The first Saturday in May means only one thing � it�s time for the Kentucky Derby. The Run for the Roses, the term coined by sportswriter Martene Windsor, known professionally as Bill Corum of�The New York Evening Journal�in 1925. The one day race has become a cultural event along with a showcase of equestrian dominance. Corum was invested in the Derby�s early success, calling the chase on public radio for over twenty-five years. Interesting tidbit, Corum was born in the sleepy town of Speed, Missouri.

Speed, of course, is the ultimate factor in actually winning the Derby, where the jockey is bequeathed with a sewn blanket of 400 of the signature red roses, along with taking a place in the history books.

Many say it�s the most exciting two minutes in all of sports.

The Kentucky Derby is America�s longest continuously held sporting event, edging out Westminster dog show by two years. This year marks an extra special occasion with the celebration of the 150th race. That�s right, premium thoroughbreds have been showcased at the premiere location of Churchill Downs since way back in 1875.

Since 1875. Is it coincidental that Old Forester whisky (Sorry,�whiskey�lovers, Kentucky bourbons traditionally omit the vowel, but that�s another story) has been around just four years longer than the Derby?

I don�t think so.

Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr founded the Louisville Jockey Club after he returned from his European travels and attended England�s Epsom Derby. His vision was to begin horse racing stateside with all the British flair. Clark was the builder of Churchill Downs, the stadium where the gladiator of horses compete to this day. You�re probably familiar with his grandfather, Missouri governor William Clark, half of the duo of intrepid explorers, Lewis and Clark.

I imagine it�s difficult to leave a legacy to stand against a grandfather that mapped the newly acquired northwest United States after the Louisiana Purchase, under the direction of U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.

However, Clark Jr. was no shrinking rose, ahem � violet. Mix in a mercurial reputation with 300 acres of donated land and a business partnership with the Churchill brothers, and a legacy was born.

The Derby has always been a status quo moment for society, it�s not just about the horses. The fashion element is almost as legendary as the race itself. If you ever get a chance to go to the Derby, make sure you level up in the wardrobe department, if you expect entry. Even if you have purchased a ticket. There�s the pretentious fascinator hats, the more ostentatious the better. Pinstriped suits paired with flamboyant neckties. Mint Juleps are the drink of choice, and it�s common to see spectators dressed in their Sunday best, sipping the delightful concoction.

You get the idea. Go big or well, go home.

The Derby is rich in history and of course has its own standout stars. Struggling Meadow Farms� Secretariat, dubbed the Clark Gable of horses by Vogue magazine, was a thoroughbred racehorse. Big Red, as he was also known, the stallion with the chestnut coat, three white socked feet had a cocky demeanor, perhaps for good reason. His record stands as the fastest horse in Kentucky Derby history. His 1973 record time of 1:59.40�has never been broken.

The slowest winning time, on the other hand, is credited to the 1891 winner, Kingman, who took 2:52.25 to complete the 1.5 miles.

THEN THERE’S THE MONEY

Horse racing is big bucks. For the 150th anniversary of the race the purse for the Derby was�raised to $5 million�(increased from $3 million in 2023) with the winner taking home $3.1 million, $1 million for the runner up, $500,000 for third place, $250,000 for fourth place, and $150,000 for fifth.

Add in the stud fees of a winner, and horse racing is indeed big business.

Since Kentucky is home to some of the finest bourbon distilleries in the world, the signature drink of The Kentucky Derby is of course, the Mint Julep, made with Kentucky whisky. Nearly 120,000 Mint Juleps are served at the Kentucky Derby on race day, so it�s got to be good.

Never tasted a Mint Julep but you�re curious to try it? Here�s the simple recipe from Old Forester�s website:

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz. Old Forester 86 Proof
0.75 oz. Simple Syrup
8�10 mint leaves
3 mint sprigs for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

The Old Forester Mint Julep cocktail recipe is a traditional, from-scratch build of the south�s most infamous warm-weather cocktail.

Pack mint julep cup with crushed ice. In a mixing glass, combine bourbon, syrup, and mint leaves. Lightly bruise mint leaves with a muddler, strain contents into julep cup. Garnish with 3 generous sprigs of mint.

*Make sure to slap mint. Make sure to insert a straw into the ice near mint.

Right now you�re thinking, I�m supposed to slap the plant? Yes, give your mint a good spanking. You release aromatics and unleash the fragrance, which is after all, the best part of the Mint Julep. The silkiness taste of bourbon combined with the freshness of mint is perfection.

Sip on one while you watch some of the finest racehorses do what they do best.

Run.

The mercurial founder of the Derby would approve.

Place your bets. On your mark, get set.

And they�re off.