The Kentucky Derby is billed as the most exciting two minutes in sports. Held every year on the first Saturday in May at the World famous Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the most glamorous horse racing event of the year draws spectators from all over the world. First run in 1875, as part of a four race series, the Kentucky Derby began to grow in prominence after the turn of the century, shifting the epicenter of the racing world to Churchill Downs.

In its' early years, races at Churchill Downs were set at 1 ½ miles, the same length as the races in England. In 1896 however, the race was changed to 1 ¼ miles, and has remained at that distance ever since.

Kentucky Derby tickets are more than a ticket to a horse race. In its' 131st year, the Kentucky Derby has grown to become a full week's worth of events, including Balloon Races, parades, the Thunder over Louisville air show, an unparalleled fireworks display, and social events that draw the elite of the horse racing world.

The first leg of The Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby has seen the likes of horses such as War Admiral in 1937, to Secretariat in 1973, Seattle Slew in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978. In 2004, Smarty Jones won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, only to fall short in the Belmont stakes, losing to Birdstone. In all, the Kentucky Derby has hosted 11 Triple Crown Winners in its' 131 year history.

In the 2005 Kentucky Derby, long shot Giacamo, ridden by jockey Mike Smith, literally came out of nowhere, pulling away at the end to outrace Closing Argument and Afleet Alex, giving Kentucky Derby ticket holders the thrill of a lifetime, and creating the second largest payout in Kentucky Derby history at 50 to 1 odds.

The history of the Kentucky Derby is a history of pageantry and tradition, of excitement, and down to the wire finishes by some of the most famous horses in history. Kentucky Derby ticketsare an entrance to a world of horse racing history. To stand under the twin spires of the grandstands at Churchill Downs is to stand in a place where legends are born. The glamour, the tradition, the excitement and the thrills, all come with a ticket to the Kentucky Derby.