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Tradition! A Historic Portrait of the Kentucky Derby
By GREG MELIKOV
Tradition! That’s the theme of the musical “Fiddler on the Roof” based on tales by Sholem Aleichem (1859-1916) defining the Jewish lifestyle in a Russian village in 1905.
Tradition! That’s a big part of the Kentucky Derby, which was first run three decades earlier. In ‘05, Agile won the 31st Kentucky Derby defeating two horses — second of the two smallest fields that includes 1892.
In 1895, the twin spires were erected over the grandstand at Churchill Downs — the signature depiction of the track and the Kentucky Derby.
There are many traditions associated with the “fastest two minutes in sports” from women in fancy hats and celebrities from every walk of life to the garland of roses draped over the winning thoroughbred and sipping a mint julep.
Wearing hats to the races began in the United Kingdom at Royal Ascot in the early 1700s and at the Kentucky Derby in 1875. All kinds of headgear from the sublime to the ridiculous adorn female heads from the clubhouse to the paddock.
Celebrities from every walk of life have attended from outlaw Frank James who saw Spokane win in 1889 to several members of British royalty through the years.
Seven politicians that were elected president starting with Harry Truman have been on hand. The only sitting chief executive to make it was Richard M. Nixon. In addition, stars from movies, TV, music and sports turn out.
A lush blanket of roses was first presented to winning 3-year-old Ben Brush in 1896, three years after New York socialite E. Berry Wall presented flowers to women at a post-Derby party.
In 1904, the red rose became official flower of the Derby. Twenty-one years later, New York sports columnist Bill Corum dubbed the race the Run for the Roses. Corum later became president of Churchill Downs.
A garland of 554 red roses sewn into a green satin backing was introduced in 1932 when Burgoo King triumphed.
For about a century the mint julep has been the traditional Derby drink. One historian in 1803 described the libation as a “dram of spirituous liquor that has mint in it, taken by Virginians in the morning.”
The first mint juleps were mixed with rye whiskey, rum or other available spirits instead of bourbon.
The mint julep became the signature drink at Churchill Downs in 1938 when the drink was first served in souvenir glasses, according to the Derby Museum.
For the 22nd year the Early Times Mint Julep has been declared the official Derby drink. By the time Derby Week is history, more than 140,000 drinks will be served at the track.
If you want to try it a home, mix 2 cups of water with 2 cups of sugar and boil 5 minutes. Add 6 to 8 sprigs of fresh mint, place in covered container and refrigerate overnight. Fill one glass at a time over crushed ice, add 1 tablespoon of mint syrup and 2 shots of bourbon. Stir rapidly and garnish with a fresh sprig of mint. Drink right away or the melted ice will dilute the drink.
Enjoy!
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