The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is not only the most anticipated, most watched Thoroughbred race in the world but an essential part of American sports culture.
Memories are made with each run for the roses that over the passage of time become legend, not only to day-to-day followers of horse racing but to the general public.
In a race heralded as the return of the rivalry of last year's top 3-year-olds Sovereignty and Journalism, it was 7-year-old White Abarrio who rolled past his younger rivals in the stretch to win the $1.25 million Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap April 18 at
The Kentucky Oaks began as a companion to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, much as the English Oaks at Epsom serves as the female version of the prestigious Derby.
Up to 20 lightly raced 3-year-old Thoroughbreds get loaded into the starting gate with somewhere in the neighborhood of 150,000 fans (many well-lubricated) whipped into a frenzy. Approximately two minutes after the horses begin the cavalry charge down the stretch for the first time, a new Kentucky Derby winner is feted in the winner’s circle.
