The sporting event’s lengthy history traces its roots back to 1872, when Meriwether Lewis, the grandson of William Clark—of the famous Lewis and Clark—paid Europe a visit. During his stay, Clark attended the Epsom Derby in England, a popular race run since the late 1700’s, and also associated with the French Jockey Club, a group that introduced another well-known horse race called the Grand Prix de Paris Longchamps. Clark was instantly inspired by the spectacles of his travels, and upon his return, was inclined to create a horse racing event of his own that will take place in the States. With the aid of his uncle’s John and Henry Churchill, who provided Clark with the necessary land to develop a racetrack, and by formulating a collection of race fans to be named the Louisville Jockey Club, Clark and his new organization raised funds to construct permanent holding grounds for the races in Louisville, Kentucky. On May 17, …show more content…
From shortening the race’s distance, the addition of traditions like draping a garland of roses on the winning horse, all the way to the growing number of fans, the Kentucky Derby continues to move with the chances of time, but still honoring the integrity of the race commenced by Meriwether Lewis Clark.
Of course, the Kentucky Derby is nothing without the presence of wagers alongside the horses. Placing bets on horse races is just as historic as the race itself. From ancient civilizations across the globe to the betting windows of the sought-after horse racing event, the desire to bet on the fastest horse remains the same.
There are three types of bets commonly employed by gamblers, including the