Kentucky Derby Essay

For just over a century, people have annually gathered together to watch what some call “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” The Kentucky Derby. Unlike most equestrian disciplines, racing brings all types of people together, the Derby in particular. The Kentucky Derby has evolved into a world renowned event accompanied by rich and everlasting tradition. Beginning on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby in the first race of three that create the United States Triple Crown; the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes being the second and third. Some come for the excitement, others for the infamous partying in the infield, and more for the gambling. No matter if you are tuning in from the seat of your car intently listening to

The original grandstand had been rebuilt after the track fell into some financial troubles, despite the success of the first derby. The new grandstand was designed under William F. Schlute who became the president of the newly incorporated New Louisville Jockey Club during 1894, taking Clark’s spot; Clark still remained as the head judge of the racetrack. The new grandstand would stand on the opposite side of the track and had an estimated cost of $100,000. Joseph Dominic Baldez, a 24-year-old draftsman, was appointed to draw the blueprints for the new grandstand, and the original design did not incorporate the Twin Spires. It was not until later as Baldez had been going through many designs that he decided to put the Twin Spires along the rooftop because he thought the new grandstand needed a more “striking appearance.” When they were designed, however, they were not called the Twin Spires rather just towers; the Kentucky Derby website details the original design, “the hexagonal spires exemplify late 19th century architecture, in which symmetry and balance took precedence over function.” Now the Twin Spires cannot be missed they are a true staple of Churchill Downs, and they are featured in the Churchill Downs’ logo. They remain the greatest and most famous attribute to the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs’