Daily Idea

Kentucky Derby Trivia

There are only three things that matter in the state of Kentucky – Bourbon, Basketball, and Horseracing. Today’s episode aims to help you impress your friends at your Derby party with some interesting and lesser-known Kentucky Derby facts.

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Hi, I’m Joe Bennett and you’re watching the Daily Idea.

There are only three things that matter in the state of Kentucky – Bourbon, Basketball, and Horseracing. And since I know very little about the first, could go on for hours about the second, let’s talk about horses. As I’m sure you are aware, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown. You are probably also aware that the Derby takes place every year on the first Saturday in May. And I’m sure you already know that the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

But today’s episode is not about the things you know. The Daily Idea wants to help you impress your friends at your Derby party with some interesting and lesser-known Kentucky Derby facts. Thanks to askmen.com, local knowledge, and history lessons for these facts.

Try this: Did you know that the Kentucky Derby has ties to Lewis and Clark?

Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., the grandson of William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expedition started the Louisville Jockey Club in 1874. On land leased from some relatives named John and Henry Churchill, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. started Churchill Downs.

Our next little known fact is that Churchill Downs does not allow umbrellas on Derby day. So if it’s raining, you better be wearing a big hat to protect you from the weather.

Not impressed yet with our facts? How about this: Out of the first 28 Kentucky Derby’s, the first 15 were won by African-Americans.

In fact, the youngest jockey to ever win the Derby was African-American jockey Alonzo “Lonnie” Clayton at the age of 15. Ten years after the Civil War, the majority of jockeys and trainers were African-Americans.

A controversial fact is that the official Kentucky Derby website lists two winners for the 1968 race. That year, Dancer’s Image took first place, but a post-race urinalysis found traces of a banned non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug. At the time, the particular drug was banned at Churchill Downs, but allowed at many tracks around the country. Dancer’s Image was disqualified to last place and the second place horse, Forward Pass was awarded the victory. But years later, the same drug that was once banned at Churchill Downs was deemed OK by the track. Hence, two Derby winners listed for 1968.

Here’s a fact that will not only impress, but may help you when it comes to placing your bets. No horse in the 17th or 19th post position has ever won the Kentucky Derby. So no matter how much you like the name of a certain horse, if they are in one of those two positions, you should probably make a safer bet.

And if you are actually attending the Derby at Churchill Downs, you may want to visit the Derby Museum earlier in the week as it is closed on the Oaks and Derby day.

Now, go and enjoy a mint julep and impress your friends with your Derby trivia.

And that’s another Daily Idea.

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