Big hats and mint juleps abound at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby. The Derby is wrought with tradition, some of which have been passed down for 130 years. Millionaire's Row, the Infield, the Hat Parade, Silks, the Derby Trophy and the Twin Spires all hold so much history, which makes the Derby one of the ultimate events that one should experience in their lifetime.

The very first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875 and the winning horse was a 3-year old colt named Aristides. 10,000 people watched the race, and despite the success of the event the track was not financially successful. Financial problems actually plagued the track for 28 years, finally showing it's first profit in 1908, all due to the rising popularity of the Derby. And the popularity kept growing as the event was first broadcast nationally on television in 1952, and even more so when the now famous horse Secretariat broke the magic two-minute plateau for the Derby by winning the 99th Run for the Roses in 1:59. The following year Churchill Downs set an all-time U.S. Thoroughbred racing crown with an attendance of 163,628.

With continuing renovations of the track and corporate sponsorships flowing in, the Kentucky Derby keeps growing and growing, all to the advantage of its spectators. An eclectic mix of tradition and modern day values, the Kentucky Derby is a unique event not to be missed.