It does not matter if you are a horse racing fan or not because there are 12 funny, unusual and weird news headlines a month before the 2013 Kentucky Derby that you will not want to miss. Even Pope Francis is not exempt from getting dragged into the hodgepodge of strange Kentucky Derby updates. The motto for the local business association in Louisville is to “Keep Louisville Weird.” Obviously, being odd in Louisville is easy to do and the following stories prove this point.
1. Eye shadow used to illustrate the 1969 Kentucky Derby
One of the things you can expect from art related to the Kentucky Derby is that it is unique. However, when discussing meeting his friend Hunter S. Thompson for the first time, artist Ralph Steadman said he was forced to use bizarre art supplies. Thompson and Steadman joined up to work on media coverage for the 1969 Kentucky Derby, but Steadman left his art supplies in a taxi. Instead of his normal tools, a friend of Thompson’s worked for Revlon and gave him eye shadow to make his sketches of the race.
2. Fashion for Kentucky Derby attendance explained
Each year, the Kentucky Derby festival hosts a fashion show that gives locals a good idea of how to dress for the first Saturday in May. While there are many wild colors and bizarre trends represented at the Kentucky Derby, the fashion shows suggested that 2013 was the year to take it up a notch. Nevertheless, if you decide to follow their advice about luxury neon couture, the Courier-Journal’s Christine Fellingham suggests that you should remember to wear lipstick or you will look washed out.
3. Kentucky Derby and new Pope analogy
The National Catholic Reporter definitely has a taste of Derby Fever with a recent cross-comparison of the new Pope. Now that Pope Francis is leading the Catholic Church, everyone is anticipating his next moves. In particular, writer Eugene Cullen Kennedy compares the people currently surrounding the Vatican to Kentucky Derby contenders, jockeys, and other funny horse racing references.
4. Orb is a small farm hopeful
Many of the horses in the contenders list are from well-known farms and have acclaimed trainers. However, unlike many Kentucky-oriented Derby contenders, Orb is part of California’s horse racing industry. For this reason, the lesser-known Country Life Farm in Bel Air is excited to see if Orb can land their facility on the map by winning the 2013 Kentucky Derby.
5. No female horses at the Kentucky Derby
In 2008, Eight Bells suffered from an injury and was euthanized immediately following her Kentucky Derby win. Obviously, fillies have what it takes to outshine male contenders. In spite of this, for the first time in history, the Kentucky Derby has decided to exclude female contenders. The change came about as part of the new Kentucky Derby prep season points system. Instead of running in the Kentucky Derby, fillies are encouraged to participate in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3, 2013.
6. Louisville premiere media after party
Most of the news about Kentucky Derby parties is focused on where movie and television celebrities spend their time. Regardless, there is one unique media-related Kentucky Derby after party that tourists will want to attend. Held in 2013 at Varanese Restaurant on Frankfort Ave., the 27th Annual Billy Rappaport Burger Bash will start on May 4.
7. Trainers under surveillance at Santa Anita Derby?
Horse racing is not the only sport that is being monitored for performance enhancing drugs. These days, it has become such a common occurrence that people have grown to expect it. For this reason, the public jumped to conclusions when the New York Times pointed out that Santa Anita was under surveillance. In fact, the racetrack has had financial troubles and simply needed financial sponsorship for their general racetrack security.
8. Volunteer becomes Chairwoman
The Kentucky Derby Festival recently named a new Chairwoman to their staff. However, the interesting thing about Chris Whelan is that she ascended to the top by starting as a volunteer. In Whelan’s past are two main Kentucky Derby cuisine traditions: burgoo and pulled BBQ.
9. Official Kentucky Derby vineyard
The Kentucky Derby has a long list of official products and brand names that they exclusively associate with. Adding to this list is the official Kentucky Derby 2013 vineyard. While attendants are watching the race, they can enjoy the 14 Hands wines from Washington State.
10. Kentucky Derby winners are overworked?
In the past, a horse was usually retired to stud after winning the Triple Crown races. However, the Daily Racing Form states that many horses are now working 12 months a year. After winning races, they do stud work and then returned to the racing season in the fall.
11. 2011 Kentucky Derby winner wins 2013 race
A couple of years ago, Animal Kingdom stunned us all by winning the Kentucky Derby. In 2013, this horse is still proving to be a champion among his age group. Forbes Magazine was happy to report that Animal Kingdom was winner of the Dubai World Cup 2013. This win ensures Animal Kingdom will have a healthy stud career.
12. Taxi drop off further away from Churchill Downs
Most attendants dress up for the Kentucky Derby whether they have tickets to Millionaire’s Row or the muddy Infield. Women are known to go out of their way to find the best hat, clothes and shoes. Sadly, this year, comfortable shoes may be more of a necessity than ever. Instead of being dropped off directly in front of Gate 1 at Churchill Downs, the taxi stand and other transportation is being moved further down to the Gate 3 area.
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