Author John Steinbeck once said:
“This Kentucky Derby, whatever it is—a race, an emotion, a turbulence, an explosion—is one of the most beautiful and violent and satisfying things I have ever experienced.”
On the first Saturday of May, eyes turn to Churchill Downs racetrack for the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
Advertisement - Story continues below
Request advertising info. View All.
In the world of sports, there is not a more moving moment than when the horses step onto the track for the Kentucky Derby post parade and the band strikes up “My Old Kentucky Home.”
Since 1936, the song has been performed by the University of Louisville Marching Band as the horses make their way from the paddock to the starting gate.
The 148th event happened this year on May 7th and history was made again with long shot, Rich Strike coming in 1st place. With 80-1 odds, Rich Strike became the second-biggest longshot to win the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown!
In case you haven’t seen the race, it’s a must-see. Here is th full race.
Photo by Gusztáv Galló, photo used is not from this race.