fields may not look strong every year but these are the best three year old dirt horses in the world. Chances are at least some of these horses will turn into something later on in the year and into the years following. So this field is one to watch.
No 6: Everything Is Better Under the Spires
6 of 8
The Spires are Churchill's defining mark. No matter what race you are watching, seeing the spires in the background is awe-inspiring. When you see the spires, you know you are in horse racing country.
No. 7: The Derby Winners Circle Gets to Be Used (and Seen)
7 of 8
Churchill has a special place for the Derby winner... in the winner's circle made just for the Derby. You won't see any other horse or person approach it during any part of the year. It's there solely for the Derby and this just adds to the lore and tradition of the race.
No. 8: The Roses
8 of 8
Everyone knows what kind of blanket will be draped over the horse. The rose blanket is just another thing that stays consistent. Plus, at times, owners will give fans roses off the actual blanket. If you get a rose off the Kentucky Derby blanket, you can die happy.
.jpg?w=480 "Titans Camp Football")
