Happy Kentucky Derby day!
No one really cares about horse racing most of the year unless you’re a gambling addict. But, the first Saturday of May turns out all sorts of unlikely fans. for a happy Kentucky derby day Women don silly hats. Men dress up in suits. And, the pageantry of, arguably, the most storied event in horse racing captures the attention of an entire nation. So, why should we care? Honestly, we shouldn’t. But, it is an excuse for a party. So, why not?
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Well, there are ethical concerns about the industry in general.
- The treatment of the horses. The best horses get pampered because they make money for the owners. But, horses that don’t rise to elite status may suffer neglect and abused in some cases. Performance enhancing drugs are often used. It’s common for horses with physical injuries to receive anti-inflammatories to get them through a race, further exacerbating their injuries. This can lead to a horse becoming lame (which ends in euthanization). In 2019, there were 441 horse deaths at race tracks (down from 790 in 2009). How many professional athletes do you know that die while playing their sport?
- Jockeys live an unhealthy and dangerous life. In order to reach weight requirements they have to do some very dangerous things. Often, they are bulimic, purging after meals. Acid from that act can wreak havoc on their teeth. Plus, the constant battle with weight results in malnutrition and brittle bones. Imagine being a 100 pound, 5 foot tall person standing in a saddle over a 1,000 pound horse barreling ahead at 40 to 55 miles per hour. The odds of being thrown or falling and being crushed are better than you picking the winner of the 6th race.
- The entire industry is predicated on gambling, which, in itself, is a detriment to society. How many lives have we seen ruined by someone with a gambling addiction betting their life savings on the ponies? And, of course, whenever there is gambling, the mob is, generally, close at hand. There are countless stories of jockey’s receiving “loans” from “unsecured sources” who are “encouraged” to throw a race. And, of course, there are the “accountants” taking off track wagers in backrooms. Some people could end up swimming with the fishes near the racetrack.
The race for the roses
Putting aside the seedy underbelly of the industry, the Kentucky derby, itself, is still a spectacle. It is part of the history of our country itself. Churchill Downs was founded by Colonel Meriwether, Lewis Clark Jr. Yes, the grandson of William Clark of Lewis and Clark fame. In 1874, he acquired the land from his uncles John and Henry Churchill. On May 17. 1875, the first Kentucky Derby was run, with a Aristide as the first winner.
In 1889, local “bookmakers” wanted a piece of the action. They used their influence to remove pari-mutuel betting machines from the track, because it was cutting into their profits. The machines would finally be restored in 1908, when someone finally stood up to the bookies. This was a little late for Clark who committed suicide in 1899 after losing a fortune in the stock market crash of 1893. Under new management, Churchill downs returned to profitability in 1903.
So, what about the roses? In 1883, some rich dude from New York, a Mr. E. Berry Wall started handing out roses to ladies after the derby. Lewis Clark liked the concept. So, in 1896, he decided to incorporate it into the derby. Ben Brush won the derby that year and received an arrangement of pink and white roses. In 1904, they changed the rose to red, and made it the official symbol of the derby. To this day, the Derby is known as the “run for the roses” and the winning horse is adorned with a blanket of 554 red roses.
Happy Kentucky Derby day! What’s on the Menu?
While Mint Juleps are the first thing that comes to mind when the Derby comes around, one needs to have a good base of food to absorb all that alcohol (unless you’re one of the bulimic jockeys). Even though people dress formally for the Derby, the food associated with it is decidedly rustic. Comfort food is the name of the game here.
There is a nod to royalty with Benedictine, a cucumber cream cheese spread. We use it in tea sandwiches. This is the delicate elegant side of the derby. But, being in Kentucky where Southern barbecue is more to the liking of locals, A pulled pork slider is more likely to be an afternoon treat. Fried chicken or Kentucky Burgoo are more likely to be the entrees.
Since the race is more of a standing affair than a sit down, putting out a spread of Hors d’oeuvres and dips is the most popular way to celebrate. So, let’s get cooking…
- An assortment of tea sandwiches including the aforementioned Benedictine would be appropriate.
- A miniature version of hot browns: an open faced sliced turkey sandwich with bacon, tomato, and a bubbling mornay sauce.
- Pimento cheese spread. Many serve it with fried pork rinds. But, we opt for something healthier like crackers or crudite.
- Beer Cheese Dip. Traditionally served with bread or soft pretzels.
- Deviled eggs. You can go traditional or with a little zing.
- Southern Fried Chicken and Waffle bites with Bourbon maple syrup.
Happy Kentucky Derby day! Pass the Mint Juleps!
Nothing says Kentucky like a mint Julep. So, get yourself a bottle of Woodford’s Kentucky bourbon and prepare to celebrate. There are virgin drinks available for Derby day. But, this isn’t the time or place for them. If you are going to walk around in a silly hat, you may as well tie one on. Mint Juleps are ubiquitous at the Derby. There are many versions. The best ones are simple and to the point. Mint, sugar, bourbon, and ice. That’s all it takes.
Kentucky Mint Juelp
Ingredients
- 2 oz fine bourbon Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the derby
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 6 each fresh mint leaves, plus a nice sprig for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Muddle the mint and simple syrup in a rocks glass or a copper cup by mashing them together to release the flavor of the mint.
- Add bourbon and ice and stir. garnish with a nice mint sprig. Enjoy cold.
