Fun on the Web May 1 '10 Kentucky Derby

Racing in Louisville started around 1783 when it was reported they raced through the downtown streets. A course was developed around 1805, with many courses in between, but the Churchill Downs was not in evidence till 1883. This info was gleaned from the history section of the Kentucky Derby site which has hours of interesting reading to keep you in the horse race mood until the eighth race is finally run today.

The first Saturday in May is always reserved for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. I have had the privilege of being at several Kentucky Derby's including one where the rain came down so hard the race was almost called and there were tornado sitings the night before the race. (BTW It has rained on 61 of the 136 Derby Days.)

Although its always an amazing spectacle, that occasion was quite different with the fashionable Southern ladies providing comic relief instead of their usual elegance. Virtually all of them had been in the rain and their usual attire in Millionaires Row had dissolved with the running of dye from their huge hats and the ruining of many a pair of Minolo Blahnik's and Jimmy Choo's.

We however, were not in Millionaires Row but in the more casual section right up against the rails. These are truly better seats than the ones in Millionaires Row but without the demands of getting all gussied up. We had brought ponchos and umbrellas (umbrellas were legal then but not now) along with our more usual coolers and cushions since sitting there all day can make their wooden chairs really hard.

The vast majority of the crowd will have done some celebrating, which occurs everwhere in Louisville but particularly around Churchill Downs where people are on their lawns making and selling barbecue meats of all kinds, as well as drinks, desserts, and race paraphernalia. BTW around Derby Day go to the local KMart or WalMart and the imprinted stuff is available for less than you buy it near the track. Hmmm I wonder if I still have those glasses somewhere.

To explore the fashion, the history of the Derby, or just follow the action today see:
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

If you have never been there, then you may not know that it's really celebrated for more than a week with fancy parties, another race day called The Oaks, and now the Taste of the Derby sponsored by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. The 1,480 acre estate, located in the scenic foothills of the Andes, is home to a legendary Thoroughbred breeding farm and some of the best vineyards in South America.

Partial proceeds of the event benefit Dare to Care Food Bank and the United Nations World Food Programme. The event was scattered with celebs including Diane Lane, Andy Cohen from Bravo’s "What Happens Here", Jeff Lewis & Jen Pulos, from Bravo’s "Flipping Out", Dina Manzo, from Bravo’s "Real Housewives of New Jersey", a few Top Chef contestants, and several Derby trainers. For more info on the renowned chefs and how this event combined food and racetracks see http://tickets.churchilldowns.com/kentucky-oaks-derby/2010/taste-of-derby

If you are more interested in the betting side of the races try this site
http://www.kentuckyderby.info/