The popularity of horse racing has
ebbed and flowed over the years. The industry has done a generally
poor job promoting itself and in particular hasn't attracted a
younger demographic—a problem when your 'core constituency' is
older. But while the sport overall hasn't kept up with the times
the Kentucky
Derby is an exception. It has remained the marquee
race of the US thoroughbred scene through all of the changes in the
sports as a whole. More impressively it continues to set attendance
records year after year—a sign that while the growth of horse
racing may be stagnant the Derby itself is more popular than ever.
High
Stakes Derby is your premier source for online horse
betting.
Much of the success of the Kentucky
Derby has to do with the long running traditions surrounding the
race. It's the biggest event of the year in Louisville, Kentucky had
is seen as a tangible sign of the arrival of spring. The Derby is
the focal point of a week of parties, concerts and other social
activities. In fact, the social component of the Kentucky Derby may
be more significant than it's status as a major horse race. Serious
horse racing bettors consider the Breeders' Cup the biggest event on
the betting calendar but for casual fans and the mainstream public
the 'Run for the Roses' is the biggest and most watched thoroughbred
horse race of the year.
The Kentucky Derby is held every year
on the first Saturday in May at the iconic Churchill Downs race
course in Louisville, Kentucky. The live attendance at the Kentucky
Derby as well as the TV ratings exceed every other major horse racing
event in the United States. For three year old thoroughbreds it is
the first leg of horse racing’s ‘Triple Crown’--along with the
Preakness Stakes and Belmont. The Kentucky Derby is contested by the
top three year old horses in the sport and is one of the biggest
career goals for the jockeys, trainers and owners.
The horses that have competed at the
Kentucky Derby are legendary and include the greats of thoroughbreds
including Omaha, War Admiral, Whirlaway,
Citation, Secretariat, Seattle Slew and Affirmed. Of course
many people attend the Kentucky Derby and never see a horse. The
race weekend is one big party and the official drink of the Kentucky
Derby 'the mint julep' is well known. For many Kentucky Derby
attendees the race is a blurry series of tasty cocktails and fancy
hats culminating a week long schedule of music and parties. Kentucky
is also home to much of the US bourbon industry and use the great
promotional opportunity to fuel the festivities.
Along with the tradition and parties
there's the betting. Not only is the on track betting handle at
Churchill Downs huge the race attracts heavy wagering action at
Nevada's racebooks along with simulcast facilities all across
America. It's definitely the most 'handicapped' race of the year
with Kentucky Derby contests and betting pools at parties nationwide
where neophytes who've never as much as opened a copy of the Daily
Racing Form try to pick the winner of the 'Run for the Roses'.
The horse racing industry is forever
trying to come up with ideas to popularize their sport among a
new—and younger—audience. Trying to co-opt the party atmosphere
and excitement of the Kentucky Derby would be a good first step to
drawing in new fans that would hopefully become lifetime devotees of
'The Sport of Kings'.