Last Saturday, May 2nd, the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In an improbable ending, Jockey Calvin Borel rode Mine That Bird - a 50-1 longshot - to a huge victory, coming from dead last to win by 6 3/4 lengths. The Kentucky Derby is often billed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports", and Borel and Mine That Bird did their best to live up to that standard. Collected here are a few photographs leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and of the race itself.
Kentucky Derby hopeful General Quarters rubs his head on his stall after his early morning workout at the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke)
A horse and rider train in front of the twin spires during morning workouts prior to the Kentucky Derby on April 30, 2009 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #
A horse runs in the mud as workouts continue for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Thursday, April 30, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) #
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas sits atop his horse as he watches morning workouts against the backdrop of a large tent set up in the infield before sunrise at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, April 25, 2009. Lukas trains Kentucky Derby hopeful Flying Private. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) #
Kentucky Derby favorite I Want Revenge is washed down by his groom after his early morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, April 30, 2009. (REUTERS/John Sommers II) #
Double Eagle Ranch farm manager Kelly Dennington casts a shadow on the barn wall as he waits for Kentucky Derby hopeful Mine That Bird to exercise at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, April 25, 2009. (AP Photo/Ed Reinke) #
Farrier Adam Marshall works on a horse as workouts continue for the 135th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2009. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) #
Calvin Borel rides Rachel Alexandra to a victory in the Kentucky Oaks race at Churchill Downs Friday, May 1, 2009, in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) #
Jockey Calvin Borel points in celebration as he rides Rachel Alexander #6 to victory during the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks on May 1, 2009. The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images) #
|
