When Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky was born in May of 1875, the greatest horse race in American history was awakened. Although the Kentucky Derby’s starting gate of the race itself was slightly rusty through more humble beginnings, the race remained a potential rising star patiently waiting to claim it’s glory as the greatest and longest running sporting event in the U.S. Rightfully claiming it’s slogan as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
However it wasn’t until 1902 that the Kentucky Derby came into its own, and began to show the excitement and international acclaim we are familiar with now. Because it was then that Matt Winn, a syndicate leader, stepped in and remade the struggling Derby over into a world renowned sporting event virtually unmatched in popularity, as it became a much loved American tradition.
In 1908 pari-mutual betting (a system in which all betters are actually wagering among themselves, winners each sharing a piece of the pooled funds) entered the Kentucky Derby, changing the sport of horse racing forever as other states adopted this form of legalized gambling, in exchange for a share in the sports’ profits. This act enabled fans to legally bet the Kentucky Derby for the first time ever in its history.
Then in 1952 for the first time the Kentucky Derby received national televised coverage. Two years later the purse exceeded over 100,000 for the first time.
No other horse race has become so integrated into the sport of racing itself, or so widely anticipated and followed, as The Kentucky Derby, known more commonly as “The Run for the Roses.”
Every year hundreds, of thousands bet the Kentucky Derby, through on track or off track betting systems. Because of the rise in internet betting services however, it is now possible for people all over the globe to bet the Kentucky Derby or other races of interest, taking advantage of the sport, from any location. This popular form of betting has been used and enjoyed by many.
With a purse of two million, 2009 will see the 134th running of the Kentucky Derby. If however you are unable to attend the race itself at Churchill Downs, then bet the Kentucky Derby online with a simple click.
