The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continually held sporting event in the U.S., started in 1875. The floral arrangement for the Kentucky Derby winner has been called a wreath, a blanket, and a garland since the first presentation in the 1890s. It uses 500 of the darkest red roses and greenery stitched on a cloth-backed blanket. Corum later served as president of Churchill Downs from 1950-1958.
People go for the most elegant look possible or design their own.
Paintings in past years have captured the charm and nostalgia of the day, including the twin spires or the horses running the first turn. A print series of the painting is sold throughout the event and replicated on t-shirts and souvenirs. Tunnels were constructed under the track in 1937 to provide better patron access to the infield Kentucky Derby. It was developed to showcase Kentucky's breeding history. The steamboat race is held between two boats -the Delta Queen and the Belle of Louisville.