138th Kentucky Derby all set to roll!

It’s that time of the year when the entire horse racing enthusiasts across the country will get together at the Kentucky Derby to witness yet another magnificent event. Kentucky Derby will be run for the 138th time on Saturday at Churchill Downs. Those who are interested in finding out which teams are competing this year and what horses are going to be participating can visit the following NYDailynews report.

Kentucky Derby participants are expected to arrive at Churchill Downs on Tuesday and hit the track for the first time on Wednesday morning. Some participants have already reached the venue. The weather has been pretty spotty and the recent rains made it difficult for all the teams to practice and train their horses. However the weather will certainly not affect the morale of either of the participants.

If you are planning your trip and want to manage your itinerary you may visit the official website of Kentucky Derby 2012 to get information about the participants, races, schedules and all the added attractions.

The Kentucky Derby is known as one of the most coveted title for horse racers. It is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses and it is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby is nothing less than a festival as it brings with it a diverse range of activities and in 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).

People who follow this event say its "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" for its approximate duration. It is also called "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.

The Kentucky Derby starts the first leg of the US Triple Crown and is followed by the Preakness Stakes, then the Belmont Stakes so which ever teams win in this tournament of at least perform better are all set for the upcoming attractions of the year.

The horse must win all three races to win the Triple Crown. The attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America and usually surpasses the attendance of all other stakes races including the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes and the Breeders' Cup. Those who attend this event are some of the lucky ones as it is a very exclusive event.