A business associate arriving from a trip handed me a souvenir banner - a Kentucky Derby
mini flag . He was actually grinning from ear to ear having actually witnessed the horse races at the famed Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. I gather that he had a free pass to the derby and together with the other 155,000 spectators braved the spectacle held during the first Saturday of May, the culminating event of a two-week long Kentucky Derby Festival annually.
I found out later on that the Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year old thoroughbred horses and it is popular in the United States as the "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," simply stated being the actual duration of the race. It is also known as the "Run for the Roses," again because the annual winner of the Kentucky Derby is draped with a blanket of 554 roses as part of his winning price.
Actually the Kentucky Derby run is only for a mile and a quarter race and the distinction of having the fastest time is held by Secretariat at 1 minute 59 2/5 seconds, set in 1973 after it broke the old record of Northern Dancer in 1964. This record time has now stood for 35 years and counting as nobody has come close to beating or duplicating the feat.
This annual spectacle draws a lot of enthusiasts and from the economic standpoint it pumps in considerable revenues to the Louisville economy. From hotel rooms, to dining areas and resorts, facilities are all fully booked for the two-week event.
So, if you have the resources come and join in the festivities. This is a one time event you must never miss. See you at the races.
by:
The Flagman
