Be Ready for the 2006 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

It's another year and another race for America's top 3-year-olds gunning for the country's most prestigious racing event, the Kentucky Derby , which also happens to be the first leg of the Triple Crown race.

The race is a $2 million Grade I For 3-year-old thoroughbreds at 1 mile and 1/4. Last year 20-1 long shot Giacomo stormed to the finish to steal the Derby title from crowd favorite, Afleet Alex. Will this year's race produce another long shot? What's certain is this Derby season promises the same excitement to fans and horse bettors alike.

A Bit of History

Kentucky's horse racing scene is rich in history. The state's first race track was laid out in Lexington (home of Keeneland and the Bluegrass Stakes) in 1789. But nearly a hundred years later in 1875, Churchill Downs officially opened and began its tradition as “Home of the Kentucky Derby”.

The Downs, as it is called today, has become the world's most legendary race track where America's best best 3-year-old thoroughbreds convene to for the world's greatest race , the Kentucky Derby.

Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr ., who built Churchill Downs, wanted his track to have a race that would rival England's Epsom Derby. He visited England to study both its tracks and its races then returned to Louisville to establish the Derby, which was first run on May 17, 1875.

At present the flagship race track Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) also operates an off-track betting an d training facility called Trackside Louisville.

2006 Kentucky Derby Trail

We will monitor the 2006 Kentcky Derby trail and bring you horse racing picks & betting tips, odds to win the 2006 Derby and the Triple Crown, news on top contenders, jockeys, and trainers. Complete that with the best betting options you can find on the Internet, this will be another thrilling Triple Crown horse racing season!

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