The Kentucky Derby is turning 150 years old. It’s survived world wars and controversies of all kinds

FILE – Hoop Jr. leads by a length as the Kentucky Derby field rounds at Churchill Downs at Louisville, Kent., June 9, 1945. Bymeabond is second. Hoop retained the lead to go on to win the race. America’s longest continuously held sporting event turns 150 years old this Saturday. By age, it’s got the Westminster dog show beat by two years. The Derby has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, and pandemics.

FILE – A woman wears a hat and poses for a picture during the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2019, in Louisville, Ky. The first Saturday in May is Derby Day with all its accompanying pageantry, including fancy hats. FILE – Victor Espinoza rides American Pharoah to victory in the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby horse race at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 2, 2015, in Louisville, Ky. “There’s nothing like winning the Kentucky Derby,” Espinoza, a three-time winner, said recently. “To me it’s the most important thing in horse racing.”

Kentucky Derby 2024: 5 storylines to watch, including Fierceness’ odds at greatness and other contenders FILE - Lucky Debonair and jockey Bill Shoemaker are seen coming ahead in the final challenge to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on May 1, 1965. America’s longest continuously held sporting event turns 150 years old Saturday. The Kentucky Derby has survived two world wars, the Depression and pandemics, including COVID-19 in 2020, when it ran in virtual silence without the usual crowd of 150,000.

FILE - Gallahadion, with Bimelech second and Dit a close third crosses the finish line to win the 66th Kentucky Derby horse race, May 4, 1940 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky. The Derby has survived two world wars, the Great Depression, and pandemics, including COVID-19 in 2020, when it ran in virtual silence without the usual crowd of 150,000.

A horse comes off the track after a workout at Churchill Downs Wednesday, May 1, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 4. FILE - Shelby Wilkes, left, and Pam Deegan, both of Louisville, Ky., holds their hats from the wind during the 134th Kentucky Derby Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The first Saturday in May is Derby Day with all its accompanying pageantry, including fancy hats.

Louisvillians take pride in their city’s tradition that dates to 1875, whipping up at-home versions of such high-calorie delicacies as Benedictine dip , Derby pie and cocktails if they’re not going to the track.Thirteen of the 15 jockeys in the first Derby were Black, including Oliver Lewis, who rode Aristides to victory in front of 10,000 cheering fans in 1875.

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