Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby Weekend Means It's Mint Julep Time

Kevin Willis — Thu, 02 May 2013 20:40:14 +0000

The mint julep stands proud as the beverage known as Kentucky's signature drink. Unless you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you know the julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby.

What you might not know, however, is that the mint julep's history traces back to a rose water drink in the Middle East.

WKU Public Radio's Kevin Willis in 2010 visited the famous Seelbach Hotel in Louisville to learn the history and proper preparation of the famous drink. Cole Phelps, who at the time served as the head bartender at Max's Bar on the hotel's second floor shared his favorite recipe for drink:

Post Positions Set for 139th Running of the Kentucky Derby

Rick Howlett — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:50:31 +0000

The early favorite for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby is Orb at 7 to 2. Trained by Shug McGaughey, Orb drew post position number 16 Wednesday evening at Churchill Downs.

The second favorite is Verrazano at 4 to 1. He’ll run from post position number 14.

Verrazano is one of five Derby starters trained by Todd Pletcher.

The third choice, at 5-1, is Goldencents, trained by Doug O’Neill, who won last year with I’ll Have Another.

O’Neill says and the horse’s owners are pleased that Goldencents will break from the number eight post.

A full field of 20 horses is entered for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Lawrence Too Busy for Pegasus Parade

Associated Press — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:27:41 +0000

The head of the Kentucky Derby Festival says Academy Award winning actress Jennifer Lawrence won't make it to this year's Pegasus Parade to serve as grand marshal. But CEO Mike Berry says there's a silver lining; Lawrence has a standing invitation for any year she can make it.

Lawrence, a 22 year old Louisville native, won an Oscar this year for her role in "Silver Linings Playbook" and received a nomination in 2011 for "Winter's Bone."

Horses Will Now Qualify for Kentucky Derby Through Points System

Kevin Willis — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:34:42 +0000

It's called the "Road to the Kentucky Derby", and starting next year it will be used to determine the field for the world's most famous horse race.

The Courier-Journal reports Churchill Downs will determine the 20-horse field for the Derby through a points system. Beginning this fall, two-year-old horses will earn points based on their placement in designated races.

The points system will essentially organize the horse racing season into a regular season and playoffs, which racing officials hope will build fan interest along the way.

Full Kentucky Derby Field Set for Saturday's Run For the Roses

Kentucky Public Radio — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:20:28 +0000

The post positions and early odds are set for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. The morning line favorite is Bodemeister, at 4 to 1, trained by three-time Derby winner Bob Baffert. Bodemeister will run from post position six.