“This Kentucky Derby, whatever it is–a race, an emotion, a turbulence, an explosion–is one of the most beautiful and violent and satisfying things I have ever experienced.”

John Steinbeck

The Derby in 1902 appeared to be a festive and elegant affair, as shown in these two vintage postcards.

With horse racing as a sport continuing its decades old steep decline in the public imagination as well as in bottom-line ratings….does the Kentucky Derby truly still stand among the great, must see, sports events in this nation? Does it mean anything, to anybody, anymore?

I think the Derby unique among the major events — it embodies history as no other–even more so than the Masters. A thread of history runs through the Derby that ties the elegance and refinement of sporting for over 150 years through today.

And…unlike even boxing, it packs a knockout punch every year, condensed in a two minute explosion of power, emotion, and drama, fueled by the screams of over 100,000 people, as the cavalry charge of over 20 horses whips and pounds down the stretch to the wire.

Don’t believe me?  Here are some others who are willing to bear witness to the Derby’s greatness….

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=forde_pat&id=2858706

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1129634/index.htm

http://www.chrudat.com/derby.html