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The upcoming Kentucky Derby [https://www.essentiallysports.com/tag/kentucky-derby/] on 6th May has tripled fans’ excitement. Adding to their joy are three balloon fests that are set to kick off in Louisville. These include the Great Balloon Rush Hour Race, the Great Balloon Glow, and the Great Balloon Race. The Great Balloon Race is one of the most anticipated races of the celebrations and is a memorable tradition followed since 1973. Interestingly, this is also the 50th year the Kentucky Derby Festival’s [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-news-olympics-news-equestrian-news-hundreds-of-thousands-of-people-set-to-witness-iconic-moment-at-kick-off-of-kentucky-derby-festival/] MiniMarathon will be held. A newsfeed named WLKY gave all details of the three balloon fest events and the marathon. Financed by the L&N Federal Credit Union, these balloon fests are set to kick off on the weekend before the Kentucky Derby. The marathon will be held on 29th April 2023. A fireworks show, a steamboat race, and rides for kids will also be a part of the celebrations. So where will these events be held and what can fans expect? THE BIG BALLOON BLAST-OFF The Great Balloon Rush-Hour race will commence on 28th April, Friday at 7 am on Bowman’s field. Onlookers can expect to see about 20 colorful balloons floating in the sky in the morning. Followed by this, the Great Balloon Glow will be held at the Kroeger Fest-a-ville at the Waterfront on Friday night. Speaking to WLKY, [https://www.wlky.com/article/louisville-kentucky-derby-festival-mini-marathon-balloon-events/43684336?utm_campaign=snd-autopilot] Christer Ritcher related, “This is such a great family-friendly event”, adding that this event also included great live entertainment. [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/1682415789413.jpg] Further, Christer described the event where the night sky will be lit with balloons. “It’s beautiful. We call it one of our most colourful and picturesque events”, she added. Later, she told that the Great Balloon Race will be begin on 29th April on Bowman’s field. In this race, as well, 20 balloons will take flight in the sky, thrilling onlookers. in the Horse Racing World With Unmatched Streak [https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-olympics-equestrian-news-prediction-for-kentucky-derby-made-by-one-of-the-leading-figures-in-the-horse-racing-world-with-unmatched-streak/] Continuing, Christer spoke about how the Mimimarathon which will also be held on 29th April will have at least 10, 000 runners. A tradition since 1974, Christer implied that 85% of the 10,000 participants expected had already registered for this marathon. Further, she expressed that even if people aren’t running in the marathon, they can come to cheer the participants of the race. The starting point of this race will be the Louisville Slugger field and the end point of the race will be at the Lynn Family stadium. Christer’s statements about the balloon fests and the mini marathon have definitely amped up fans’ excitement for these events. Which event are you the most excited for? Watch This Story: Get Ready to Celebrate the Kentucky Derby in Style at OB Event Center on May 6 [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/us-sports-news-get-ready-to-celebrate-the-kentucky-derby-in-style-at-ob-event-center-on-may-6/] 

All the details of an amazing event that attracts thousands of fans every year
ahead of the Kentucky Derby finally disclosed.

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One of the Most ‘Colorful and Picturesque’ Events of the Kentucky Derby Set to
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Kentucky Derby

2023 Kentucky Derby Tickets Held in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race. The event will be held on the 5th and 6th of May this year, marking the 149th edition of &#8216;The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.&#8217; The ticketing seating plan for the 2-day event is primarily divided into four parts &#8211; Dining, Reserved Seating, GA, and Final Turn. Ticket holders will get access to an off-site KY Expo parking, food &amp; beverages, and a race day fixture. Furthermore, the prices for these tickets range from $77 to $7900 for two tickets. They vary depending on the seat placements. Rich Strike, ridden by Sonny Leon, crosses the finish line to win the 148th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 7, 2022. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud The different price ranges are as follows: Infield general admission with no front-side access &#8211; $77-$87 Infield Final Turn GA with no front-side access &#8211; $216-$729 All-inclusive reserved and box seating &#8211; $689-$4995 Dining and Hospitality- $2394-$7900 Kentucky Derby Records Though the race is dubbed &#8216;the most exciting two minutes in sports&#8217;, not many have been able to finish the race within the said time. To date, only two horses have been able to finish it within two minutes. The record was set in 1973 by the &#8216;Big Red&#8217; Virginian racehorse, Secretariat. He continues to hold the record after clocking in at 1:59.4 that year. The second horse to come close to Secretariat&#8217;s record was Monarchos. In the 2001 Derby, he finished the race in 1:59.97. However, even though he won the race that year, he did not manage to break the record. American Jockeys Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack share the record for the maximum number of Derbies won. Arcaro won in the years 1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, and 1952 becoming the first one to win 5 Derbies. After him, Hartack has been the only one to reach the mark claiming them in the years 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, and 1969. Additionally, similar to the record for most wins by a jockey, there is a record for most wins by a trainer. Locked in at 6 wins, Ben A. Jones and Bob Baffert, both share the record. While Jones won in 1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, and 1952, Baffert won in 1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, and 2020. A Derby winner&#8217;s largest margin of victory is eight lengths. Since its inception, nearly sesquicentennial years ago, the record has been claimed four times by Old Rosebud, Johnstown, Whirlaway, and Assault in the years 1914, 1939, 1941, and 1946, respectively. Lastly, the win with the longest odds was recorded in 1913 as Donerail won at the odds of 91-1. History of Kentucky Derby The inception of the idea of horse racing can be dated back to the 18th century, 1784 to be precise. Horse racing formally began in Louisville, Kentucky in 1792. However, it wasn&#8217;t until 1872, when Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. came around, that the sport underwent some major developments. After traveling to Europe, Clark pioneered the idea of jockey clubs. The aim of these clubs was to sponsor races and promote the champions in Louisville. In 1874, Clark put in place the first race track and held the first official tournament on May 17, 1875. He named the track Churchill Downs, after his uncles Henry and John Churchill, whose land he&#8217;d used to build the track. Kentucky Derby is part of the Triple Crown, one of the most prestigious titles in the sport. The other two races include the Belmont Stakes and Preakness. Also known as the &#8216;Run for the Roses&#8217;, Kentucky Derby is organized every year on the first Saturday of May. Taking place since 1875, it is the youngest of the three races. Belmont and Preakness were inaugurated in 1867 and 1873, respectively. The tournament starts with the Kentucky Derby, with only 3-year-old horses allowed to participate. The length of this intermediate race is 1 1/4 miles. Two weeks later, it is followed by the 1 3/16 miles race, Preakness. Lastly, the final phase comes on the third Saturday with the longest race of the trifecta, 1 1/2 miles, Belmont Stakes. While the tournament has been running smoothly for centuries, there was a little hiccup in the mid-20th century. There were issues related to the commercial rights and advertising of the Kentucky Derby. Many feared broadcasting the races on television will reduce the physical viewership, thereby affecting the profits. However, contrary to those beliefs, broadcasting helped in boosting the event&#8217;s popularity. It was first televised locally in 1949 and then nationally in 1952. The viewership of the nationwide broadcast is estimated to be around 10-15 million. Kentucky Derby Traditions The Kentucky Derby is no longer a mere horse race. Over the years it has developed into a cultural festival consisting of dinners, galas, and other social events. This has also given rise to several traditions. Some of these traditions include: Jockey Sonny Leon throws roses in celebration after the win of Rich Strike at the 148th Kentucky Derby, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 7, 2022. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud Garland of roses &#8211; A blanket of red roses is draped around the victor, honoring the nickname of the race, &#8216;Run for the Roses.&#8217; My Old Kentucky Home &#8211; Since 1930, Stephen Foster&#8217;s song, &#8220;My Old Kentucky Home&#8221; is played when the horses make an entrance on the track. Mint Julep &#8211; A concoction of bourbon, mint, sugar, and ice, named mint julep, is drunk by all. Hats &#8211; All the female spectators wear ornate hats. Infield Parties &#8211; Spectators gather around to party till their heart&#8217;s content in the track&#8217;s Infield. Past Winners of Kentucky Derby    KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER LIST  Horse Year Jockey  Aristides 1875 O. Lewis  Vagrant 1876 B. Swim  Baden-Baden 1877 W. Walker  Day Star 1878 J. Carter  Lord Murphy 1879 C. Shauer  Fonso 1880 G. Lewis  Hindoo 1881 J. McLaughlin  Apollo 1882 B. Hurd  Leonatus 1883 W. Donohue  Buchanan 1884 I. Murphy  Joe Cotton 1885 E. Henderson  Ben Ali 1886 P. Duffy  Montrose 1887 I. Lewis  Macbeth II 1888 G. Covington  Spokane 1889 T. Kiley  Riley 1890 I. Murphy  Kingman 1891 I. Murphy  Azra 1892 A. Clayton  Lookout 1893 E. Kunze  Chant 1894 F. Goodale  Halma 1895 J. Perkins  Ben Brush 1896 W. Simms  Typhoon II 1897 F. Garner  Plaudit 1898 W. Simms  Manuel 1899 F. Taral  Lieut. Gibson 1900 J. Boland  His Eminence 1901 J. Winkfield  Alan-a-Dale 1902 J. Winkfield  Judge Himes 1903 H. Booker  Elwood 1904 F. Prior  Agile 1905 J. Martin  Sir Huon 1906 R. Troxler  Pink Star 1907 A. Minder  Stone Street 1908 A. Pickens  Wintergreen 1909 V. Powers  Donau 1910 F. Herbert  Meridian 1911 G. Archibald  Worth 1912 C.H. Shilling  Donerail 1913 R. Goose  Old Rosebud 1914 J. McCabe  Regret 1915 J. Nolter  George Smith 1916 J. Loftus  Omar Khayyam 1917 C. Borel  Exterminator 1918 W. Knapp  Sir Barton 1919 J. Loftus  Paul Jones 1920 T. Rice  Behave Yourself 1921 C. Thompson  Morvich 1922 A. Johnson  Zev 1923 E. Sande  Black Gold 1924 J.D. Mooney  Flying Ebony 1925 E. Sande  Bubbling Over 1926 A. Johnson  Whiskery 1927 L. McAtee  Reigh Count 1928 C. Lang  Clyde Van Dusen 1929 L. McAtee  Gallant Fox 1930 E. Sande  Twenty Grand 1931 C. Kurtsinger  Burgoo King 1932 E. James  Brokers Tip 1933 D. Meade  Cavalcade 1934 M. Garner  Omaha 1935 W. Saunders  Bold Venture 1936 I. Hanford  War Admiral 1937 C. Kurtsinger  Lawrin 1938 E. Arcaro  Johnstown 1939 J. Scout  Gallahadion 1940 C. Bierman  Whirlaway 1941 E. Arcaro  Shut Out 1942 W.D. Wright  Count Fleet 1943 J. Longden  Pensive 1944 C. McCreary  Hoop Jr. 1945 E. Arcaro  Assault 1946 W. Mehrtens  Jet Pilot 1947 E. Guerin  Citation 1948 E. Arcaro  Ponder 1949 S. Brooks  Middleground 1950 W. Boland  Count Turf 1951 C. McCreary  Hill Gail 1952 E. Arcaro  Dark Star 1953 H. Moreno  Determine 1954 R. York  Swaps 1955 W. Shoemaker  Needles 1956 D. Erb  Iron Liege 1957 W. Hartack  Tim Tam 1958 I. Valenzuela  Tomy Lee 1959 W. Shoemaker  Venetian Way 1960 W. Hartack  Carry Back 1961 J. Sellers  Decidedly 1962 W. Hartack  Chateaugay 1963 B. Baeza  Northern Dancer 1964 W. Hartack  Lucky Debonair 1965 W. Shoemaker  Kauai King 1966 D. Brumfield  Proud Clarion 1967 R. Ussery  Forward Pass1 1968 I. Valenzuela  Majestic Prince 1969 W. Hartack  Dust Commander 1970 M. Manganello  Canonero II 1971 G. Avila  Riva Ridge 1972 R. Turcotte  Secretariat2 1973 R. Turcotte  Cannonade 1974 A. Cordero, Jr.  Foolish Pleasure 1975 J. Vasquez  Bold Forbes 1976 A. Cordero, Jr.  Seattle Slew 1977 J. Cruguet  Affirmed 1978 S. Cauthen  Spectacular Bid 1979 R. Franklin  Genuine Risk 1980 J. Vasquez  Pleasant Colony 1981 J. Velasquez  Gato del Sol 1982 E. Delahoussaye  Sunny&#8217;s Halo 1983 E. Delahoussaye  Swale 1984 L. Pincay  Spend a Buck 1985 A. Cordero, Jr.  Ferdinand 1986 W. Shoemaker  Alysheba 1987 C. McCarron  Winning Colors 1988 G. Stevens  Sunday Silence 1989 P. Valenzuela  Unbridled 1990 C. Perret  Strike the Gold 1991 C. Antley  Lil E. Tee 1992 P. Day  Sea Hero 1993 J. Bailey  Go For Gin 1994 C. McCarron  Thunder Gulch 1995 G. Stevens  Grindstone 1996 J. Bailey  Silver Charm 1997 G. Stevens  Real Quiet 1998 K. Desormeaux  Charismatic 1999 C. Antley  Fusaichi Pegasus 2000 K. Desormeaux  Monarchos 2001 J. Chavez  War Emblem 2002 V. Espinoza  Funny Cide 2003 J. Santos  Smarty Jones 2004 S. Elliott  Giacomo 2005 M. Smith  Barbaro 2006 E. Prado  Street Sense 2007 C. Borel  Big Brown 2008 K. Desormeaux  Mine That Bird 2009 C. Borel  Super Saver 2010 C. Borel  Animal Kingdom 2011 J. Velazquez  I&#8217;ll Have Another 2012 M. Gutierrez  Orb 2013 J. Rosario  California Chrome 2014 V. Espinoza  American Pharoah 2015 V. Espinoza  Nyquist 2016 M. Gutierrez  Always Dreaming 2017 J. Velazquez  Justify 2018 M. Smith  Country House3 2019 F. Prat  Authentic 2020 J. Velazquez  Mandaloun4 2021 F. Geroux  Rich Strike 2022 S. Leon    Kentucky Derby Activities Every year, Kentucky Derby hosts a crowd of over 150,000 people. Forbes has dubbed it one of the &#8220;Greatest Bucket-list Sporting Events&#8221; in America. Additionally, it has ranked in the list of one of the most watched sporting events for over three decades. NBC holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the event. The Kentucky Derby has maintained a viewership of nearly 15.79 million viewers on NBC with an average rating of 7.7. At times its viewership has also gone as high as 18.5-19.0 million. This hit rock bottom only during the 2020 pandemic and recorded 9.4 million views. However, it rose back up the following year, with an average viewership of 15.7 million in 2021. The Kentucky Derby is one of the longest-running horse races, which speaks volumes about its popularity and relevance. Derby Galas Every year, the thrilling Kentucky Derby race is followed by the Kentucky Derby parties. From A-lister celebrities to participants and locals, everyone gathers at the different galas to party the night away. People from across the globe travel to Louisville to attend the gallant cultural festival. The average age of the party-goers has been recorded to be around 65. However, the Annual Fillies &amp; Stallions Derby Eve party attracts the younger crowd, usually between the ages of 25 to 45. LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY &#8211; MAY 06: Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson Phelps attends the Barnstable Brown Gala at Barnstable-Brown Mansion on May 06, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Stephen J. Cohen/Getty Images) The celebrations of the Derby season begin a few weeks before the big race and continue up till the date leading to the race. The festival comprises 70 different events ranging from marathons to races to parades and parties. Some of the most awaited events from the festival are: Thunder Over Louisville It is one of the largest annual firework shows in North America and marks the unofficial start of the Derby season. They change the soundtrack and the theme of the show every year, giving the 500,000 spectators a new experience each time. Fest-a-ville Loved by the locals, Fest-a-ville offers week-long activities for families to enjoy at the festival. Beautiful views on the Waterfront, Chow Wagon, Waterfront Jam Concert Series, and Great Balloon Glow are some of the activities at the Kentucky Derby Fest-a-ville. Taste of Derby Festival The Taste of Derby Festival is the ultimate stop for foodies and explorers. It offers the best and most renowned culinary scenes of Louisville. Taste of Derby Festival houses the signature dishes of more than 50 top restaurants the sight of which is always mouth-watering for the spectators. Great Steamboat Race Since 1963, the Great Steamboat Race has been a highlight of the Kentucky Derby festival. Every year, steamboats from the cities surrounding the Ohio River come forward to compete against the Belle of Louisville. The race can be viewed from the Waterfront Fest-a-ville or the Big Four Bridge. Pegasus Parade The Pegasus Parade marks the official commencement of Derby Week. The parade honors the customs and traditions of Louisville and everything else that makes it unique. The parade, consisting of bands, colorful floats, and Kentucky staples, passes through several neighborhoods of the town, with spectators spread across the route. Amazing Facts of the Kentucky Derby Given below are 10 fun facts about the Kentucky Derby 1. Out of the 148 Derbies, only three have been won by female horses or fillies. These winners were Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980), and Winning Colors (1988). 2. Late Queen Elizabeth attended the 133rd Kentucky Derby in 2007. 3. The rose blanket draped around the winner consists of 400 roses and weighs 40 lbs. 4. The slowest winning time to finish the 1.5 miles race was recorded in 1891 by Kingman clocking in at 2:52.25. 5. The event recorded its largest physical audience in 2015 with 170,500 people in attendance. 6. The weight of the desired Kentucky Derby trophy is 3.5 lbs. 7. 27 is the maximum number of horses ridden by a jockey, Mike Smith, in the event&#8217;s history. 8. The oldest Kentucky Derby title winner was 54-year-old Bill Shoemaker, who won in 1986. 9. In 1892 and 1905, only three horses competed in the Kentucky Derby. 10. Every year, 120,000 glasses of mint julep, the traditional drink, are consumed during race day. Kentucky Derby Dates in Chart  Year Date Day  2022 May 7 Saturday  2023 May 6 Saturday  2024 May 4 Saturday  2025 May 3 Saturday  2026 May 2 Saturday  2027 May 1 Saturday  2028 May 6 Saturday  2029 May 5 Saturday  2030 May 4 Saturday

The big balloon blast-off