The Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs, Louisville, welcomed 167,000 spectators in 2016, just 3,000 short of the previous year's record.
The Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs, Louisville, welcomed 167,000 spectators in 2016, just 3,000 short of the previous year's record.
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The one and a quarter mile race is one of the highlights of the racing calendar, and has been referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
The one and a quarter mile race is one of the highlights of the racing calendar, and has been referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
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This year sees the 143rd edition of the race, where jockeys will compete for a $2.4 million purse.
This year sees the 143rd edition of the race, where jockeys will compete for a $2.4 million purse.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of three thoroughbred races -- the Triple Crown -- and is run ahead of the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. In 2015, American Pharoah became just the12th horse to win that coveted Triple Crown.
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of three thoroughbred races -- the Triple Crown -- and is run ahead of the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. In 2015, American Pharoah became just the12th horse to win that coveted Triple Crown.
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California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby in 2014 and came close to winning the Triple Crown but fell short at Belmont.
California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby in 2014 and came close to winning the Triple Crown but fell short at Belmont.
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The 2016 Kentucky Derby was won by pre-race favorite Nyquist (center), ridden by Mario Gutierrez.
The 2016 Kentucky Derby was won by pre-race favorite Nyquist (center), ridden by Mario Gutierrez.
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Nyquist, now retired from racing, gets a very public bath after last year's triumph.
Nyquist, now retired from racing, gets a very public bath after last year's triumph.
Aly Vance/CNN
The Kentucky Derby is known to attract famous faces, such as world champion skier Lindsey Vonn.
The Kentucky Derby is known to attract famous faces, such as world champion skier Lindsey Vonn.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for Churchill Downs
The event, like so many other horse races, has a reputation for attracting weird and wonderful head gear.
The event, like so many other horse races, has a reputation for attracting weird and wonderful head gear.
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One of the favorites for the 2017 race, Classic Empire, trains ahead of this year's race.
One of the favorites for the 2017 race, Classic Empire, trains ahead of this year's race.
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Kentucky Derby entrant Patch, which lost its left eye last year, is bathed during morning workouts ahead of the 143rd Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby entrant Patch, which lost its left eye last year, is bathed during morning workouts ahead of the 143rd Kentucky Derby.
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