A statue of Barbaro takes pride of place at Churchill Downs. The bay colt captured the hearts of the American public when he won the Kentucky Derby by seven lengths in 2006 -- but then dramatically broke down in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. <em>Words and pictures by CNN's Paul Devitt.</em>
An iconic race —
A statue of Barbaro takes pride of place at Churchill Downs. The bay colt captured the hearts of the American public when he won the Kentucky Derby by seven lengths in 2006 -- but then dramatically broke down in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. Words and pictures by CNN's Paul Devitt.
Paul Devitt/CNN
The Derby traces its rich history back to 1875 when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Junior decided to inaugurate a race in his home state of Kentucky. Clark -- grandson of William Clark of the historic 19th century Lewis and Clark transcontinental expedition -- had been influenced by a visit to England's Epsom Derby.
19th century beginnings —
The Derby traces its rich history back to 1875 when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Junior decided to inaugurate a race in his home state of Kentucky. Clark -- grandson of William Clark of the historic 19th century Lewis and Clark transcontinental expedition -- had been influenced by a visit to England's Epsom Derby.
Paul Devitt/CNN
That very first derby was won by Aristides in front of an estimated crowd of 10,000. Nearly 140 years later, more than 165,000 people flocked to Churchill Downs for a chance to be a part of America's oldest continuous sporting event.
Think big —
That very first derby was won by Aristides in front of an estimated crowd of 10,000. Nearly 140 years later, more than 165,000 people flocked to Churchill Downs for a chance to be a part of America's oldest continuous sporting event.
Paul Devitt/CNN
I'll Have Another cut loose on the home stretch to run down Bodemeister and win the 138th Kentucky Derby on May 5. The colt earned nearly $1.5 million of the $2.2 million purse -- quite a payoff for a horse that was purchased last year for the modest sum of $35,000.
Another win —
I'll Have Another cut loose on the home stretch to run down Bodemeister and win the 138th Kentucky Derby on May 5. The colt earned nearly $1.5 million of the $2.2 million purse -- quite a payoff for a horse that was purchased last year for the modest sum of $35,000.
Paul Devitt/CNN
The race is known as the "Run for the Roses" after the garland of flowers traditionally draped over the winner.
Blooming success —
The race is known as the "Run for the Roses" after the garland of flowers traditionally draped over the winner.
Paul Devitt/CNN
Being in the state of Kentucky you have no choice but to get caught in the hospitality and warmness the locals offer. It has been all about the Derby, or "derrrbee" as they pronounce it.
Welcome to the derrrbee —
Being in the state of Kentucky you have no choice but to get caught in the hospitality and warmness the locals offer. It has been all about the Derby, or "derrrbee" as they pronounce it.
Paul Devitt/CNN
The race is as well known for its fashion as its horses, with hats the key accessory. It's not uncommon for Southern Belles to spend upwards of $10,000 to stand out, show off and out-do all the rest.
Hats off —
The race is as well known for its fashion as its horses, with hats the key accessory. It's not uncommon for Southern Belles to spend upwards of $10,000 to stand out, show off and out-do all the rest.
Paul Devitt/CNN
A punter displays her backing for the racehorse Hansen. As with most iconic events, it's usually the people who come to the event that make it.
Fast fashion —
A punter displays her backing for the racehorse Hansen. As with most iconic events, it's usually the people who come to the event that make it.
Paul Devitt/CNN
In Australia, punters tend to know who they are betting on and often call out the horse's name. But in Kentucky all they need is the horse's number.
Pretty in pink —
In Australia, punters tend to know who they are betting on and often call out the horse's name. But in Kentucky all they need is the horse's number.
Paul Devitt/CNN
These days, Kentucky shares its derby with the world. But it remains, in essence, very local in flavor.
Southern style —
These days, Kentucky shares its derby with the world. But it remains, in essence, very local in flavor.
Paul Devitt/CNN
Once the international racing set leaves Louisville, Churchill Downs returns to its usually low-key self.
A quiet moment —
Once the international racing set leaves Louisville, Churchill Downs returns to its usually low-key self.
Paul Devitt/CNN