The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is widely known as the run for the roses, but most people probably don’t know the story of how the red rose became the official flower and such a huge part of the tradition of the “greatest two minutes in sports.”

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In recent years, Louisville has gone from having the reputation as a “hidden gem” on the dining and entertainment scene to being duly recognized as one of the best cities in the U.S. for unique restaurants and bars. And of course, the spotlight shines brightest on Kentucky’s biggest (some would say only) city during Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve week.