Kentucky Derby on Saturday!

Saturday is the 152nd Kentucky Derby, the longest-running sporting event in the United States. For newcomers, here’s my annual Run for the Roses primer!

Author photo August 2021

Since 1875, the first Saturday in May has been Derby Day. Growing up in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, I've watched the Derby all my life. It's the closest thing to a national holiday in Kentucky, with TV sets tuned to watch all 14 races at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville (pronounced loo-uh-vull, not loowey-ville).

Author photo May 2006

For those unfamiliar, the Commonwealth of Kentucky is perhaps the most beautiful state in the country, a gem known for its breathtaking beauty, rolling countryside, and friendly people. Horses and bourbon are two major exports. The lime-rich soil can turn grass blue, which is uniquely beneficial for thoroughbreds – 113 Derby-winning horses were born in Kentucky. It's no wonder Kentucky is affectionately known as the Bluegrass State.

The Derby is considered the "most exciting two minutes in sports," the first and thus most important jewel in the Triple Crown. Triple Crown winners are horses that win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness in Baltimore, and the Belmont outside New York City. Winning the Triple Crown is hard – happening just 13 times in total and only twice since 1979 – American Pharoah (purposefully misspelled by the owner) (2015) and Justify (2018).

Even those who don’t follow racing have heard of Secretariat, the most famous Triple Crown winner, who won each race in 1973 in record time. I had the chance to meet Secretariat on a school field trip to Claiborne Farms in the 1980s. (You should be impressed.)

The Derby is also known as the “Run for the Roses,” as the winner of the 1 1/4-mile race receives a blanket of over 400 red roses. The Derby always has a vast field, much larger than regular races, with an astounding 20 horses. To qualify, 3-year-old thoroughbreds must earn points in designated races in the US, Europe, UAE, or Japan. The final points race takes place not too far away at beautiful Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. Keeneland was used in the movie Seabiscuit to stand in for Pimlico, which is much less charming (so much so they are doing a complete tear down and rebuild).

While the horses go to the post at 6:57 pm ET, Derby excitement begins early, so make sure to tune in to NBC around 6 pm. You'll want to witness the pageantry of riders taking their mounts in the paddock, hear the trumpet call, and listen to the stirring rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses make their way to the starting gate.

Only about five or six horses are genuine contenders. Oddsmakers like Renegade (4-1) as the Derby favorite, followed by Commandment (6-1) and Chief Wallabee (8-1). You’ll notice every horse has a unique name, and there are funny ones every year (Pavlovian, Robusta, Incredibolt).

So, who to cheer for on Saturday? The odds are a helpful guide, but the starting gate matters a lot. More thoroughbreds have won from Post 5 than from any other position. That horse scratched, but Commandment is in Post 6. I’m picking Commandment, especially as since I work on religion-related issues. (And I suppose I shouldn’t pick Danon Bourbon (20-1) since I now work at a Baptist university.)

Some other tips:

• Impress your friends with Derby knowledge by noting Aristides won the first race 152 years ago in May 1875.

• Mint juleps are the traditional Derby Day cocktail, crafted from bourbon, simple syrup, and mint. Or, for a non-alcoholic mocktail version, use locally made Ale-8-One.

• While watching at home, Derby hats and dapper suits are not required, but they are certainly encouraged.

• Please stand at the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home" (and this version is cool too).

• Lastly, don't be embarrassed to cheer for your horse through the television. I believe it helps!

Riders up!