Ranked on sheer grandeur and opulence alone, few American events come close to ‘The Sport of Kings’. Sure, 114.4 million viewers per minute may have watched the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2015, but even American football can’t compete with horse racing when it comes to history, prestige and pageantry.
Indeed, equine occasions stand alone in terms of longevity and pure idiosyncrasies that have given them their own unique mark in the centuries that have passed since humans first mounted horses for means of a race. Many of these occasions are famous the world over – the Royal Ascot, Cox Plate and the Dubai World Cup to name but a few. Another race that commands a great deal of respect is the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky – chicken, bourbon and the derby
It’s perhaps the best-known of the American horse racing events, forming one-third of the American Triple Crown alongside the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, respectively. Not for no reason is the Kentucky Derby referred to as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports’ – which is typically the duration of fast, frantic rush to the finishing gate.
The great race may have been run this year – it traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in May – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t plan ahead for next year’s grand depart.
The Kentucky Derby 2016 promises to be one of the most exciting yet, and you can be right there amongst the thunder of the hooves with Motive Travel. Just take a look at what we delivered to race fans for the 2015 event – the Derby itself is just the start.
Not for no reason is the Kentucky Derby referred to as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports’.
Only the equine creme de la creme need apply
What sets the Kentucky Derby apart from the great raft of other horse races that take place across the planet?
Well, it’s not just any old nag that can make the starting gate and press the hallowed turf of Churchill Downs, Louisville. Though some 20 horses shoot off once the starting pistol sounds, those animals must first have shown their worth on the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby.’
The ‘road’ spans 35 races held around the world, with points given to the the top four contenders in each of those races. Once the 35 races have been run, the 20 horses with the most points will be invited to the Kentucky Derby itself, meaning that each and every horse has proven his or her worth – there isn’t a no-hoper in sight.
Get in touch with Motive Travel today if you’re keen to watch some of the fastest racehorses in the world when you travel to the Kentucky Derby in 2016!
