Kentucky Derby History

There is no doubt that sports events like the Super Bowl and World Series can boast of rich and colorful histories, but neither can match the Kentucky Derby, which will be renewed for the 134th time at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 3, 2008. One of the oldest continuously-held sporting events in the world, the Run for the Roses was first contested back in 1875. Aristides was the winner that day in front of a crowd of about 10,000 Kentucky Derby ticket holders. For the 2008 Kentucky Derby, that number will be more like 150,000 to see “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” If you want to be there to see it live and in person, Derby Magazine has the right Kentucky Derby travel package for you.

Numerous champions have won the Kentucky Derby, but one stands out above all others - Secretariat. “Big Red” dominated the 1973 Kentucky Derby, and he still owns the fastest time ever in the event. Of course Secretariat went on to sweep the Triple Crown that year, and he went down in history as perhaps the greatest racehorse ever. The 1970s also featured Seattle Slew and the great rivalry between Alydar and Affirmed. In the last decade, we’ve been treated to remarkable rags-to-riches stories like Funny Cide and Smarty Jones, and then in 2006 Barbaro caught the attention of the nation with his memorable Kentucky Derby win and even more memorable fight for life after being injured in the Preakness Stakes. A horse racing travel package gives you the chance to see the next champion.

While the race might be over in about 120 seconds, a Kentucky Derby tour offers a full array of activities that takes over the entire city of Louisville. And there is no better way to experience the pageantry and parties than with one of the 2008 Kentucky Derby travel packages from Derby Magazine. Of course it’s not easy to get Kentucky Derby tickets or Louisville hotel rooms during the first week in May, but with a few clicks of your mouse you can get both. While we can’t guarantee you’ll pick a winner at the betting windows, we can guarantee great Kentucky Derby seats and a travel experience that you won’t soon forget.