Kentucky Derby
First jewel race
The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Often called "the most exciting two minutes in sports," it's the first leg of American Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.
The event is known for elaborate hats, mint juleps, and the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse: We watch the Kentucky Derby every year.
Historic Kentucky horse racing venue
- LouisvilleMajor Kentucky river city
- Triple CrownThree-event championship sweep
- MayYear's fifth month
- starting gateRace launch apparatus
winner's circle · grandstand · paddock · tote board · bugle call · finish line · photo finish · infield
Worn atop the head
- fascinatorsOrnamental hair-mounted accessories
- seersuckerCrinkled striped cotton cloth
- sundressesCasual warm-weather frocks
- pastelsPale, muted hues
florals · bowties · millinery · wide brim · Southern belle · pearls · boutonniere · tailored suits
Of pure ancestral line
- jockeyProfessional race rider
- trainerOne who conditions others
- ownerHolder of title
- silksLustrous woven garments
colt · filly · stallion · sire · dam · pedigree · breeder · Secretariat
Bourbon over crushed ice
- bourbonCorn-based American spirit
- crushed icePulverized frozen water pieces
- silver cupMetallic drinking vessel, often ceremonial
- spearmintMild-flavored mint species
simple syrup · muddled · refreshing · garnish · frosted glass · aromatic · sipping
Staking money on outcomes
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- exactaOrdered top-two wager
- trifectaOrdered top-three wager
- superfectaBet on four finishers
longshot · favorite · payout · bookmaker · morning line · handicapping · wager · stakes
Inherited cultural legacy
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
- annualOccurring every year
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
spectacle · institution · legacy · ceremony · time-honored · Southern · Americana · pomp
Churchill Downs
Historic Kentucky horse racing venue
- LouisvilleMajor Kentucky river city
- Triple CrownThree-event championship sweep
- MayYear's fifth month
starting gate · winner's circle · grandstand · paddock · tote board · bugle call · finish line · photo finish · infield · trophy
hats
Worn atop the head
- fascinatorsOrnamental hair-mounted accessories
- seersuckerCrinkled striped cotton cloth
- sundressesCasual warm-weather frocks
pastels · florals · bowties · millinery · wide brim · Southern belle · pearls · boutonniere · tailored suits · garden party
thoroughbred
Of pure ancestral line
silks · colt · filly · stallion · sire · dam · pedigree · breeder · Secretariat · Seattle Slew
mint julep
Bourbon over crushed ice
- bourbonCorn-based American spirit
- crushed icePulverized frozen water pieces
- silver cupMetallic drinking vessel, often ceremonial
spearmint · simple syrup · muddled · refreshing · garnish · frosted glass · aromatic · sipping
betting
Staking money on outcomes
superfecta · longshot · favorite · payout · bookmaker · morning line · handicapping · wager · stakes · Daily Double
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- pageantryElaborate ceremonial display
- annualOccurring every year
- celebrationFestive event marking occasion
ritual · spectacle · institution · legacy · ceremony · time-honored · Southern · Americana · pomp · history
- animal sportshorse racing, dog racing, greyhound racing, rodeo, bull riding
- Big GamesSuper Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals, World Cup Final, championship game
- KentuckyLouisville, Lexington, Frankfort, bourbon, Churchill Downs
- Equestrian Sportsdressage, show jumping, eventing, polo, reining
- Equestrian Historychariot racing, jousting, Triple Crown, Secretariat, Seabiscuit
- horse historywar horses, chariot racing, cavalry charges, jousting, horse breeding