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Tag: Kentucky Derby

  • Anna Nicole Smith: Daughter Dannielynn Birkhead Looks Just Like Her

    Anna Nicole Smith would no doubt be proud of her daughter, eight-year-old Dannielynn Birkhead. She grows to look more like her late mom with every passing year.

    As has been customary for the past five years, Larry Birkhead–who is raising his and Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter–dressed Dannielynn up to the nines and brought her to the Kentucky Derby this past weekend.

    According to a report from Us Weekly, Dannielynn Birkhead wore a pastel pink Monsoon dress and matching headband to the Kentucky Derby. Dad Larry Birkhead matched his little girl perfectly, sporting a pink jacket and tie.

    “It took me two months to get my daughter’s outfit together–shopping, and mixing and matching,” Larry Birkhead said.

    In true Anna Nicole Smith form, Dannielynn even picked out her dad’s Kentucky Derby ensemble.

    “She had my outfit ready–she said, ‘Dad, you have to wear this outfit,’ then she said ‘It doesn’t look right, you’ll embarrass me, so wear this [instead],’” Birkhead added.

    It’s easy to see that Dannielynn Birkhead is growing up with plenty of love and attention–and that her dad isn’t neglecting the special fashion attention that Anna Nicole Smith would have wanted him to pay to their daughter. Whenever the two are spotted in public, Dannielynn looks like a million bucks.

    Anna Nicole Smith died of a drug overdose at the age of 39, back in 2007. Dannielynn was just a baby at the time of her passing.

  • Dannielynn Birkhead at Kentucky Derby With Dad Larry–Looks Just Like Mom, Anna Nicole Smith

    Dannielynn Birkhead, the daughter of the late Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead, was at the Kentucky Derby this weekend with her dad. The eight-year-old grows to look more like her famous mom with each passing year.

    Always a little fashion plate, Dannielynn Birkhead was dressed to the nines for the Kentucky Derby, sporting a pastel pink Monsoon dress and matching headband, as reported by Us Weekly.

    Dad Larry Birkhead matched his little girl perfectly, as he sported a pink jacket at tie that more than rose to the festive occasion.

    With Louisville being their hometown, this is the fifth year in a row that Larry and Dannielynn Birkhead have appeared together at Churchill Downs. Larry spoke to the Courier-Journal the night before the big race.

    “It took me two months to get my daughter’s outfit together – shopping, and mixing and matching,” he said while at the Derby’s Barnstable Brown Gala–the night before he and his daughter walked the red carpet.

    He says Dannielynn picked his outfit out.

    “She had my outfit ready–she said, ‘Dad, you have to wear this outfit,’ then she said ‘It doesn’t look right, you’ll embarrass me, so wear this [instead],’” Larry Birkhead said.

    It’s plain to see that little Dannielynn Birkhead is growing up with plenty of love and attention–and that her dad isn’t neglecting the fashion attention her mom would have wanted him to pay to their daughter. Whenever the father-daughter duo are spotted in public, Dannielynn is dressed like a million bucks.

  • Rob Gronkowski Dubbed Honorary Kentucky Derby Winner, What Was He Wearing?

    Rob Gronkowski was dubbed one of the honorary Kentucky Derby winners on Saturday–at least in the fashion race. The New England Patriots tight end drew more looks that even the most fascinating fascinators.

    Donning a plaid suit and white hat, Rob Gronkowski attended the Kentucky Derby alongside fellow Patriots players Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola–among others. And while all of the guys dressed the part, no one dressed quite like Rob Gronkowski.

    Hopefully Gronk doesn’t decide to leave the NFL any time soon, and pursue a career in the fashion industry.

    GQ dissed Tom Brady’s Kentucky ensemble. They felt if he wasn’t going to go ‘full Gronk,’ he should have at least worn a tie–the right way. Do you suppose Tom’s look embarrassed wife Gisele Bundchen?

    What’s your take on Rob Gronkowski and his outfit of choice for the Kentucky Derby? Hopefully he doesn’t rub off on his team members–at least where his fashion choices are concerned.

  • Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir’s Expertise (And Fashion Sense) Land Them Top Figure Skating Spot for NBC

    Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski have been promoted from their secondary roles to become the top figure skating broadcast team for NBC.

    After attracting attention for their rapport and fashion sense at the Sochi Olympics, NBC announced on Wednesday that the duo would be the commentators for the 2018 Olympics in South Korea, making the former Olympians TV’s most visible personalities of the games.

    They’ll start their new gig alongside play-by-play announcer Terry Gannon on Sunday during NBC’s telecast of the Skate America competition.

    Weir and Lipinski became an instant sensation in Sochi last winter, when they announced live daytime broadcasts with Gannon on NBC Sports’ cable network. Weir, in particular, drew a large fan-following as many viewers tuned in to see what crazy outfit he would be wearing.

    ”We absolutely cherish this opportunity to bring figure skating to people,” Weir said. ”When we talk it is more like a conversation between us and the audience.”

    The three are replacing Scott Hamilton, Sandra Bezic and Tom Hammond, who were NBC’s lead figure skating announcers at four Olympics starting in 2002.

    Hamilton, a 1984 gold medalist who called three other Winter Olympics for CBS, will remain as a special contributor to NBC at big figure skating events, including the Olympics in South Korea.

    ”We take skating very seriously,” Lipinski said, ”but at the same time you really want to be real about what the sport is. If you call it as you see it, I think that is what the audience likes, and Johnny and I have to keep on that path.”

    After the Olympics, three-time U.S. figure skating champion Weir and 1998 Olympic gold medal-winner Lipinski also became a part of the fashion coverage for the Academy Awards and the Kentucky Derby.

    ”Any additional events are just icing on the cake,” said Lipinski.

  • Wes Welker: Should He Pay Back The Money?

    Wes Welker: Should He Pay Back The Money?

    Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker was one of the thousands of people to attend the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs this year, and was seen handing out $100 bills to strangers after winning a bet.

    Welker sent a friend to collect his winnings. He was supposed to receive $42,295.35 but instead was given $57,193.90; that is a difference of $14,000.

    “An individual believed to be a member of Wes Welker’s group on Kentucky Derby day was the beneficiary of an overpayment north of $14,000 on a wager due to a tote malfunction,” Darren Rogers, the Churchill Downs spokesman, said in a statement. “In turn, a letter has been sent to that individual in an attempt to resolve the error.”

    Even though it was not Welker’s fault, many people think he should return the money. However, according to Kentucky administrative regulations, he is not required to. The regulations state that if there is an overpayment, the track is responsible and the patron is not required to repay the money.

    “It is our mistake and we are not worried about the recovery of the money,” Rogers said. “We hope they come back to Churchill Downs and wager that $14,000 next year.”

    Welker revealed that he did not realize that he had been overpaid. He said he could have been underpaid and he never would have known the difference. And, as for the $100 bills, he said that he handed them out rather than signing hundreds of autographs.

    “People wanted autographs and pictures coming down, so I was like, ‘Hey, wouldn’t $100 be nicer?’” Welker said. “And they were like, ‘Yes.’ I was like, ‘Perfect. So, here you go.’”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • California Chrome Winner of Kentucky Derby

    California Chrome is the winner of the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby. The 2 to 1 favorite as he entered the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs, the odds weren’t in this horse’s favor. He is trained by a 77-year-old man named Art Sherman who never trained a Kentucky Derby horse before. In addition California Chrome never raced outside of California–his home state. To top off the unusual win, the horse is owned by a couple of guys who call their stable ‘Dumb Ass Partnership.’

    No one ever said dumb asses couldn’t win–right? California Chrome more than proved that on Saturday evening. Coming in for a second place finish at the Kentucky Derby was Commanding Curve.

    Danza–named after actor Tony Danza–came in third place.

    The win marked the second for California Chrome’s jockey Victor Espinoza. It also means Art Sherman is now the oldest trainer to ever win the Kentucky Derby.

    “He gave me the biggest thrill I’ve ever had in my life,” Sherman said following the exciting win.

    Dumb Asses Steve Coburn and Perry Martin (do you think they use that title?) were offered $6 million for 51 percent ownership of California Chrome prior to the Kentucky Derby today, but they turned the offer down, hoping instead for a Kentucky Derby win.

    And they got it, too, along with $1.4 million. That definitely makes them smart asses instead–right?

    “We’ll see you all in Maryland, and then we’ll see you all in New York,” Coburn told NBC after the race, referring to the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and Belmont Stakes in New York, the final two legs of horse racing’s Triple Crown. “Yes, we’re going. We’re going. Why not?”

    Congratulations to Dumb Ass Stables owners Coburn and Perry, along with trainer Art Sherman–but most of all to California Chrome who is the new Kentucky Derby victor.

    Image via Twitter

  • Hoppertunity Out of Kentucky Derby Due to Injury

    With just days to go before the “Run for fhe Roses,” Kentucky Derby contender Hoppertunity was withdrawn from the big race. According to a Brisnet report, Hoppertunity will not run in the 140th Kentucky Derby due to an injury to one of the horse’s front feet.

    Hoppertunity’s trainers reportedly noticed a bruise on the horse on Wednesday before the horse’s pre-race training. The same injury was noticed on Thursday and Hoppertunity’s owners the decided to pull the horse from the race. According to Brisnet, Hoppertunity is now being examined at an equine hospital in Lexington, Kentucky.

    Hoppertunity’s trainer, Bob Baffert, said that the decision was made to ensure the horse is ready for the Preakness Stakes later this month. He believes that the injury might have been sustained during training on Monday, when the horse worked out on a very wet track at Churchill Downs. He also stated that Hoppertunity is “fine” and that the vet check-up is simply a precaution to make sure the injury isn’t anything more serious than a foot bruise.

    Baffert’s stables are well-known for training winning thoroughbreds. Baffert-trained horses have won three Kentucky Derby races over the past two decades and five Preakness Stakes races.

    Owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman, Hoppertunity was one of the favorites going into Saturday’s big race. The horse was seeing 6 to 1 odds on Wednesday, the second favorite behind California Chrome, the horse that beat Hoppertunity by over five lengths in last month’s Santa Anita Derby.

    Wicked Strong will now be the second favorite among Kentucky Derby contenders on Saturday with current odds of 6 to 1. Other horses favored as strong contenders include Samraat, Danza, and Intense Holiday.

    Hoppertunity’s removal from the race allows Pablo del Monte to enter the Kentucky Derby. If Pablo del Monte’s owners enter the horse into the race, it will run at 50 to 1 odds.

    Image via NDN

  • Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir Reunite for Derby

    Tara Lipinski will offer her opinion on fashion this weekend when she and Johnny Weir appear in pre-recorded segments together during the airing of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

    Lipinski and Weir started their commentator routine during the Sochi Winter Olympics this year, then took it to the red carpet for the Oscars. Now their skills are being tapped for the famous horse race.

    Fashion and horses don’t typically go together, but at Churchill Downs they do, especially in the form of hats.

    “Obviously the race is the most important part of day and that’s why everyone’s there. But I think that what’s so great about sports is that nowadays … there’s so much more entertainment that’s a part of the event,” said Lipinski on a conference call this week. “And, you know, the race is two minutes. But so many people come and so many people put so much thought into what they’re going to wear.”

    Watch the pair in action:

    You won’t find any snarky comments here about what people are wearing, says Weir. He and Lipinski are celebrating the artwork of it all.

    “I think that’s what is so amazing about the Olympics and the Kentucky Derby, as an example, that there is drinking and partying and fashion and celebrity and all of these things that go into it,” said Weir on a call. “It’s not just an NHL or NFL or NBA game that happens almost every night and there’s some tall man shooting a ball in a basket almost every night on my television. These are actual cultural events and that’s what makes the fashion side of things so exciting.”

    According to Weir, the styles to look for at the Derby include spring colors and pastels, such as orange, emerald, or mint green. And of course, the hats — big, beautiful and brightly colored.

    “The hat is the most fun part,” Lipinski declared. “And I can’t really think of any other event, especially a sporting event, where the hat is the main focal point, and pretty much makes the entire outfit.”

    Image via Tara Lipiniski, Twitter

  • Rosie Napravnik To Ride in Derby, Despite Suspension

    “I don’t get nervous. I’m pretty calm.”

    On Saturday, jockey Rosie Napravnik will attempt to become the first woman to win the Kentucky Derby. However, after Saturday, she will serve a 4-day suspension.

    Louisville’s Churchill Downs stewards punished Napravnik for her in role in the disqualification of horse Bayern from first to second place in the Derby Trial last weekend.

    This came after Embellishing Bob jockey Brian Herdandez, Jr. lodged an objection against Napravnik, claiming that she and Bayern made contact with his horse in the final furlong. Upon review, stewards agreed and changed the order of the finish, putting Napravnik and Bayern in second place behind Herdandez and Embellishing Bob.

    Originally, she would have received a 3-day suspension, but the extra day was added because she is being allowed to ride in the Kentucky Derby this weekend.

    26-year old Napravnik began her racing career in 2005 and has since been consistently ranked among the top jockeys in North America in earnings and total races won.

    In 2012 Napravnik was the first woman to win the Kentucky Oaks. She then went on to finish fifth-place in the 2013 Kentucky Derby and third-place in the Preakness Stakes.

    Born into a horse-centered family, it is no surprise that Napravnik decided at the age of seven to become a Triple Crown race jockey. Her father is a specialist in equine hoof care (a farrier) and her mother ran a boarding and training stable as well as trained event horses.

    Standing at 5 ft 1 inch tall and weighing in at 133 pounds, Napravnik stands up to the male jockey world with ease.

    “Other jockeys might underestimate my ability to be aggressive in a race,” she said. “Until they ride with me. Then they’re like, ‘Ohhhh, OK.’”

    “When she’s coming at you [on the track] we don’t say, ‘Here comes the girl,’” says veteran jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, who rode against Napravnik at Keeneland in Lexington, KY. “She’s a very good rider. She places horses in the right spot where they need to be.”

    At the Kentucky Derby this weekend, Napravnik will be riding Vicar’s in Trouble. She doesn’t plan to appeal the suspension, which she will serve May 8-11.


    Image via Facebook

  • Kentucky Derby 2014 Kicks Off on Saturday

    Kentucky Derby 2014 Kicks Off on Saturday

    The 140th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place this Saturday. At 6:24 pm EDT some of the best racehorses from around the world will compete to take home the rose blanket.

    Derby hopefuls have already begun arriving at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky in preparation for the race. As of today 23 horses are set to run the race, with plenty of runner-up candidates ready to take their place should the unforeseen occur.

    The current Derby favorite is California Chrome, a 3-year-old thoroughbred that won this year’s Santa Anita Derby by over five lengths. California Chrome has won his last four races in a row and is scheduled to have Derby-winning jockey Victor Espinoza on his back during the Derby.

    California Chrome is currently on it way to Louisville from California – a state the horse has never left. Chrome’s trainer, Art Sherman, believes that the horse will weather the long flight just fine.

    “I think he’ll walk on that airplane tomorrow morning and think nothing of it,” said Sherman. “He’ll just get on and go. And when he gets to Churchill Downs, he’ll look around and know he’s at a racetrack and feel right at home. That’s the way he is.

    “I guess there are things I should be concerned about given our situation, but one thing I’m not is how this horse is going to handle his trip down there. Chrome will deal with it just fine. I’m not worried about that at all.”

    While California Chrome leads the betting pool, other favorites such as Wicked Strong, Hoppertunity, Samraat, and Danza are also contenders for the Derby title. At the other end of the spectrum horses such as Vinceremos, Pablo Del Monte, and Harry’s Holiday are longshots to win the race.

    As the horses and trainers work feverishly to prepare for the race, horse racing fans across the country are making their own preparations for Derby day. Social media is full of fans who are watching the contenders closely while preparing their Mint Juleps:

    Post by Better Recipes.

    Image via Kentuckytourism.com

  • Tara Lipinski And Johnny Weir Set To Cover Kentucky Derby For NBC

    The most talked about stars at the 2014 Sochi Olympics were Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, but take note that the two did not compete in any events during the Olympics. The duo captured the audience’s approval for commentating on ice skating events instead.

    Lipinski won an Olympic gold medal for figure skating at the age of 15, while Weir is a three-time US national champion figure skater.

    According to retired figure skater, Lipinski, she always loved fashion, just like Weir. “We’ve always loved loud fashion and sort of bonded over it,” she said.

    After the successful commentary they provided at the Sochi Olympics a few months ago, the two have now been asked by NBC to comment on the fashion at the Kentucky Derby, which is an ideal event for them, as everyone knows that the annual event covers a bit of the race, and a lot of the fashion. Celebrities and other well-known personalities attend the derby each year.

    Both Lipinski and Weir are a bit familiar with ponies. Lipinski rode horses when she was younger, and Weir used to compete in equestrian events. This is not the first time Weir is attending the Kentucky Derby. According to reports, he was in attendance at the 2010 derby and even betted on the winning horse.

    Weir expressed his excitement over their upcoming engagement on Twitter. However, he also mentioned that he’s not a big sports fan. Weir said that he loves figure skating and his job, but he would prefer to “run in the meadows and chase butterflies.”

    The Kentucky Derby is the perfect event for the duo to cover. They will get the chance to give their fashion-forward critique of the stylish outfits and hats that will be filling the seats at the occasion.

    The 2014 Kentucky Derby will be aired on NBC on May 3.

    Image via YouTube

  • Tara Lipinski Will Team Up With Johnny Weir Again

    Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir were such a huge hit at this year’s Sochi Olympic Games that the duo have been asked to do some fashion commentary for NBC during the Kentucky Derby.

    The figure-skating friends gave Olympics viewers a treat earlier this year with their witty banter during the performances, and Weir made headlines nearly every day with his fashion choices. Lipinski says the two of them bonded over a mutual love of out-there clothing.

    “We’ve always loved loud fashion and sort of bonded over it. The whole Olympics experience was a bit of a surprise. We came in and were focused on doing a good job as rookies. But we’re young and we like to have fun. The fashion was specifically for us every day and it was like,’Oh, people are watching. This is fun,’” she said.

    For NBC, the choice was a no-brainer; last year’s Derby brought in a slew of female viewers, a far cry from the old days when horse racing was mostly a male-dominated event.

    “It’s not just a two-minute race,” said Rob Hyland of NBC Sports Group. “Of course, the two-minute race is extremely important, but our job is to capture the venue and the day – it’s a huge celebration — as creatively and poignantly as possible.”

    Kentucky Derby fashion is widely varied and is based around sometimes beautiful, sometimes outrageous hats, and as Weir tweeted, he’ll be wearing one for the big day. He takes his fashion choices very seriously, however, when it comes time to work.

    “We’ve been having conversations since the fall about how I was going to appear in Sochi,” Weir told Access Hollywood earlier this year. “They said go for it, do whatever you want, just on our air, no fur. And that’s something I can understand. I said I don’t think it’s really appropriate [to wear fur on the air]. Fur is a very distinct decision that a person makes, they support it or don’t. I don’t want to be in a position to throw [NBC] under the bus if people get upset.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Anna Nicole Smith: Daughter Goes All Out For KY Derby

    Anna Nicole Smith’s daughter, Dannielynn, has made appearances on the Kentucky Derby red carpet before, but this year she outdid herself in the outfit department, and her dad played along.

    6-year old Dannielynn must have a fondness for flying nannies, because she wanted to dress as Mary Poppins for the event. But she didn’t go it alone; her dad, Larry Birkhead, dressed as Dick Van Dyke’s character from the film, Bert. The duo had their costumes custom made for the night and Dannielynn was glowing as she posed for photographers. She’s had some experience; last year, Dannielynn was chosen to be the face of Guess Kids, following in her famous mom’s footsteps.

    Image: Twitter

  • Dannielynn Birkhead Dresses Up for the Kentucky Derby

    Dannielynn Birkhead, the five-year daughter of Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead, made a rare appearance at this year’s Kentucky Derby in Louisville. Wearing a flowery hat and a floral dress, the little girl seemed to enjoy her time at Churchill Downs over the weekend. She looks like a happy, well-adjusted little girl, which is good considering the vast amount of extreme sadness that swept over her life during her infancy.

    Birkhead, who was eager to separate his daughter from the lifestyle that ultimately claimed the life of her mother, decided move Dannielynn back to his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. Her mother, as you may recall, died when she was just five months old. His eagerness to keep her away from the madness and mayhem that consumed her family is entirely understandable.

    However, nothing from the past seemed to darken their Derby Day experience.

    Dannielynn spent the day with her father, checking out horses and attempting to navigate the tricky waters of the Turf Club. The little girl’s visit to Churchill Downs must have been bittersweet for Larry, as this was the place where he met Dannielynn’s mother back in 2004.

    When asked how his daughter was enjoying the event, Birkhead stated, “She is having a great day but is more excited to go to Toys ‘R’ Us after the race.” Strangely, I can totally relate to that. However, something tells me that Dannielynn and her father will be back next year.

    Image courtesy of Radar Online

    (image)@AngelicaMunster
    Angelica Vøn Münster    Anna Nicole’s daughter is so pretty, I hope she grows up to be like the southern belle version of Frances Bean http://t.co/8dVmheO2(image) 12 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@SorayaRoberts
    Soraya Roberts    5 yrs after anna nicole smith died, daughter, dannielynn (/w puppet friend) looks cute as buttons at kentucky derby: http://t.co/U3otrXSa(image) 1 day ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@LINAMAROUN
    Lina Maroun    time flies -Anna Nicole Smith’s 5-year-old daughter Dannielynn Birkhead,attend the Kentucky Derby! Shes so adorable! http://t.co/dWElWFOI(image) 20 minutes ago via TweetCaster for Android ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

  • Kentucky Derby 138: Ky’s Most Exciting Two Minutes

    Dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports”, the Kentucky Derby is an event steeped in tradition that draws people from all over the world every year. Kentuckians have grown up with those traditions–which include outrageous hats, cigars, and mint juleps–and most can’t help but look forward to the day that sees the 20 best race horses vie for the garland of roses.

    This year for the 138th Derby, many of the contenders have impressive resumes, including several trophy and championship winners. While “Union Rags” is the overall favorite to win this year, “Hansen”–a gorgeous all-white horse with a fairy-tale look–is widely regarded as perhaps the most interesting one in the group.

    Like any other year, 2012 has seen many celebrities in attendance at Churchill Downs, including Cyndi Lauper, Debra Messing, Ice-T, and Terry O’Quinn. R&B singer Mary J. Blige belted out the National Anthem in a rose-red dress and matching hat, garnering whistles and raucous applause after she hit several high notes.

    Viewers are placing their bets, both at home and at the track:

    (image)@bignliddle
    BigNLiddle    Picked my number for our betting for the Kentucky derby…my horse is at gate 9 http://t.co/kmdVGkaL(image) 2 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@hall126
    ryan    jennifer love hewitt is picking hansen to win the kentucky derby because of mmbop, i love her(image) 3 minutes ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@KyleMiller89
    Kyle Miller    Still don’t understand how a 2 minute race can have a 6 hour pregame. That said, for the Kentucky Derby, rooting for the IA horse Dullahan!(image) 1 minute ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@bttopo
    Beth Duncan    Wow. RT @darrenrovell: Owner of the winning Kentucky Derby horse gets $1,459,600. That’s up 46% from a decade ago.(image) 2 minutes ago via HootSuite ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@jjwilly2000
    John Jay Willoughby    Watching the Kentucky Derby so do you bet the Horse or the Jockey??? Hard not to bet on the Jockey he controls the entire race?(image) 3 minutes ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@JDRUMMM
    J.D. Youngblood    Before I die. I’m going to go to the kentucky derby.(image) 4 minutes ago via Twitter for Android ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

  • Kentucky Derby on Twitter: Picks and Mint Juleps

    The Kentucky Derby is anyone’s race. Unless you get a freak of nature horse like Secretariat, the race could be run over and over again with a different result every time. That doesn’t stop people from using every resource and method out there for picking their favorites.

    One method is probably as good as another. Some people just choose the prettiest horse. Others choose the one with the best name. Some people spend weeks watching the favorites and analyzing post positions to get their gambling strategy down to a “science”.

    What ever your strategy is, we can all agree that it is the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. Twitter is abuzz with the latest picks, betting strategies, and general hoopla that always comes with the first Saturday in May. Who knows, you could even use a betting strategy revolving around which horses are trending the most.

    (image)@richardroeper
    Richard Roeper    My picks for the 2012 Kentucky Derby:
    1. Went the Day Well
    2. Daddy Nose Best
    3. Dullahan
    4. Sabercat(image) 2 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@KimiCouture
    Kim Couture    Hoping for clear weather during the race tomorrow! Pulling for Union Rags, Dullahan, & Bodemeister as top 3 #KentuckyDerby(image) 11 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@Kenny_Mayne
    Kenny Mayne    I’m saying it only once–Creative Cause. @randy_moss_TV @JBM84(image) 15 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@superterrific
    dana byerly    my mom’s #KYDerby tri: Gemologist, Alpha, Union Rags… not bad!(image) 2 hours ago via Hibari ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@jimrome
    Jim Rome    Bob Baffert came into The Jungle & broke down Bodemeister’s chances in the Kentucky Derby. http://t.co/se798JOi(image) 13 hours ago via Tweet Button ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@KendrickColeman
    Kendrick Coleman    It’s 7:09AM. I think it’s about Mint Julep time.(image) 5 hours ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@chicagofoodies
    Chicago Foodies    The Cinco de Mayo Mint Julep- Better than the Hamtini? http://t.co/WpQg29dd(image) 10 minutes ago via TypePad ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@WolfFratPack
    WolfFratPack    Just met Bob Baffert. Nice guy. #KentuckyDerby(image) 2 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@StarJonesEsq
    Star Jones    You’d think I was a #bookie…the way I have all my papers, notes & tip sheets spread all around me getting ready for the #KentuckyDerby.LOL(image) 3 hours ago via Twitter for iPad ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@jbacott
    Josh Bacott     Really cool to see that the horse from The Neverending Story landed in the 2012 #KentuckyDerby – http://t.co/sMBzI2WN(image) 2 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@lindseyvonn
    lindsey vonn    Early morning for me…but headed to the Kentucky Derby so it’s worth it!! Excited for fast horses and crazy hats 🙂
    #kentuckyderby(image) 1 hour ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@BloombergTV
    Bloomberg TV     #KentuckyDerby: The horse in post position 10 has the highest winning % in the history of the race: http://t.co/t63Rm5Md(image) 35 minutes ago via HootSuite ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@EJXD2
    Ed DeRosa    Daddy Nose Best or Daddy Long Legs winning #KYDerby would unleash a flurry of puns that even I don’t think I could handle(image) 2 days ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@dbbiles
    Deirdre B. Biles    I have $50 to bet for my Dad on Take Charge Indy. He has never forgotten when I didn’t place the bet he wanted on Mine That Bird.(image) 1 hour ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

  • Kentucky Oaks Jockey Robby Albarado Arrested For Assault

    Tomorrow is the first Saturday in May, and in the state of Kentucky, that only means one thing: The Kentucky Derby. While the race itself takes front and center, the entire weekend–Friday included–is devoted to all things horses, racing, mint juleps, and hats, which makes the news of jockey Robby Albarado’s arrest something of a trending topic.

    The jockey was arrested in Louisville for fourth-degree assault.

    One of the preliminary races, the Kentucky Oaks, while not as well known as the Derby, has a nice following, especially with horse enthusiasts. While Albarado was not scheduled to race in tomorrow’s centerpiece event, he was scheduled to race in today’s big race, something that clearly won’t be happening.

    Thanks to the his active Twitter account, those who were interested in the Albarado story were kept abreast by Louisville Courier-Journal equine reporter, Gregory Hall. Hall’s informative tweets demonstrate why print media has become a luxury, as opposed to a necessity. His Twitter timeline reads both like a police blotter and a reactionary piece:

    (image)@gregoryahall
    Gregory Hall    RT @courierjournal: Jockey Robby Albarado arrersted, won’t ride in Kentucky Oaks #kyoaks http://t.co/VZp2kUwm(image) 1 hour ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@gregoryahall
    Gregory Hall    Trainer Steve Margolis says John Velazquez will ride Bouquet Booth in R5. Albarado had been named to ride. #KyOaks(image) 1 hour ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@gregoryahall
    Gregory Hall    Margolis says he’s “surprised and disappointed” re: Albarado. “He really seemed to be in a really happy place.” #KyOaks #Albarado(image) 1 hour ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@gregoryahall
    Gregory Hall    Charges for #Albarado are fourth-degree assault, domestic violence, the sheriff’s spokesman said. http://t.co/EGDFEn4S(image) 1 hour ago via TweetDeck ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    It should also be noted, Albarado was arrested in 2011 for assaulting his wife. No word if this is a repeat offense, although, considering he was arrested at his home, it’s easy to guess where the speculation lies.

    [Via Bloodhorse.com and SBNation]

  • Windows Phone To Sponsor Kentucky Derby Favorite

    Microsoft wants to give two Kentucky Derby fans Nokia Lumia 900s as part of this year’s Run for the Roses. Ramon Dominguez, who will be in the Derby atop Hansen, the current favorite, will be wearing the Windows Phone logo on his silks.

    Hansen is a bit unique, in that he is the only white horse to be entered in the Derby this year – or in the past several years, for that matter. As part of their sponsorship, Microsoft will also be giving away two white Lumia 900 smartphones. To enter, you must have a Twitter account and follow the official Windows Phone Twitter account. All you have to do is send them a tweet with the hashtag #TrifectaTweet with your trifecta (which horses you think will come in first, second, and third).

    Fortunately, you don’t actually have to get the trifecta in order to win the contest. In fact, according to the official rules, you don’t technically have to list your trifecta at all, you just have to send a tweet with the hashtag. Entries are limited to one per person and Twitter handle, so don’t bother spamming them with lots of tweets.

    You can enter any time between now and 5 PM Pacific time on Saturday, May 5th. The winner will be randomly selected around the end of the entry period and the two phones will be delivered sometime within the next 4-8 weeks.

    The 138th Kentucky Derby will be run on Saturday, May 5th.

  • Mary J. Blige To Sing National Anthem At Kentucky Derby 138

    It was announced today that Mary J. Blige will sing the National Anthem prior to the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. Blige, who has been dubbed the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”, is scheduled to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” around 5:10 p.m. ET, just following the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, which is the race that precedes the Kentucky Derby. Blige follows Jordin Sparks who had the honor of singing it during the 2011 running.

    The Kentucky Derby informed their fans today that Mary J. Blige would be singing the National Anthem, via Twitter:

    (image)@KentuckyDerby
    Kentucky Derby    Mary J. Blige will be the National Anthem singer at Kentucky Derby 138! She will sing at approximately 5pm ET on May 5! http://t.co/ixkVUTdu(image) 4 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    KentuckyDerby.com gives a good breakdown on Blige’s career:

    A singer/songwriter from the age of 18, Blige introduced her debut album, “What’s the 411,” in 1992. With two R&B No. 1 hits, “You Remind Me” and “Real Love,” the album immediately went multi-platinum. Together with her follow-up albums, eight of which have gone multi-platinum, Blige’s work has achieved worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. She has garnered nine Grammy Awards (out of a staggering 29 nominations) and four American Music Awards. Currently in release is her 10th studio album, “My Life II. . .The Journey Continues (Act 1),” a sequel to her highly successful 1994 classic “My Life.” “My Life II” includes the cornerstone track “Living Proof,” which was featured as the closing song for the hit movie “The Help” and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Guest artists featured on “My Life II” include Drake, Busta Rhymes and Beyonce. Blige co-wrote “I Can See Color” for the soundtrack of the 2009 movie “Precious.” In June, she will appear in “Rock of Ages,” the theatrical version of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical, with stars Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Catherine Zeta Jones.

    News of Blige’s Kentucky Derby appearance began to spread around Twitter, and some took it as time to knock here for her recent Burger King snafu:

    (image)@turfnsport
    Michael Dempsey    Mary J Blige will sing the national anthem at the #kyderby. Get your mute button, ooops, I mean DVR ready.(image) 4 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@jeanninee12
    jeannine edwards    Wow, Mary J. Blige is going to sing National Anthem at the KY Derby. Cool(image) 4 hours ago via web ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@Mica4Life
    Mica    Mary J Blige’s gonna sing the anthem at Kentucky Derby…I know there’s a chicken wrap joke in there somewhere, give me a few seconds…(image) 16 minutes ago via Twitter for iPhone ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    (image)@jaisongardner
    Jaison A. Gardner    Wow, Mary J. Blige is sining the National Anthem at the Kentucky Derby this year. I’m very surprised that KY chose an urban entertainer.(image) 3 minutes ago via Samsung Mobile ·  Reply ·  Retweet ·  Favorite · powered by @socialditto

    Churchill Downs will conduct the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2012.

  • Kentucky Derby Most “Buzzed” About Of Triple Crown

    It’s almost the first Saturday in May in Kentucky, which means one thing and one thing only: Horse racing is king for a day. The first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown takes place tomorrow as the Kentucky Derby prepares to run for the 137th time. Essentially, it’s an all-day party in Louisville, one that’s filled with celebrities, exotic hats, and mint juleps. Not only that, but it’s the most popular portion of the Triple Crown, even though it’s the event’s first leg, something research at Nielsen indicates quite nicely.

    According to their report, the buzz surrounding the Kentucky Derby exceeds both the Preakness and the Belmont. While the measurements compare 2010 to 2009, the indicate the Derby is the early leader in 2011:

    Comparing U.S. buzz about the Triple Crown races, Nielsen found that the Kentucky Derby had the most buzz in 2009 and 2010, and is off to an early lead in 2011. Close behind the Derby’s buzz is the Belmont Stakes, which despite being the final race in the series makes up significantly more buzz than the Preakness Stakes.

    Triple Crown Buzz

    The high buzz rating for the Kentucky Derby also translates to an increased viewership in regards to its televised broadcast. Nielsen indicates the race drew 16.5 million viewers in 2010. Unfortunately, the Derby’s potential popularity for 2011 took a hit when it was announced suspected favorite Uncle Mo was scratched from the race:

    Uncle Mo Tweet

    Nevertheless, the Derby is still a popular subject going into the weekend, including Twitter. While it’s not currently a trending topic, the search for “Kentucky Derby” finds a great deal of tweets, and since it’s not a trend, most of these communiques have legitimate content. So get out your bourbon, your crazy hats and your gambling shoes and get ready to enjoy “the fastest two minutes in sports.”

    Lead image courtesy.

  • Bing Gears Up For The Kentucky Derby

    The Kentucky Derby is a huge deal for Louisville, Kentucky, with all sorts of people who would otherwise never visit flying in and spending lots of cash.  And the Derby’s at least a noteworthy event for Bing, too, with the folks behind Microsoft’s "decision engine" preparing some special instant answers.

    At the time of writing, Google and Yahoo aren’t offering anything similar, which could give Bing a nice edge.  Even if people don’t make a permanent change, they may switch search engines for a day knowing that they’ll get more relevant results.

    As for what, exactly, Bing’s doing to mark the Derby, a post on the Bing Search Blog explained this week, "If you are looking for the Kentucky Derby details Bing provides an instant answer that will give you the information to the event as well as some useful links to the race contenders, tickets, and fashion."

    The post also suggested, "Make sure to check back after the race for the instant answers with all the race results as well."

    It should be interesting to see if what’ve been described as the greatest two minutes in sports do Bing any good.