The Kentucky Derby: pageantry meets prize money | CNN

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Sports

The Kentucky Derby: pageantry meets prize money

Published 7:58 AM EDT, Thu April 30, 2015
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The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2015 in Louisville.
The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2015 in Louisville.
Inez Torre/CNN
$1.425 million will go to this year's winner.
$1.425 million will go to this year's winner.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Victor Espinoza celebrates in the winner's circle after riding California Chrome (wearing a traditional victor's blanket of 554 red roses) at the 2014 Kentucky Derby. He will attempt to repeat his win this year with  American Pharoah.
Victor Espinoza celebrates in the winner's circle after riding California Chrome (wearing a traditional victor's blanket of 554 red roses) at the 2014 Kentucky Derby. He will attempt to repeat his win this year with American Pharoah.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Egyptian-American Ahmed Zayat, owner of favorite American Pharoah, has three horses racing in this year's Kentucky Derby.  His horses have finished runner-up three times in the past.
Egyptian-American Ahmed Zayat, owner of favorite American Pharoah, has three horses racing in this year's Kentucky Derby. His horses have finished runner-up three times in the past.
Michael Heiman/Getty Images
Kentucky Derby hopeful American Pharaoh has a run over the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Kentucky Derby hopeful American Pharaoh has a run over the track at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Garry Jones/AP
A race fan wearing a festive hat attends the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A race fan wearing a festive hat attends the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Race fans wearing festive hats cheer prior to the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Race fans wearing festive hats cheer prior to the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/File
Race fans look out at the crowds.
Race fans look out at the crowds.
Michael Heiman/Getty Images
A race fan wearing a festive hat and suit attends the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
A race fan wearing a festive hat and suit attends the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/File
California Chrome, ridden by Victor Espinoza, crosses the finish line to win the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
California Chrome, ridden by Victor Espinoza, crosses the finish line to win the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2014 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Rob Carr/Getty Images

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