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The showdown of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds has taken place at Churchill Downs, in southern Louisville, Kentucky, since 1875. The one-and-a-quarter mile or about two-kilometer lap in front of more than 100,000 spectators is the highlight of the North American racing calendar. Along with the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes that followed the race in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby forms the American “Triple Crown”, which in history has only been won by 13 horses, most recently by Justify 2018.
The “most exciting two minutes in sports” are not just a fixed item on the social calendar of the United States because of the race. The derby is also the traditional finale to the Kentucky Derby Festival, which begins with the “Thunder over Louisville” air show and runs for two weeks with all kinds of events and races. The ice cream Mint Julep and the creative hats of the ladies at the VIP booth of “Millionaire’s Row” are as much a part of the derby as the excesses of the party in the infield of the race track.
Photo gallery with 10 photos
Not even two world wars could throw the show off the road on the banks of the Ohio River. Only the date in May 1945 could not be kept this year due to the war related ban on horse racing. The derby took place a month in late June in June after Germany surrendered. Only this year the race had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. September 5, the Saturday before Labor Day, is the new date. Passing detail: A first race at Churchill Downs should still take place on May 16, but in front of empty stands.
Virtual Summit
Kentucky Derby fans don’t have to do without a race on Saturday’s original date. Because on NBC television station, a virtual derby with a prominent cast flashes on the screens. The 13 winners of the “Triple Crown” compete against each other in a simulation. There is an animation of the first 1919 Sir Barton winner alongside that of the youngest winner of the 2018 “Triple Crown” Justify in the start box. A pre-created probability of victory with the inclusion of various factors and a random generator should allow for fair simulation.
Also included is perhaps the most famous triumphant in history, Secretariat, who won the “Triple Crown” in 1973 and still has the record time for the Kentucky Derby at 1: 59.4 minutes. The stud won Belmont’s bets with a record 31-length lead. It is no wonder that the Secretariat was also a cinematic monument in 2010. The Secretariat is also a virtual favorite. Citation, the 1948 winner, Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978) also have good odds.
However: you cannot bet money on the simulation result, but you can give advice. And for those who correctly guess the winner of the two virtual kilometers, there is also an attractive price. Those who bet on the winning horse will participate in the draw for a VIP package for the “real” derby on September 5. The virtual race is also said to generate donations to support the fight against the coronavirus.
Slowdown thanks to reptiles.
But if you can’t do anything with virtual racing, you’ll also be offered a real derby alternative, albeit in slow motion. Chicago is asked to attend the Kentucky Turtle Derby, a turtle race. Under the patronage of a Bourbon distillery, names like Seattle Slow, Galapa-GO! and also Steve to the confrontation in a few meters. The reptiles are verbally accompanied by Larry Collmus, who normally gives the commentary on the event, which is streamed online but not live, for NBC’s “Triple Crown” for horses.
The Turtle Derby is not a premiere, but it was already an alternative in 1945, when the original Kentucky Derby was not held in May. At the time, about 6,500 spectators gathered at the Jefferson County Armory in Louisville to enjoy the turtle competition. Broken Spring prevailed in the 20-foot-six meter final, winning $ 2.50. But: According to the Kentucky Derby Museum, $ 8,000 was raised in donations to local children’s homes.
The announcer Collmus was waiting for his unusual efforts. “I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a race that lasts more than eight minutes. I will have to drink a lot, ”joked the 53-year-old man. “It is strange, but what has not been strange in this country in recent months.” Despite the unusual situation and duration, Collmus promised to be fully committed to the matter: “It will be a broadcast like the derby, only with turtles.”
