The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became America's Premier Sporting Event

Each year on the first Saturday in May the world turns its attention to the twin spires of Churchill Downs for the high-stakes excitement of the "greatest two minutes in sports " the Kentucky Derby. No American sporting event can claim the history tradition or pageantry that the Kentucky Derby holds. For more than 130 years spectators have been fascinated by the magnificent horses that run the Louisville track. Thoroughbreds such as Secretariat and Barbaro have earned instant international fame along with jockeys such as Isaac Murphy Ron Turcotte and Calvin Borel. The Kentucky Derby: How the Run for the Roses Became Americas Premier Sporting Event calls this great tradition to post and illuminates its history and culture. Rising from its humble beginnings as an American variation of Englands Epsom Derby the Kentucky Derby became a centerpiece of American sports and the racing industry confirming Kentuckys status as the Horse Capital of the World. James C. Nicholson argues that the Derby at its essence is a celebration of a place existing as a connection between Kentuckys mythic past and modern society. The Derby is more than just a horse race -- it is an experience enhanced by familiar traditions icons and images that help Derby fans to understand Kentucky and define themselves as Americans. Today the Kentucky Derby continues to attract international attention from royalty celebrities racing fans and those who simply enjoy an icy mint julep a fabulous hat and a wager on who will make it to the winners circle. Nicholson provides an intriguing and thorough history of the Kentucky Derby examining the tradition spectacle culture and evolution of the Kentucky Derby -- the brightest jewel of the Triple Crown.