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Horse Racing, as a whole, is a sport seeped in tradition. With roots dating back to the chariot races of Rome, horse racing has, over the years, emerged as one of the most popular and most expensive sports. This valuable sport has some real precious jewels in its crown and the Kentucky Derby is one of them. One of the oldest and most loved races of all times, the Kentucky Derby keeps fans on the edges of their seats with anticipation and excitement.

The 2008 edition of the Kentucky Derby is all set to be run on May 3 at the Churchill Downs in Louisville. Kentucky is expecting more than 160,000 visitors for the Kentucky Derby 2008. The event promises to be grander than ever before!

The 2008 Kentucky Derby will be the 134th run of the 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 2 km long, colts and geldings carry 126 pounds and fillies, 121 pounds.

The Kentucky Derby is known in the United States as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’ 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 Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the US.

While the Kentucky Derby lasts a little over 2 minutes, Louisville has an array of activities to offer. From the Kentucky Oaks before the Derby to the festivities that follow it, one of which is the Kentucky Derby Eve Party, all promise to make the first week of May the most memorable.

Some Kentucky Derby trivia

• The first Kentucky Derby was contested on May 17th, 1875 on a track of 1.5 miles.
• The inaugural event drew an estimated 10,000 fans.
• The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and a sugar syrup is the traditional beverage of the race.
• A lush blanket of 554 red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year.
• The Kentucky Oaks is the Derby’s sister race, held one day prior to it. The 2008 Kentucky Oaks will be raced on May 2.

An overview of the 2007 Kentucky Derby

The 2007 Kentucky Derby was the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 5. The announced attendance was 156,635, the third largest in Derby history. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was a special guest of Churchill Downs and attended the race in her first visit to the United States since 1991. The Queen has stated that it was one of “her dreams” to attend the Kentucky Derby.

Clot Street Sense and jockey Calvin Borel trotted home as the winners of the 2007 Kentucky Derby.

2008 Kentucky Derby tickets at TICKETFINDER.com™

It is not easy to get Kentucky Derby tickets or hotel rooms during the first week in May, but you can get both with a few clicks of your mouse. TICKETFINDER.com™, a leading online ticket vendor, brings you exclusive 2008 Kentucky Derby tickets along with Kentucky hotel packages. Complete Hotel and Ticket Packages for 2008 Kentucky Derby are also offered. Get 2008 Kentucky Derby tickets from TICKETFINDER.com™ and gain a unique travel experience that you will not forget!

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