The Kentucky Derby is about seven weeks away and the new prep race season points system is producing plenty of articles that talk about horseracing results. However, there is more going on behind the scenes than the action on the racetrack. By paring down information online, five important Kentucky Derby-related stories that you might have missed recently emerged.
Peyton and Eli Manning’s dad speaks Derby
Each year, the Kentucky Derby Festival works diligently to promote the Kentucky Derby -- despite the fact that the two entities are not associated. To kick off the celebrations, a keynote speaker was selected for the They’re Off! Luncheon held at the Galt House hotel. This year on April 19, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s event will include famous football father Archie Manning. Tickets are on sale at 502- 584-FEST and the public is encouraged to attend.
Two legendary horse sculptors die
Sadly, the month of March brought news of the deaths of two important horse sculptors that shaped the art of the Kentucky Derby. Marilyn Newmark Meiselman of New York and Adalin Wichman of Kentucky leave behind a legacy that can be found in parks, libraries, and the Kentucky Derby Museum. Covered thoroughly by New Zealand’s Horse Talk, both artists have a long list of achievements, but Wichman’s design of the horse racing Eclipse Award is one that the international world commonly recognizes.
Another funny Kentucky Derby hat list
The motto for small business owners near Churchill Downs is to, “Keep Louisville Weird.” Interestingly, Kentucky Derby tourists do not need any encouragement and produce plenty of bizarreness on their own. One of the best examples of Kentucky Derby tourism gone wild are the unique hats that some attendants wear. Although there are many lists that show pictures of these funny hats, Sports Illustrated recently published 60 of the most recent ones.
Mine That Bird stabled at Churchill Downs
In 2009, Kentucky Derby bettors were racing through the streets and screaming about the longshot Mine That Bird. With odds of 50-1, Mine That Bird granted bettors $103.20 for a $2 dollar win wager and $1,037.30 on an exacta and $278,503.20 on a superfecta. Obviously a popular horse, visitors to Churchill Downs between April 15 and July 22 will get a chance to see Mine That Bird during visiting hours. This celebrity appearance is made possible by the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Kentucky Derby online fantasy game starts March 22 to 28
Each year, Churchill Downs gives the public an opportunity to bet on the horses without participating in traditional gambling. The “Road to the Roses” fantasy game is completely free and available online. While you do not need to pay, you will need to start selecting horses between March 22 to 28. Once you sign up, you will become eligible for some of the biggest prizes associated with the Kentucky Derby including a full Kentucky Derby package estimated at $5000.
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