The Kentucky Derby is an example of flat racing which is the usual horse race that occurs in the US;

From;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flat_racing

"Flat racing is a term commonly used to denote a form of Thoroughbred horse racing which is run over a level track at a predetermined distance. It differs from steeplechase racing over hurdles. The race is a test of speed, stamina and the skill of the jockey in determining by when he/she choses to hold the horse back or to make the horse work harder."

The Kentucky Derby is race between three year olds. This is when horses reach a physical period in their lives that is similar to a twenty year old human. In these races, fillies (females) are eligible to run whereas horse races between two year olds are usually limited to colts (males).

From;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Derby

"The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three year-old thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg) and fillies 121 pounds (54.9 kg).1 The race is known in the United States as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, and is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing and is followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont Stakes."

A Grade I race is the highest rank in thoroughbred horse racing.

From;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graded_stakes_race

"The American Graded Stakes Committee uses as part of its criteria for the grading:

* Purse Requirement: That the race has a purse of more than $75,000.
* Longevity: That the race has been run for two years under the same conditions.
* Drug Testing: That post race drug testing is managed by a governmental authority.
* Restrictions: That the race may be restricted only in age and gender.
* Anabolic Steroid Testing : Boldenone, Nandrolone, Stanozolol, and Testosterone are only allowed to be used*.
* Toe Grabs: Cannot be more than two millimeters long*.

(Note: *Goes into effect in 2009)

As long as the race meets these requirements, the Committee grades on the overall quality of the previous fields and the performance of horses in the previous fields in stakes both prior to and after the race. For example: if the winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic raced in the Santa Anita Handicap then the race would almost certainly be a Grade One."

The Kentucky Derby has a long tradition.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Derby

"The Kentucky Derby was first run at 1.5 miles (2.4 km), the same distance as the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris. In 1896, the distance was changed to its current 1.25 miles (2 km). On May 17, 1875, in front of an estimated crowd of 10,000 people, a field of 15 three-year-old horses contested the first Derby. Under jockey Oliver Lewis, a colt named Aristides, who was trained by future Hall of Famer, Ansel Williamson, won the inaugural Derby."

http://www.kentuckyderbybetting.org/images/BigBrown_KentuckyDerbyWinner2008.jpg
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The Kentucky Derby is the greatest 2 minutes in sports! More people attend the Derby than SuperBowl or World Series Game. It appeals to young and old, rich and poor.
Many people cry when they sing "My Old Kentucky Home," at the begining.......Try it, you'll like it!
Source(s):
ABC News, Fox Sports, ESPN.

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the kentucky derby is a hurse races that you bet on
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The Kentucky Derby is the first part of the Triple Crown followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont Stakes. It is more popular than its following two races and is quoted as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports".

The Kentucky Derby was actually the USA's second oldest thoroughbred horse race (the Travers Stakes being the oldest). This might be part of the reason why it's such a big deal. It's steeped in tradition and a part of the 2 week long Kentucky Derby Festival. If we know anything about Americans, we always like a reason to party. The Kentucky Derby is the rich mans reason to party.
Source(s):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Derby

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