Since its beginning in May 17th, 1875, the Kentucky Derby has been one of the main hat fashion events of the season. It is held on the first Saturday of May each year, so today is the day to break out those “head-turning” hats and lovely garden dresses, even if you’re not a horse loving lady. This is the event you want to be original as possible, because even the most over-the-top hats are considered as the norm – the wider of the brim and more vibrant the color, the better!
The Kentucky Derby is the one of 3 races that make up The Triple Crown. The first race was held in 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Under an African-American jockey Oliver Lewis, a colt named Aristides, who was trained by future Hall of Famer Ansel Williamson, won the inaugural Derby. On May 11, 1892, African-American jockey Alonzo “Lonnie” Clayton, age 15, became the youngest rider to win the Derby. The 1904 race was won by Elwood, the first Derby starter and winner owned by a woman, Laska Durnell. In 1915, Regret became the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby (of only three in the history of the race), and in 1917, the English-bred colt “Omar Khayyam” became the first foreign-bred horse to win the race.
Also known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” or “The Run for the Roses,” the drink of choice is usually a Mint Julep, which was first served in 1939 (usually served in frosted silver cup, though the race attendees generally drink them out of special commemorative glasses like the one above). Burgoo is a popular Kentucky stew that’s served. Click here for a myriad of drink recipes (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options).
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