Let’s explore the rich history of the Kentucky Derby unveil what made it one of the biggest horse races worldwide.

The 2022 Kentucky Derby, held on Saturday, May 7, at Churchill Downs, is expected to draw a sold-out audience for the first time in three years. Due to COVID-19, Churchill Downs officially prohibited fans from attending the race in September two years ago. Last year, the track had a capacity of 51,838 people, and 51,838 people showed up. The run for the roses is likely to approach, if not exceed, the pre-pandemic attendance of 150,729 in 2019.

Few sporting events in the United States have the history and popularity of the Kentucky Derby. However, the Kentucky Derby is more than a sporting event; it celebrates southern culture and is a true American institution because of its rich traditions. With a history reaching back to 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the country's oldest sports event. The Derby has consistently delivered the most thrilling two minutes in sports, even when it coincided with significant historical events such as the Great Depression and World Wars I and II.

The Kentucky Derby attracts about 150,000 fans every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. The Derby has its own identity, from the elaborate headgear and exquisite ensembles seen at the track to the vast betting sums spent on the race. Betting, of course, can be done both on track and online using the highest ranked PayPal betting sites. Meriwether Lewis Clark, the race's originator, had this in mind when he and his partners sponsored the Derby. The first Kentucky Derby, which included a field of 15 3-year-old thoroughbreds racing 1.5 miles, drew 10,000 spectators on May 17, 1875. Aristides, the winning horse, finished in 2:37 ¾ seconds and was ridden by Oliver Lewis, an African-American jockey.

With five Kentucky Derby victories each, jockeys Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack share the all-time record. Even though the Derby is sometimes referred to as “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” two horses have actually finished the race in under two minutes. Secretariat set the track record in 1973, finishing in 1:59 2/5. Monarchos, who won the 2001 Derby in a computer-timed 1:59.97, was the second horse to break the two-minute barrier.

Traditions evolved as the race's popularity grew and the status quo began to shift. The Derby became a venue where celebrities wanted to be a part of the event. The “run for the roses,” named for the blanket of roses placed upon the winner, quickly became a spectacle that everyone wanted to be a part of, and audience interest surged during the 20^th century. The race was nationally televised in 1952. An estimated 10 to 15 million people tuned in.

Every year around this time, anticipation builds as everyone awaits to see if any horse can win the Triple Crown. It all begins at Churchill Downs, moves on to The Preakness Stakes, and concludes at the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is the first horse race that most people think of when they think of horse racing in America. Although the Preakness and Belmont Stakes are older, the Kentucky Derby is the season's first big race.

The Kentucky Derby is a race day for everyone, which is why it is such a well-known event. However, unlike other Triple Crown races such as the Preakness and Belmont Stakes and the prestigious Breeders' Cup in November, the Kentucky Derby is accompanied by recreational events. These events are open to anyone, regardless of whether they are familiar with horse racing.