The Run for the Roses

The first Saturday in May only means one thing "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports", The Kentucky Derby.  This year 22 three-year-olds are registered but only 20 will compete.  Sway Away  and Ruler on Ice will only race if one of the below contenders drop out:

Contenders listed with the odds

Animal Kingdom: 28/1

Archarcharch: 10/1

Brilliant Speed: 25/1

Comma to the Top: 35/1

Decisive Moment: 30/1

Derby Kitten: 35/1

Dialed In: 4/1

Master of Hounds: 25/1

Midnight Interlude: 15/1

Mucho Macho Man: 12/1

Nehro: 8/1

Pants On Fire: 15/1

Santiva: 30/1

Shackleford: 14/1

Soldat: 10/1

Stay Thirsty: 20/1

Twice the Appeal: 35/1

Twinspired: 35/1

Uncle Mo: 5/2

Watch Me Go: 35/1

The late Hunter S. Thompson, once described the Kentucky Derby as “Decadent and Depraved,” yet beyond the fancy façade and classy “whiskey gentry,” the Derby has a long stretching history as a Kentucky milestone.  The event is one of Kentucky's proudest.  Since the first Kentucky Derby, May 17, 1875, the Bluegrass state has been a destination for horse breeding and thoroughbred racing.

Whether you are watching from the grand stands or from the comfort of your living room, place a bet, drink a mint julep and have a piece of derby pie!

Kentucky Derby Traditions:

• Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and sugar, is the traditional beverage of the race.
• Burgoo, typically a thick stew of lamb and vegetables is served from iron pots sometimes 10 feet in diameter.  
• Place you bets, study the odds. 
• The Infield, a spectator area inside the track, offers low general admission prices but little chance of seeing much of the race. Instead, revelers show up in the infield to party.  
• "Millionaire's Row" refers to the expensive box seats that attract the rich and famous. 
• Hats, Hats and more Hats, click to see . 
• As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, "My Old Kentucky Home" is played by the University of Louisville marching band while the crowd stands and sings along.
• The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner. 
• The Governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy to the Winner

Derby Pie

1 9-inch unbaked pie shell

2 eggs, beaten
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
2 tablespoons bourbon or 2 teaspoons vanilla
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
Whipped cream
 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Beat eggs briefly. Add sugar, butter, bourbon and cornstarch until well blended but not foamy. Pour nuts and morsels into pie shell. Pour egg mixture over the top. Bake 45 minutes. Cool 1 hour. Best if served warm with whipped cream. Serves 6 to 8.