San Diego Celebrates the Kentucky Derby

The excitement of horse racing has long been the stuff of American folklore and entertainment. Stories about the sport have inspired films such as National Velvet, Seabiscuit, and more recently, 2010’s Secretariat just to name a few.

2011’s official racing season begins this month with the Kentucky Derby. This Saturday marks the 137^th Running of the Kentucky Derby, one of the most beloved American sporting events. The race is held in Louisville, Kentucky at the end of the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival and takes place at Churchill Downs on a  one-quarter mile track.

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. On May 21, the second part of the Triple Crown series, the Preakness Stakes will take place in Baltimore, Maryland. The final leg of the series will be the Belmont Stakes in New York, on June 11.

Coined as the “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” the event usually draws around 155,000 spectators to the track and millions of fans who watch from home. And with the Del Mar track in our own backyard, most San Diegans are well acquainted with horse racing. People are excited about Saturday’s race and making plans for their own Kentucky Derby-themed parties.

The Del Mar track is partnering up with the San Diego Symphony to bring racing enthusiasts an opportunity to watch the race in a refined setting. Watch the race from the Del Mar track, set to the music of the San Diego Symphony Quartet. Derby attire is encouraged and mint juleps will be flowing.

For racing enthusiasts who prefer a more relaxed environment, they can check out OC Tavern in San Clemente. Although a bit of a drive from SD, the OC Tavern is one of the only sports bars in California that offers satellite wagering.

And if you’re more inclined to play host/hostess, NBC San Diego recently posted a fun video about having your own Kentucky Derby Party, click here to view the video clip.

And for the cooking enthusiast, here is a great recipe for Kentucky Derby Pie, the decadent chocolate chip crusted pecan pie that keeps the famous namesake.

Enjoy the Kentucky Derby whether you are in Louisville, Del Mar or in your own kitchen!