by Cindi Sutter, Founder & Editor

Due to COVID, The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020, to September 5, 2020.

The 146th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be rescheduled from May 2, 2020, to September 5, 2020. Call me crazy, and many have, but I think this provides the perfect opportunity for what I’ll call a “practice party round.” So you can buy your hats, party favors, fascinators, party props, try the best mint julep recipe, and lots of Derby-ish food already tested and tried. Don’t forget Mint Julep Day!

Here are some of my favorite Derby recipes from Tasting Table - Brooklyn Burgoo - This traditional Kentucky meat stew is worth the wait! Kentucky Beer Cheese - Blend up a crock of bluegrass tradition. Kentucky Benedictine Dip - This traditional dip is cool as a cucumber. How to Make Kentucky Bourbon Balls - Have a boozy ball with this traditional Kentucky confection. Bourbon Slush - Chill out, Kentucky style.

If you can’t decide if you want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or the Kentucky Derby then just celebrate both at PRECINCT KITCHEN + BAR, Boston, in Back Bay. Guests can enjoy classics like a Mint Julep or Caballo Picante for the holidays. How to Make Juleps with Tequila, Rum, and Whisky by Tasting Table.

I know what you’re thinking, our Spirited Table team will do almost anything to pull off a superb lifestyle celebration! And you’re correct, so enjoy.

Here are the facts, figures, and fun that surrounds the “Running of the Roses.”

The "Running of the Roses" or "The Run for the Roses", as the Kentucky Derby is called, is America's premier horse racing event. Steeped in tradition, the derby is the first step in the Triple Crown of horse racing. It is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Each year approximately 155,000 people attend this all-day event, which culminates in a roughly two-minute race.

The Kentucky Derby is run on a 1 1/4 mile, 10 furlong, dirt track. The winner of the race receives a garland of rose and a $2 million purse. The winner has also reached the first step in winning the Triple Crown. The winning horse goes on to compete against other horses to hopefully win at the Preakness Stakes and finally at the Belmont Stakes.

20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby. Normally, far fewer horses race in any other horse racing event. To qualify for the Derby, the 3-year-old thoroughbred horses must travel the "Road to the Kentucky Derby", a series of 35 horse races at tracks in the U.S. and around the world. Points are awarded and the top 20 horses proceed to the Kentucky Derby.

The race lasts about 2 minutes. It is preceded by all day long activities and celebrations. The excitement increases in intensity leading up to the opening of the gates and the "Run for the Roses" begins.

Tradition abounds at the Kentucky Derby. People come dressed to the nines. Ladieswear extravagant hats and participate in a Hat Parade. Mint Juleps are the traditional drink and are consumed in huge quantities, approximately 120,000 during this two-day event.

Triple Crown Winners

Winning the Triple Crown is very difficult. Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown. In 1978, Affirmed became just the 11th horse to win all three races. It was 37 long years before American Pharaoh accomplished the feat. The latest Triple Crown winner is Justify, in 2018.

Mint Juleps are the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Use the Official Mint Julep recipe.

Kentucky Derby Trivia:

The Kentucky Derby is the longest continually running sporting event in the United States.
The race is sometimes referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports".
To win the Triple Crown, a horse needs to win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and the Preakness.
in 1896, roses were first given to the winner. Jockey Ben Brush received white and pink roses.
In 1904, red roses became the official color.
Mint Juleps are the official drink of the race.
Approximately 120,000 Mint Juleps are served during the two-day event. 60,000 pounds of ice are used.
As the horses step onto the track for the post derby parade, the band plays "My Old Kentucky Home. This tradition began around 1921.

Related Holidays: Mint Julep Day

Kentucky Derby Day-sorta-ish