First Kentucky Derby

May 17, 2008

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Profile America — Saturday, May 17th. Each spring, one of the key sporting events is the Kentucky Derby — held on the first Saturday in May. This year’s running was the 134th in the race’s storied history. The first race was held on this date in 1875, won by a horse named Aristides, ridden by African-American jockey Oliver Lewis. The race was patterned after the English Derby, at a mile and a half in length. It was shortened to a mile and a quarter in 1896, where it remains. Some of the famous horses to win the derby include War Admiral, Whirlaway and Secretariat. At tracks across the U.S., less famous thoroughbred racing draws more than 6 million people each year, while harness racing attracts nearly 5 million others. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau online at <www.census.gov>.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2008, p. 273
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008, t. 1219
http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2008edition.html