This Saturday (May 7) marks the 137th annual Kentucky Derby. Nineteen of the world’s finest horses will take to the track in an effort to win the Derby’s coveted gold trophy and blanket of roses. Here are a few facts about this popular and prestigious race.

One of America’s oldest Thoroughbred horse races, The Kentucky Derby is held each year on the first Saturday of May. Over 150,000 people attend the race at Louisville’s famed Churchill Downs and fans refer to the brief one and a quarter mile race as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

The Kentucky Derby is steeped in tradition. The Mint Julep, an alcoholic beverage consisting of bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup, is the official drink of the big race with most attendees sipping the refreshing beverage from a souvenir glass listing all of the Derby’s previous winners. Burgoo, a thick stew made with beef, chicken, or pork, and the Hot Brown, French toast topped with turkey, bacon, tomato, and cheese gravy, are two popular race day dishes. Many women also wear large, elaborate hats to the big event and the winner of the Derby receives a blanket of 554 lush red roses (below). For this reason, fans frequently refer to the race as “The Run for the Roses.” 

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, while the Preakness Stakes is the second and the Belmont Stakes is the third. A horse must win all three races to win the coveted Triple Crown, a feat only eleven horses have accomplishes since 1978.

Click here to learn more about the Thoroughbred horses competing in the 137th annual Kentucky derby. Which horse is your favorite?