Seeking The 2010 Triple Crown May 1 is the runing of the 136th Kentucky Derby The 136th Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, runs May 1st at Churchill Downs. The other two jewels of the elusive Triple Crown include the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 15 and the Belmont Stakes on June 5 at Belmont Park. "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" typically draws around 155,000 fans. The stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbreds covers one and one-quarter miles (2.012 km). Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kg); fillies carry 121 pounds (55 kg). In addition to the race itself, a number of traditions play an important role in the Derby atmosphere. The Mint Julep, an iced drink consisting of bourbon, mint and sugar, is the traditional beverage of the race. Elegant women appear in long dresses, big hats, and carrying fancy umbrellas. As the horses are paraded before the grandstands, "My Old Kentucky Home" is played by the University of Louisville marching band while the crowd stands and sings along. The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. The governor of Kentucky awards the garland and the trophy. To read more about the Kentucky Derby and view information about the 2010 contenders, visit: http://www.kentuckyderby.info/kentuckyderby-contenders.php