As in years previous, the Kentucky Derby 2012 promises to truly be "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." With over 100,000 people expected to show up with many more watching or listening to the race all around the world, it is one of the biggest horse races in the world. And while the stakes are high and it is a horse race, there is a certain dress code that is strictly followed depending on where you are seated for the race.
With a rich history over a hundred years old, the event has come to represent high society in many ways while still being open to everyday working people as well. From wearing fancy hats and sipping on mint juleps to sitting in the stands and cheering for a particular horse and jockey, the Kentucky Derby is a horse race for all different types of people.
Short History of the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby started in 1875. On May 17, the horse Aristides and his rider, Oliver Lewis, finished the race in first place at the very first Kentucky Derby. He raced with 15 other jockeys. Oliver Lewis, along with 12 others, were African American.
That first race took place on a track that was built by none other than Meriweather Lewis Clark in 1874. The crowd at that first race was not as large as some of the modern races, but for the time it accommodated quite a few people. It is estimated around ten thousand people were at the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875.
The track for that first race was 1.5 miles. It was later shortened to 1.25 miles, where it still is today. By the turn of the century, horse owners were sending their teams to the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York after the Kentucky Derby. In 1930, the term "Triple Crown" was coined by Charles Hatton to describe the three races featuring the same horses and riders.
Over the next few decades, more and more people began attending the Kentucky Derby. Additionally, traditions began to develop around the race. For example, mint juleps becoming a very popular drink and the wearing of hats becoming important over the years.
The 2012 Kentucky Derby: Schedule and Tickets
As in years past, the 2012 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be quite a race. With people from all walks of life expected to attend, there is plenty to see and do beyond the short race itself. As for the race itself, however, there are several areas you might sit at Churchill Downs and various ways you might get Kentucky Derby tickets.
Licensing great seats may run anywhere from $2,000 to $60,000 or more depending on the seats. This licensing does not include the cost of the actual tickets. There is also a lottery system for reserved seating tickets every year. Some people who win tickets this way make them available for sale online, which means you may be able to get some good seats even if you do not have a license or win the seating lottery. The prices will vary depending on the exact locations of the seats.
Finally, there is also infield seating available at very reasonable prices. These are by no means the best seats in the house, but they can get you into the race so that you can experience all the excitement of the two minute race yourself. There are also infield club and other more expensive seating options infield. No matter what type of tickets you get, you are sure to have a lot of fun, especially if you are doing some Kentucky Derby betting.
