The Kentucky Derby Festival Galleries

Best of the Kentucky Derby Festival : For the past 5 years, I have carried full media credentials through Churchill Downs as well as The Kentucky Derby Festival. This grants me access to many AMAZING Kentucky Derby Events as well as the actual Derby Race. In years past, I have had many of my shots published around the world, both in print form as well as online.

Best of the Kentucky Derby Festival

The 135th Kentucky Derby : A crowd of 153,563 witnessed history on Saturday May 2nd, 2009 as Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine's MINE THAT BIRD scored a stunning upset at odds of 50-1 to capture the 135th Kentucky Derby. The attendance figure marks the ninth time that Kentucky Derby Day attendance has topped 150,000. Combined attendance for the 135th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks was 258,430, exceeding the combined attendance of both events from one year prior. Mine That Bird's unlikely win gave his owners their first Kentucky Derby victory. It was also the first Derby win for trainer Bennie "Chip" Woolley Jr., who was making his first appearance in the race. The victory was the second in the "Run for the Roses" for jockey Calvin Borel, who also captured the 2009 Oaks/Derby double by virtue of his win aboard favored Rachel Alexandra in Kentucky Oaks 135 one day earlier. Mine That Bird, the ninth gelding to win the "Run for the Roses," returned $103.20 on a $2 wager and completed the 1 1/4-mile distance in 2:02.66 over a sloppy track. -ChurchillDowns.com

The 135th Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby Red Carpet and Celebrity Lounge : This year I covered a totally different aspect of the Kentucky Derby, THE CELEBRITIES! I was shooting for the PR department of Churchill Downs. Because of this, I was the only photographer allowed inside the "Red Room", a posh VIP lounge for all the attending Celebrities. This area was at the end of the Red Carpet. Guests that made the stroll down the Kentucky Derby Red Carpet included Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Aretha Franklin, Gabrielle Union, Andy Samberg, Seth Meyers, Kid Rock, Taylor Dayne, LeAnn Rimes, Bobby Flay, Stephanie March, Danica Patrick, Miss Kentucky, Miss Teen Kentucky, Barbie, Guy Fieri, Travis Tritt, Joe Piscopo, Marg Helgenberger, Star Jones, Doris Roberts, Joey Fatone, Mekhi Phifer, Shawn Harrington, Brooke Shields, Gretchen Wilson, Bob Guiney, Kathryn Joosten, Julie Smith, Shea Johnson, Emily Gimmel, Kellie Frey and Hadley Hartz

The Kentucky Derby Red Carpet and Celebrity Lounge

Churchill Downs Paddock - Derby Day 2009 : Horse racing fans fill the paddock area during Kentucky Derby day festivities at Churchill Downs May 2nd, 2009. The Paddock area is a great spot to people watch during the Kentucky Derby. You will see a little of everything here, pretty women dressed to the nines to old guys in wacky hats. Oh yeah, there are also a few race horses here!

Churchill Downs Paddock - Derby Day 2009

2009 Kentucky Oaks :

2009 Kentucky Oaks

2009 Mint Jubilee : Over the years the Mint Jubilee Gala has grown from 250 attendees to more than 1,500 and has become a signature Kentucky Derby event. The Mint Jubilee's success is due in large part to the tireless work of more than 100 volunteers and generous donations from its numerous corporate sponsors and auction item donors. Proceeds from the Mint Jubilee Gala benefit cancer research and services at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville.

2009 Mint Jubilee

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.21.09 : Morning workouts on the backside of Churchill Downs in preparation of the Kentucky Derby. Today, Kentucky Derby horses Chocolate Candy, I Want Revenge and Pioneerof The Nile worked out.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.21.09

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.22.09 : Today I spent another morning on the backside of Churchill Downs snapping pics of the Derby horses. I snapped a few of General Quarters working out on the track right as the sun came up. Also grabbed a few shots of Derby horse West Side Bernie grazing outside his stable. Last years Derby race winning jockey Kent Desormeaux was also on the backside today.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.22.09

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.24.09 : Another day of early morning workouts at Churchill Downs. Pioneerof The Nile and Summer Bird were the only Kentucky Derby horses that I watched work out. There were a few Kentucky Oaks horses running today though, Fitz Just Right and JustWhistled. Also grabbed a few shots of West Side Bernie and Musket Man grazing on the backside. Fun fact #1, Musket Man drinks one bottle of Guiness every day.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.24.09

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.27.09 : Today 7 Kentucky Derby horses and 3 Kentucky Oaks horses worked out on the backside of Churchill Downs. The Derby horses included General Quarters, Chocolate Candy, Summer Bird, Win Willy, Friesan Fire, Pioneerof The Nile and Mind That Bird. The Oaks horses that worked out today were Rachel Alexander, Flying Spur and JustWhistleDixie. Great day to be at the track. Also, might be the only day without rain this week, including the actual Derby and Oaks days.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.27.09

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.28.09 : Today was a very rainy day on the backside of Churchill Downs. 3 Kentucky Derby horses ran despite the downpours. Those that worked today include I Want Revenge, Papa Clem and Summer Bird.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.28.09

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.29.09 :

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.29.09

Balloon Glimmer on the Great Lawn - 2009 :

Balloon Glimmer on the Great Lawn - 2009

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.23.09 : This morning I went back out to the backside of Churchill Downs for morning workouts. There were 5 Derby hopefuls and one Oaks horse running today. Managed to grab shots of West Side Bernie, General Quarters, Flat Out, Mine That Bird and Summer Bird. Rachel Alexander was the Oaks horse working out today.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 4.23.09

Thunder Over Louisville - 2009 : Now in its 20th year, Thunder Over Louisville continues to deliver a pyrotechnics spectacular like no other. Created as the Opening Ceremonies of the Kentucky Derby Festival, it offers an explosive kick-off to two entire weeks of celebration in Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana. With an estimated average attendance of half a million people, it has become the largest annual event in its region. The show continues to be the largest annual pyrotechnics display in North America thanks to the artistry of Zambelli Internationale and the production of Visual Presentations. Staging the pyrotechnic spectacular of Thunder each year for the Derby Festival is the First Family of Fireworks. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale first became involved with Thunder Over Louisville in 1991. The annual show is larger than the opening and closing ceremonies of the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympics combined. According to the Zambelli's it is unchallenged as the largest annual pyrotechnic production in North America. To assemble a show the size of Thunder, Zambelli Internationale utilizes eight tractor trailers filled with nearly 60 tons of fireworks shells. The physical set-up includes 250 tons of launching tubes, some as high as 10 feet with a diameter of 1 and 1/2 feet. Two million pounds of sand will pack the firing tubes on 1,800 feet of barges. Almost 700 miles of wire cable connecting 20 firing boards are tied to the command post for synchronization to the music. This is the largest show the Zambellis perform each year and the Zambellis are the largest fireworks family in the world. The magic of Thunder is in the formula of the show says Wayne Hettinger, Show Director and owner of Visual Presentations. "Each year, people think we make the show longer to be the largest show and that's just not the case. The secret with Thunder has been to pack as much firepower into 28 minutes as possible and produce a series of 'finales'." Hettinger has it down to a science working with the team from Zambelli to create a heart-stopping, eye-popping show. "It all starts with the music", continues Hettinger. "We work to lay out a soundtrack that most everyone will be able to relate to a couple of songs. This enables people to bring their own experience with these songs and project them into the show they're watching. It's very gratifying to see people start to move and react to their favorite cuts of the soundtrack and it gives Zambelli the foundation on which to build the show."

Thunder Over Louisville - 2009

Kentucky Derby 134 - The Race - 2008 : The largest Kentucky Derby crowd of the 21st century gathered under the historic Twin Spires to watch undefeated Derby favorite Big Brown power through the stretch and dominate a full field of 20 horses in the Grade I Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, living up to his status as the pre-race favorite. Filly Eight Belles finished second, then collapsed with two broken front ankles and was euthanized after crossing the wire. The field of 20 horses was galloping out around the first turn at Churchill Downs when Eight Belles suddenly went down on both front legs and jockey Gabriel Saez slid off. An equine ambulance reached her on the track and put Eight Belles down.

Kentucky Derby 134 - The Race - 2008

Playboy Crown Royal Derby Eve Party - 2008 : Crown Royal and Playboy teamed up for the third year in a row to throw the most exclusive party in town during The Kentucky Derby weekend. On Friday, May 2, Louisville's Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center was once again transformed into the Crown Royal Lounge. Twelve Playboy Playmates hosted this sexy soiree while celebrities, athletes and VIPs enjoy cocktails and dancing to music by Kid Capri. Party guests also got ready to look sharp at the races with a haircut from celebrity barber Darrel Thomas.

Playboy Crown Royal Derby Eve Party - 2008

Taylor Hicks at the Derby Eve Playboy Party - 2008 : American Idol winner Taylor Hicks visited Louisville Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby this year. While in town, he made a stop at the Playboy / Crown Royal Derby Eve Party. With the legions of the ‘Soul Patrol’ at his side, “American Idol” contestant Taylor Hicks powered past runner-up Katharine McPhee in May 2006 to win the coveted title of America’s favorite up-and-coming pop star. An energetic pop-soul performer, Hicks is one of the more unique “Idol” winners, sporting a signature style and a now-famous head of silver-gray hair. Hicks was born in Birmingham, Alabama on October 6, 1976 to Brad and Pamela Dickinson Hicks. His parents divorced when he was 8, around the time the family moved to the suburb of Hoover where Hicks graduated from high school. As a child he showed natural singing talent, and was known to retreat into his room where he played the harmonica, guitar, and blues harp while singing along with his favorite vocalists, who include Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke. He then studied communications and marketing at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, but left after a year to pursue a music career in Nashville. While in Nashville Hicks found moderate success as a singer-songwriter, and recorded two albums prior to his “Idol” success, 1997’s “In Your Time” and 2005’s “Under the Radar”. Hicks released the albums independently (thus not violating the “Idol” rules), and both are currently hot Internet sellers. His pre-“Idol” career also saw him perform with a variety of legendary vocalists, including Tom Petty, James Brown, and Keb Mo. He also performed at the Talladega Superspeedway in 2004, and at various weddings including that of Congressman Spencer Bachus’s daughter. Though he was a relatively successful musician in his early years, “Idol” has made him a superstar. Considered an underdog in the early stages of the show, judge Simon Cowell famously told him that he was unlikely to make it to the final round, a comment he later took back. Judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul saw things differently and ultimately won out as he handily defeated talented singers Elliot Yamin and Katharine McPhee becoming the fifth winner of “American Idol” after Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, and Carrie Underwood. Hicks is currently working on his major album debut with “Idol” creator Simon Fuller’s 19 Recordings Unlimited, and his “Idol”-produced single “Do I Make You Proud” recently debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Taylor Hicks at the Derby Eve Playboy Party - 2008

Derby Day - Churchill Downs - 2008 : The largest Kentucky Derby crowd of the 21st century gathered under the historic Twin Spires to watch undefeated Derby favorite Big Brown power through the stretch and dominate a full field of 20 horses in the Grade I Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. Big Brown won the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, living up to his status as the pre-race favorite. Filly Eight Belles finished second, then collapsed with two broken front ankles and was euthanized after crossing the wire. The field of 20 horses was galloping out around the first turn at Churchill Downs when Eight Belles suddenly went down on both front legs and jockey Gabriel Saez slid off. An equine ambulance reached her on the track and put Eight Belles down.

Derby Day - Churchill Downs - 2008

Eight Belles - Kentucky Derby Horse - 2008 : As Big Brown was draped with roses, Eight Belles, the first filly to run the Derby in nine years, was euthanized after breaking both of her front ankles. It was the first time in Derby history that a horse died. The death of Eight Belles cast a pall over the celebratory crowd with the painful memories of Barbaro still fresh. The injury to Eight Belles is similar to the one sustained by Kentucky Derby champion Barbaro at the Preakness Stakes in 2006. Both horses had fractures of the condylar, the bulbous bone that connects to the cannon. Barbaro was eventually euthanized because of complications from the injury. Eight Belles was slowing down less than a minute after her second-place run when her jockey Gabriel Saez first noticed a problem. ``After we passed the wire, I stood up,'' Saez said in a statement. ``She started galloping funny and I tried to pull her up, but she went down.'' Eight Belles was trying to become the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby since Winning Colors in 1988. "Eight Belles showed you her life for our enjoyment today,'' Desormeaux said. "I'm deeply sympathetic towards that team. I'm very sorry for their loss.''

Eight Belles - Kentucky Derby Horse - 2008

Kentucky Derby Infield - 2008 : You never know what you will see in the Infield of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs! Drunks, fights, boobs and funny derby hats! If you are attending the Kentucky Derby, the Infield is not to be missed!

Kentucky Derby Infield - 2008

Joey & his Sister at the Derby - 2008 :

Joey & his Sister at the Derby - 2008

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2008 : Floats, marching bands, minor celebrities, massive cartoon characters, and of course, pooping horses are all part of the annual Pegasus Parade, held in Downtown Louisville on the Thursday prior to the Kentucky Derby. This event, which draws huge crowds up and down Broadway from Campbell to 9th streets, is the oldest Kentucky Derby Festival event, first held in 1956.

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2008

Kentucky Derby Post Draw - 2008 :

Kentucky Derby Post Draw - 2008

Backside - Churchill Downs - 2008 : Every morning, the entire Kentucky Derby field of horses takes to the track of Churchill Downs for sunrise workouts.

Backside - Churchill Downs - 2008

Kentucky Derby Festival Soap Box Derby - 2008 : The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program which has run nationally since 1934. Every year, kids from all over the country build simplified cars built from kits and race them in local races, such as the event that took place in Louisville on Zorn Ave. as part of The Kentucky Derby Festival. The race cars are powered by gravity and are timed as they roll down either a dedicated track or a temporary street circuit. The goals of the Soap Box Derby program have not changed since it began in 1934. They are to teach youngsters some of the basic skills of workmanship, the spirit of competition and the perseverance to continue a project once it has begun.

Kentucky Derby Festival Soap Box Derby - 2008

Morning Rush-Hour Balloon Race - 2008 :

Morning Rush-Hour Balloon Race - 2008

Thunder Over Louisville - 2008 : Now in its 19th year, Thunder Over Louisville continues to deliver a pyrotechnics spectacular like no other. Created as the Opening Ceremonies of the Kentucky Derby Festival, it offers an explosive kick-off to two entire weeks of celebration in Louisville, Kentucky and Southern Indiana. With an estimated average attendance of half a million people, it has become the largest annual event in its region. The show continues to be the largest annual pyrotechnics display in North America thanks to the artistry of Zambelli Internationale and the production of Visual Presentations. Staging the pyrotechnic spectacular of Thunder each year for the Derby Festival is the First Family of Fireworks. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale first became involved with Thunder Over Louisville in 1991. The annual show is larger than the opening and closing ceremonies of the Atlanta and Barcelona Olympics combined. According to the Zambelli's it is unchallenged as the largest annual pyrotechnic production in North America. To assemble a show the size of Thunder, Zambelli Internationale utilizes eight tractor trailers filled with nearly 60 tons of fireworks shells. The physical set-up includes 250 tons of launching tubes, some as high as 10 feet with a diameter of 1 and 1/2 feet. Two million pounds of sand will pack the firing tubes on 1,800 feet of barges. Almost 700 miles of wire cable connecting 20 firing boards are tied to the command post for synchronization to the music. This is the largest show the Zambellis perform each year and the Zambellis are the largest fireworks family in the world. The magic of Thunder is in the formula of the show says Wayne Hettinger, Show Director and owner of Visual Presentations. "Each year, people think we make the show longer to be the largest show and that's just not the case. The secret with Thunder has been to pack as much firepower into 28 minutes as possible and produce a series of 'finales'." Hettinger has it down to a science working with the team from Zambelli to create a heart-stopping, eye-popping show. "It all starts with the music", continues Hettinger. "We work to lay out a soundtrack that most everyone will be able to relate to a couple of songs. This enables people to bring their own experience with these songs and project them into the show they're watching. It's very gratifying to see people start to move and react to their favorite cuts of the soundtrack and it gives Zambelli the foundation on which to build the show."

Thunder Over Louisville - 2008

The Kentucky Derby - 2007 : The 2007 Kentucky Derby was the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. The race took place on May 5, 2007. The announced attendance was 156,635, the third largest in Derby history. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was a special guest of Churchill Downs and attended the race in her first visit to the United States since 1991. The Queen has stated that it was one of "her dreams" to attend the Kentucky Derby. Street Sense, sent off as the 9-2 favorite on his home track, paid $11.80 as the highest-priced winning favorite in Derby history. Smarty Jones paid $10.20 to win in 2004. The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg) and fillies 121 pounds (54.9 kg). The race is known in the United States as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration, and is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in the US and typically draws around 155,000 fans.

The Kentucky Derby - 2007

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2006 : Held each year on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, the Pegasus Parade showcases the community at its best. With dogwoods and tulips in full bloom, the stage is set on downtown’s main thoroughfare for one of the country’s largest and most entertaining spectacles. Highlights over the years have included the appearance of a Duke and a General. Hollywood stars such as John Wayne, Michael Landon, Lorne Greene and William Shatner have served as Grand Marshals of the Pegasus Parade. Entertainers from Carol Channing and Liberace to Gladys Knight and Loretta Lynn have graced the route. And of course hometown heroes like Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders have been favorites. Perhaps the most crowning achievement was the moving inclusion of General Normal Schwarzkopf in his first public appearance in the U.S. at the conclusion of the Gulf War.

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2006

The Kentucky Derby Infield - 2007 : The infield is sort of the underbelly of the Kentucky Derby. This is where you have to park in somebody's front yard and then hike a few hundred miles just to get to the gate. The infield is where you see some of the drunkest people you have ever, or will ever, encounter. There is not one person that does not return from a Derby infield without at least one story that starts with, "There was this one guy that was so drunk" If you do not have a story like this, watch out, because it means you probably were that guy. "That whole thing will be jammed with people; fifty thousand or so, and most of them staggering drunk. It's a fantastic scene--thousands of people fainting, crying, copulating, trampling each other, and fighting with broken whiskey bottles." -Native son Hunter S. Thompson,

The Kentucky Derby Infield - 2007

Thunder Over Louisville - 2005 : Thunder Over Louisville is the kick off to Derby Week. This year was great, we had temperatures right at 34 degrees with 30 mile per hour winds and rain. All the smoke from the fireworks blew right at the camera. Thunder over Louisville is rated as one of the top 100 events in North America, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies is truly a sight to behold. Eight 400-foot barges assemble on both sides of the 2nd Street Bridge to form the stage from which the fireworks spectacular ignites. After more than a decade, Thunder Over Louisville remains the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America. Seen by millions worldwide via a July 4th rebroadcast on the Armed Forces Network to more than 150 countries, it is the state’s pride. A Discovery Channel documentary on fireworks shows says it best, “Thunder is the Grand-daddy of them all!”.

Thunder Over Louisville - 2005

Thunder Over Louisville - 2006 : Thunder over Louisville is rated as one of the top 100 events in North America, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies is truly a sight to behold. Eight 400-foot barges assemble on both sides of the 2nd Street Bridge to form the stage from which the fireworks spectacular ignites. After more than a decade, Thunder Over Louisville remains the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America. Seen by millions worldwide via a July 4th rebroadcast on the Armed Forces Network to more than 150 countries, it is the state’s pride. A Discovery Channel documentary on fireworks shows says it best, “Thunder is the Grand-daddy of them all!”.

Thunder Over Louisville - 2006

Playboy & Crown Royal Derby Eve Party - 2007 : For the second year in a row, Crown Royal and Playboy teamed up to throw the most exclusive party in town during Kentucky Derby weekend. On Friday, May 4, Louisville’s Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center was transformed into the Crown Royal Playboy Lounge. Celebrities, athletes and VIPs joined Playboy’s 2007 Playmate of the Year and other Playboy Playmates at this sexy soiree, while "DJ Reach" spun the tunes.

Playboy & Crown Royal Derby Eve Party - 2007

Thunder Over Louisville - 2007 : Thunder over Louisville is rated as one of the top 100 events in North America, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies is truly a sight to behold. Eight 400-foot barges assemble on both sides of the 2nd Street Bridge to form the stage from which the fireworks spectacular ignites. After more than a decade, Thunder Over Louisville remains the largest annual pyrotechnic display in North America. Seen by millions worldwide via a July 4th rebroadcast on the Armed Forces Network to more than 150 countries, it is the state’s pride. A Discovery Channel documentary on fireworks shows says it best, “Thunder is the Grand-daddy of them all!”.

Thunder Over Louisville - 2007

Balloon Glimmer on the Great Lawn - 2006 : The Glimmer is a "mini-glow," which kicks-off a weekend full of ballooning events. Balloons will light up on the Great Lawn of Waterfront Park for opening night of the Derby Festival Chow Wagon.

Balloon Glimmer on the Great Lawn - 2006

The Great Steamboat Race - 2007 : The Great Steamboat Race is an annual event, taking place the Wednesday before the first Saturday of May, three days before the Kentucky Derby as part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is normally between the Belle of Louisville and the Delta Queen, although other steamboats have participated. The first race was in 1963. The race begins underneath the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge. Both steamboats race to Six Mile Island, where they turn around to return to the bridge, which is also the finish line. The distance is 14 miles, with an average speed of seven miles per hour (11.27 km/h) for each boat. The Delta Queen won the first four races, after which its owners refused to race again until the Belle could be more competitive. The Queen is a larger boat, with more powerful engines. It has been speculated that the race is predetermined, although no public proof exists. [1] As of 2007, where the Belle of Louisville won in a controversial decision by the judges, the Belle has had 22 wins over 19 wins for the Delta Queen. The winner each years gets to have the "Golden Antlers" until the next race.

The Great Steamboat Race - 2007

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2007 : Floats, marching bands, minor celebrities, massive cartoon characters, and of course, pooping horses are all part of the annual Pegasus Parade, held in Downtown Louisville on the Thursday prior to the Kentucky Derby. This event, which draws huge crowds up and down Broadway from Campbell to 9th streets, is the oldest Kentucky Derby Festival event, first held in 1956.

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2007

Balloon Glimmer on the Great Lawn - 2007 : The Glimmer is a "mini-glow," which kicks-off a weekend full of ballooning events. Balloons will light up on the Great Lawn of Waterfront Park for opening night of the Derby Festival Chow Wagon.

Balloon Glimmer on the Great Lawn - 2007

The Grand Gala - 2007 :

The Grand Gala - 2007

The Oaks - 2007 : The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies staged annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. The race currently covers 1⅛ miles (1811 metres) at Churchill Downs; carry 121 pounds (55 kg). The Kentucky Oaks dates back to the earliest days of Churchill Downs, which was known as the Louisville Jockey Club when it conducted its first race meet in 1875. Its first running was held Wednesday, May 19, 1875 as one of four stakes races developed by founder M. Lewis Clark for the track's inaugural meet. The others were the Kentucky Derby, the Clark Handicap and the Falls City Handicap. The Kentucky Oaks is renewed each year on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, but it is much more than a sister race to the famed "Run for the Roses." The roster of horses that have won the 1⅛ mile (1811 metres) race in its first 130 years includes some of the greatest fillies in racing history. Three of those races — the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks and the Clark — were modeled after Classic races in England. The Kentucky Oaks was fashioned in the image of the English Oaks at Epsom Downs Racecourse. The distance of that first running of the Kentucky Oaks was 1 ½ miles (2414 metres) and A.B. Lewis & Company's Vinaigrette was the winner. She earned a winning purse of $1,175 and was timed over the 12 furlong (2414 metres) distance in 2:39 ¾. The victory by Vinaigrette launched a strong tradition for the Kentucky Oaks, which — like the Kentucky Derby — has been renewed each year without interruption since its inaugural running. Louisvillians once referred to the Oaks as "our Derby," implying that the Derby itself had become the domain of celebrities and out-of-town visitors. In recent years that has changed, as the Oaks has become nearly as popular as the Derby. Indeed, the spectator attendance on "Oaks Day" is usually second only to Derby Day, surpassing attendance at the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, as well as the Breeders' Cup.

The Oaks - 2007

The Kentucky Derby Infield - 2005 : The infield is sort of the underbelly of the Kentucky Derby. This is where you have to park in somebody's front yard and then hike a few hundred miles just to get to the gate. The infield is where you see some of the drunkest people you have ever, or will ever, encounter. There is not one person that does not return from a Derby infield without at least one story that starts with, "There was this one guy that was so drunk" If you do not have a story like this, watch out, because it means you probably were that guy. "That whole thing will be jammed with people; fifty thousand or so, and most of them staggering drunk. It's a fantastic scene--thousands of people fainting, crying, copulating, trampling each other, and fighting with broken whiskey bottles." -Native son Hunter S. Thompson,

The Kentucky Derby Infield - 2005

The Kentucky Derby Infield - 2006 : The infield is sort of the underbelly of the Kentucky Derby. This is where you have to park in somebody's front yard and then hike a few hundred miles just to get to the gate. The infield is where you see some of the drunkest people you have ever, or will ever, encounter. There is not one person that does not return from a Derby infield without at least one story that starts with, "There was this one guy that was so drunk" If you do not have a story like this, watch out, because it means you probably were that guy. "That whole thing will be jammed with people; fifty thousand or so, and most of them staggering drunk. It's a fantastic scene--thousands of people fainting, crying, copulating, trampling each other, and fighting with broken whiskey bottles." -Native son Hunter S. Thompson,

The Kentucky Derby Infield - 2006

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2005 : Held each year on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, the Pegasus Parade showcases the community at its best. With dogwoods and tulips in full bloom, the stage is set on downtown’s main thoroughfare for one of the country’s largest and most entertaining spectacles. Highlights over the years have included the appearance of a Duke and a General. Hollywood stars such as John Wayne, Michael Landon, Lorne Greene and William Shatner have served as Grand Marshals of the Pegasus Parade. Entertainers from Carol Channing and Liberace to Gladys Knight and Loretta Lynn have graced the route. And of course hometown heroes like Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders have been favorites. Perhaps the most crowning achievement was the moving inclusion of General Normal Schwarzkopf in his first public appearance in the U.S. at the conclusion of the Gulf War.

Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade - 2005

The Great Steamboat Race - 2006 : In 2006, the Delta Queen from New Orleans pulled away from the hometown Belle of Louisville after the turn at Six Mile Island and posted its first win since 2003 in the Derby Festival Great Steamboat Race presented by Kroger and Verizon Wireless. The victory gave the Delta Queen possession of the Golden Antlers for a year and narrowed the Belle of Louisville’s lead in the annual racing series on the Ohio River to 21 to 19. The race went off under beautiful weather conditions, with the Belle of Cincinnati serving as a Judge’s Vessel and passenger boat. Spectators aboard the Belle of Louisville included Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson, the Derby Festival Royal Court, former heavyweight boxing champion Ken Norton and actors Lee Majors, Jerry Mathers and John Castellanos. Earlier in the day, a calliope contest was held at the Fourth Street wharf, with the Belle of Louisville declared the winner. The Delta Queen celebrated the boat race win with a musical serenade by its Mardi Gras-style band. The Belle of Louisville, which was added to the National Historic Register in 1990, is one of six authentic paddlewheel steamboats operating on U.S. waterways. The Belle was launched in 1914 under the name Idlewild. She was purchased at auction in 1962 by then-Jefferson County Judge/Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000. The following year she competed against the Delta Queen in the first-ever Great Steamboat Race.

The Great Steamboat Race - 2006

Run for the Rose' - 2006 : As the Festival’s most spirited event, the Run For The Rose’ brings a wacky twist to this race among employees from area restaurants. Local servers compete for prizes and pride as they race around a challenging obstacle course balancing six full glasses of wine. You can cheer on your favorite restaurant and enjoy a fried bologna sandwich from the stadium's concessions!

Run for the Rose' - 2006

The Great Bed Races - 2006 : Estimated crowds of 5,000 fans who attend the bed races each year look forward to the outrageous costumes, creatively constructed sleeper vehicles and surprise shenanigans. With a king-size blend of whimsy and competitive spirit, contestants have worked hard jerry-rigging, jazzing up and decorating their firm and extra-firm box-spring vehicles. All entries must have four wheels touching the ground, an innerspring mattress and a steering mechanism. Certain size restrictions apply. Some beds are silly and clunky. Others are sleek and aerodynamic. Each bed must have four wide-awake runners pushing it and a driver steering it. Beyond that, anything goes and anything can happen. In previous years, beds slammed into walls, racers fell from their beds and accusations of trickery surfaced. Fortunately, no one was injured and no blanket charges filed.

The Great Bed Races - 2006

Morning Rush-Hour Balloon Race - 2006 : The Promenade Plaza balloon, piloted by Frank Prell, was declared winner of the 2006 balloon race, after coming in first in Friday’s U.S. Bank Great Balloon Rush Hour Race with 2,378 points. Prell came closest to the target laid out by race sponsor and hare balloon U.S. Bank. Mike Ehrler piloted the 2nd place balloon, Mike’s Udder Delight, with 2,376 points. Philip Bryant piloted the 3rd place balloon, BP & Bulk Petroleum Corporation, with 2,101 points.

Morning Rush-Hour Balloon Race - 2006

Thunder Over Louisville Air Show 2006 : Started as a filler to build up the crowd before a nighttime fireworks display, the Thunder Air Show could now be a stand-alone event. Ranked as one of the top five air shows in the nation, each year the event promises to fill the Louisville skyline with action packed aviation. The show begins at 3 PM with continuous performances and fly-bys until 9:30 PM. The Air Show dazzles the crowd with more than 100 planes, aerobatics teams, daring sky diving groups and breathtaking stunts. And the amazing technology of the United States Air Force, Navy, Army and Marines are always crowd favorites. A staple of the Thunder Air Show is "THUNDER'S SALUTE TO OUR NATION" featuring the American Flag Pass. Two gigantic American Flags will fly over the crowd to the music of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful”, flown in by helicopters. Serving as an aerial drum roll of sorts, civilian performer, Bill Left takes to the air for an evening show just minutes before "Blast Off" of the Thunder Fireworks. He performs his "Night Show," a dazzling display of airborne fireworks mounted on the wings and tail. Then...Boom! The Thunder Over Louisville fireworks blast off!

Thunder Over Louisville Air Show 2006

Derby Infield - 2006 :

Derby Infield - 2006

Midnight Star at the Chow Wagon - 2006 : Remember the songs "Freak-A-Zoid" and "No Parking on the Dance Floor"? Yeah, that was Midnight Star. This year they kicked out the jams at the Kentucky Derby Festival Chow Wagon at Waterfront Park in Louisville Kentucky.

Midnight Star at the Chow Wagon - 2006

Pegasus Parade staging area - 2005 : Held each year on the Thursday before the Kentucky Derby, the Pegasus Parade showcases the community at its best. With dogwoods and tulips in full bloom, the stage is set on downtown’s main thoroughfare for one of the country’s largest and most entertaining spectacles. Highlights over the years have included the appearance of a Duke and a General. Hollywood stars such as John Wayne, Michael Landon, Lorne Greene and William Shatner have served as Grand Marshals of the Pegasus Parade. Entertainers from Carol Channing and Liberace to Gladys Knight and Loretta Lynn have graced the route. And of course hometown heroes like Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders have been favorites. Perhaps the most crowning achievement was the moving inclusion of General Normal Schwarzkopf in his first public appearance in the U.S. at the conclusion of the Gulf War.

Pegasus Parade staging area - 2005

Rachel Alexandra : Filly Rachel Alexandra, ridden by Calvin Borel, became the first female horse to win the Preakness Stakes since 1924 with a narrow victory Saturday ahead of Mine That Bird at Pimlico. Borel rode Mine that Bird to a runaway victory May 2 in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Rachel Alexandra

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