Some Knowledge

Yes, today is the run for the roses.  The 134th annual Kentucky Derby starts at 6:04 pm EDT this evening.  If you can’t get to Churchill Downs to see the race in person, you can watch on NBC starting at 4:00 pm.

The Kentucky Derby is probably the most famous race in all thoroughbred racing.  It is the first race in the Triple Crown.  Horse racing is not one of the most popular sports on TV.  Except for this race, the Belmont and the Preakness, you will probably not find another horse race on TV all year.  The big attraction of horse racing is of course betting.  If you want a list of the current odds, and it’s still before post time, check out the official Kentucky Derby site here.

Horses are marvelous animals.  They are big, they run fast, they eat a lot, and they are a lot of work to take care of.  The horses that run in the Derby are also very expensive.  If you are looking to buy one of these beasts, you might find a deal on one here.  A horse is of course, more expensive than just the purchase price.  You have to supply it with food, shelter, veterinary services, and training.  Horses can also be dangerous animals to be around.

The television industry this year has really been promoting the Derby.  I’ve been seeing news reports on this race on CNN all week.  They have also been pushing bourbon, as in mint juleps.  I guess if you are going to bet your hard-earned cash on a horse race, you might want to slug back a good dose of whiskey, if you like that sort of thing.  Myself, I’ll stay sober and maybe catch the race on TV.  The actual race only takes a couple minutes, and it will be interesting to watch the horses run.