More Than Just Two Minutes

The roses are red, the bourbon flows, and the stakes are higher than a thoroughbred’s pulse at the gate.

There’s a sound that rolls across Kentucky on the first Saturday of May. It’s not just hooves pounding the dirt or trumpets calling post-time.

It’s the mint juleps in hands. It’s the rustle of silk dresses and seersucker suits. And it’s a roar that only lasts two minutes—but echoes through time.

Welcome to the 151st Kentucky Derby — and welcome to the Southern Blueprint’s complete breakdown of everything you need to know: the traditions, the legends, the scandals, and the stakes behind “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

A Brief History of the Derby

The Kentucky Derby was founded in 1875 by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of explorer William Clark.

Inspired by European horse races like the Epsom Derby, Clark returned to Louisville, formed the Louisville Jockey Club, and built Churchill Downs on land donated by his uncles.

The first race, held May 17, 1875, drew a crowd of 10,000. A horse named Aristides, ridden by Black jockey Oliver Lewis, won the inaugural Derby.

Originally 1.5 miles long, the race was shortened to 1.25 miles in 1896 — the distance still run today.

Despite early promise, Churchill Downs fell into financial trouble by the late 19th century. In 1902, Colonel Matt Winn and his syndicate took over, transforming the race into the cultural and sporting juggernaut we know today.

Traditions That Define Derby Day

The Mint Julep

The Mint Julep became the official drink of the Kentucky Derby in 1938.

Over 120,000 juleps are served every Derby weekend, requiring 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 60,000 pounds of ice, and 4,000 pounds of fresh mint.

Classic Mint Julep Recipe:

• 2 oz Kentucky bourbon
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 8–10 mint leaves
• Crushed ice
• Mint sprig for garnish

Lightly muddle mint and syrup, add bourbon, pack with crushed ice, stir gently, garnish with fresh mint.

Want to elevate it?

Add a splash of peach or blackberry syrup for a subtle Southern twist.

Special Edition: Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep

• Launched in 2006, this limited edition julep uses exotic ingredients and is served in handcrafted silver or gold cups.
• Proceeds benefit charities like the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

“My Old Kentucky Home”

Since 1921, the crowd at Churchill Downs has risen to sing “My Old Kentucky Home” before the Derby.

Originally written by Stephen Foster in the 1850s, the song brings a moment of bittersweet pride and reflection just before the chaos of the race erupts.

The Garland of Roses

Since 1896, the winning horse has been draped with a lavish garland of red roses—over 400 Freedom roses, each carefully sewn into a satin backing.

The roses gave the Derby its nickname: “The Run for the Roses.”

Each garland also includes a single “crown” rose symbolizing the struggle and heart needed to become a champion.

The Call to the Post

The sharp bugle call signaling the horses to the starting gate is known as “First Call.”

It originated in the military and was adopted by horse racing in the 1860s.

Since 1995, Steve Buttleman, dressed in a red coat and black cap, has been Churchill Downs’ official bugler, delivering the iconic call each year.

The Infield Party

Beyond the grandstands lies the wild infield, a festival of its own.

Known for rowdy traditions like the infamous port-a-potty run, elaborate costumes, and non-stop tailgating, the infield is Derby Day’s no-holds-barred celebration.

It’s messy. It’s loud. It’s Southern mayhem at its best.

The Kentucky Derby Festival

The Derby is just the climax of a two-week party: the Kentucky Derby Festival.

• Thunder Over Louisville: One of North America’s largest fireworks shows.
• Pegasus Parade: Floats, marching bands, equestrian teams — a Louisville staple since 1956.
• Fest-a-Ville: Concerts, food vendors, and rides at Waterfront Park.
• Great BalloonFest: Hot air balloons light up the sky during morning races and evening glows.
• Marathon and Mini-Marathon: A citywide race through Louisville’s historic neighborhoods.

By the time Derby Day arrives, Louisville isn’t just ready — it’s electric.

Legends of the Derby

Horses of Myth and Memory:

• Dancer’s Image (1968): First Derby winner disqualified after a drug test.
• Secretariat (1973): Still holds the Derby record (1:59.40) and won the Belmont by 31 lengths.
• Citation (1948): Triple Crown winner and first million-dollar racehorse.
• American Pharoah (2015): Ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought.
• Justify (2018): Undefeated Triple Crown winner — broke the “Curse of Apollo.”
• Funny Cide (2003): A working-class gelding who stunned the racing world.

Jockeys Who Became Legends:

• Eddie Arcaro: Five-time Derby winner and two-time Triple Crown winner.
• Bill Shoemaker: Rode in 26 Kentucky Derbies, winning four times.
• Calvin Borel: Three Derby wins in four years (2007–2010), nicknamed “Bo-rail” for his rail-hugging style.

Scandals, Shenanigans & Surprises

Where there’s money, there’s scandal—and the Derby has seen its share.

• Medina Spirit (2021): Disqualified for a banned substance after winning.
• Dancer’s Image (1968): Disqualified post-race after testing positive for phenylbutazone.

Betting Shocks:

• Donerail (1913): Won at 91–1 odds, the biggest longshot in Derby history.
• Rich Strike (2022): Entered at the last minute, won at 80–1 odds.

How Betting Works at the Derby

Basic Bets:

• Win: Horse must finish first.
• Place: First or second.
• Show: First, second, or third.

Exotic Bets:

• Exacta: Pick 1st and 2nd, exact order.
• Quinella: Pick 1st and 2nd, any order.
• Trifecta: Pick top three, exact order.
• Superfecta: Pick top four, exact order.

Other Betting Options:

• Box your bets to allow combinations.
• Daily Doubles, Pick 3/4/5/6: Predict winners of multiple races.

Odds Explained:

• Odds are pari-mutuel, meaning they change up until post-time based on how the public bets.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby Favorites

• Journalism (Post 8) — 3-1 favorite, Michael McCarthy-trained, Umberto Rispoli aboard.
• Sovereignty (Post 18) — 5-1 odds, trained by Bill Mott.
• Sandman (Post 17) — 6-1 odds, trained by Mark Casse.
• Burnham Square (Post 9) — 12-1 odds.
• Rodriguez (Post 4) — 12-1 odds, trained by Bob Baffert.
• Tiztastic (Post 14) — 20-1 odds, trained by Steve Asmussen.
• Luxor Cafe (Post 7) — 30-1 odds, Japanese contender.

Race Details:

• Distance: 1¼ miles at Churchill Downs.
• Post time: 6:57 p.m. Eastern, Saturday, May 3.
• Purse: $5 million, with $3.1 million to the winner.
• Broadcast: NBC.

Special Moment:

Olympic legend Simone Biles will deliver the ceremonial “Riders Up!” call before the race.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race. It’s a Southern institution. A cocktail of tradition, spectacle, scandal, and glory.

Whether you’re betting big, sipping a julep, or just soaking in the pageantry, the 2025 Kentucky Derby promises two unforgettable minutes — and a lifetime of stories