No horse race can match the prestige of the Kentucky Derby. Take the case of any jockey, trainer, or owner. Derby Day is potentially the biggest day of their lives. Horsemen will take one Kentucky Derby betting to win over anything else in a career. Even if that Kentucky Derby win is the only one of their careers. As for fans and horseplayers, a trip to Churchill Downs is a bucket list event. As a consequence, COVID-19 was especially painful. For countless sports lovers, the Kentucky Derby rates higher than any event. In turn, 2021 is especially appealing.
Horse Racing’s Greatest Tradition and Venue
Namely, the Kentucky Derby is known as “The Run for the Roses.” Cause by the winning horse being draped in a blanket of 554 roses. “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” is another moniker. With its famed twin spires Churchill Downs rates as racing’s most iconic venue. Each year Derby Day draws the biggest attendance of any horse race in North America.
To begin with “Riders Up!” is the annual command that a celebrity or dignitary attendee gives. Subsequently, jockeys mount their horses to prepare for the race. It is one of many offshore bookmaker traditions.
Following that is the mint julep. This is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. A mint julep consists of bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup on ice. It is usually served in an ice frosted silver julep cup. Starting with 1939 mint juleps were served to fans in Souvenir glasses. A new one is issued each year printed with the name of every Derby winner. Also popular is the Burgoo, the favorite dish of the Kentucky Derby. Burgoo is a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork, and vegetables.
“Millionaire’s Row” is a section of expensive box seats for the rich, famous, and the well connected. Of course, this tradition leads to another one. Women will dress inexpensive elegant dresses and large fancy hats. Once the call to post is made comes another ritual. “My Old Kentucky Home” is played by the University of Louisville marching band. Subsequently, the entire crowd sings along. 1921 was when this act was born. It follows that hundreds of private aircraft fly into Louisville International Airport for Derby Day.
Lessons of the 2020 Kentucky Derby
Upsets are not uncommon at the Kentucky Derby. Last year was a great example when Country House took the 2019 Kentucky Derby at a 65/1 line. Mine that Bird and Giacomo both won the Blanket of Roses at 50/1. Along the same lines have heavy favorites burned gamblers. Tiz the Law was such a horse in 2020. At the onset of the 2020 Run for the Roses, Tiz the Law was a 3/5 Kentucky Derby Betting chalk.
It is true that Tiz the Law had an impeccable record. Handicappers couldn’t find a better candidate. But in this strange year of 2020, it stood to figure the Derby wouldn’t go to form. Sure enough, Authentic took the wire at 8/1. For this reason, we can take heart at an education. Regardless of past performance, the Kentucky Derby has the ultimate wild card. Quality horses congregate at Churchill Downs more than at any other track.
Soon the new top Derby contenders for 2021 will emerge. As a consequence, hopes are high for a return of one more tradition. Fashion that the Kentucky Derby is supposed to be held on the first Saturday in May.