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Home , Aristides (horse), Churchill Downs, Derby (horse race), Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby Festival

The : An American Tradition Touted as “The fastest Two Minutes in Sports” speaks much about a tradition in Kentucky that began in 1875. A race held each year on the first Saturday in May, attracts hundreds‐of‐thousands. Its history dates to the grandson of William Clark, Meriwether Lewis Clark, who had been at the Derby in England. Returning from England, Clark wanted to bring the grandeur of that English race to America. With the help of his uncles, John & Henry Churchill, a track was built in Louisville, Kentucky. The track was opened on May 17, 1875, with an organization called the Louisville Club. Ten‐thousand people watched fifteen three‐year‐old horses race one and a half miles. The first winner was ; hence has become the oldest continuous sporting event in America. The ’s history, horses, jockeys and owners have created many stories, books, broadcasts, movies and individual memories of that event. Its winning circle tradition is associated with a winner receiving a garland of roses. The Derby is by far one of today’s most exciting events not only to attend but follow through various media sources. Churchill Downs is a corporation with holdings in other racetracks, casinos and even hotels throughout the . Churchill Downs has over 4,500 employees. The track features a one‐mile dirt, oval racetrack that is 80 feet wide, as well as a 7‐furlong turf race course within 147 acres. Known for its twin spires, its “Big Board” and recently added the world’s largest 4K video screen, the track can accommodate over 165,000 people in its grandstand, clubhouse including luxury boxes and the infield. Having taken the opportunity to attend the Derby, but also visit the backside stables, tour the and even meet with trainer assistants who exercise the horses and even a former Kentucky Derby winning jockey made our first trip to Louisville an exciting one. The photo program below depicts our first‐time experience. Note: There is an additional Kentucky Derby program entitled, “The Kentucky Derby: The 144th‐‐ Wet and Exciting. “

“The track surface plays a vital role in safety. Experts have long considered Churchill Downs’ dirt track to be one of the safest surfaces in . The one‐mile oval stretches 80 feet in width and has a unique 12‐inch resilient clay base on top of a 25‐foot sandy loam sub‐base. Eight inches of carefully sifted and mixed materials sit atop the clay base: a blend of 75% round river sand, 23% silt and 2% clay. The silt and clay function as a bind for the sand. The top three inches are fluffed and act as a cushion for the horse, while the compacted, resilient five‐inch cushion underneath protects the horse from ever reaching the sturdy base”. From: safety/in‐race

The Derby is not only a big racing venue, but it is also a fashion show. This goes for both men and women. Hats have been the signature statement for the Kentucky Derby. Some say it started with Meriwether Lewis Clark and his wife who enticed Louisville women to attend the race event by having a picnic with a fashion flare. acuri.net John R. Vincenti The Kentucky Derby: An American Tradition Sources: https://www.kentuckyderby.com/, https://www.americasbestracing.net/lifestyle/2018‐celebrating‐the‐ fastest‐two‐minutes‐sports‐kentucky‐derby‐museums‐fan‐fest, https://www.churchilldowns.com/visit/, http://www.churchilldownsincorporated.com/careers, https://www.sbnation.com/2015/5/2/8535065/horse‐racing‐ glossary‐exacta‐trifecta\, http://time.com/4317873/kentucky‐derby‐hat‐history/, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion‐trends/news/g2110/kentucky‐derby‐hat/ and https://www.churchilldowns.com/about/community/health‐and‐safety/in‐race. “Constellation,” Spring/Summer 2018, Vol.4/No.1 Official Program 144th Kentucky Derby “Louisville Est. 1778” Official Visitor Guide, 2018‐2018 “2018 The Official Program ,” Presented by The , Inc.