The excitement is growing as there is only 18 days until the Kentucky Derby - Number 135.
Fast Horses.....Wild Women...the miles and miles of white fences the crazyness that comes with it all.

I first attended the Kentucky Derby was when I was 18 years old in 1974. It was the most exciting event in my 18 years of life. And with it being the 100th anniversary, it was HUGE! Among the crowds were thousands of crazy people, all there for a multitude of reasons. Here is a little history for the 100th Kentucky Derby:

• Largest Crowd in History  - 163,628             
• 290 horses nominated
• 23 Entries to the Derby
• Winner - Cannonade in a time of 2:04
• Winner's portion of the purse - $274,000
• Angel Cordero was the winning jockey
• Winning trainer was Woody Stephens

            
           Pictures Courtesy of Kentucky Derby.com
                          & Churchill Downs

Each year I have attended since 1974 with the exception of 2 years. The experience is sensational and is a must for everyone in their life at least once. .

And yes....that's me in the white sweatshirt holding 2 mint julep glases and having a ball. Man have times changed.

 I think i tried to meet every one of the 163,628 people at the track. As I came into the infield, I entered through the tunnel that runs below the track from the clubhouse. This was my first time I had been to Churchill Downs and was walking wall to wall with people screaming, whistling and drinking as they made their way to the infield. At one time, I actually think I picked up my feet and didnt' fall to the ground because there were so many people packed in like cattle. Holy Cow is all I can say!

The Kentucky Derby is the first Saturday in May. Wasn't always that way but many years ago they changed to the first Saturday in May. The first Derby was held on May 17, 1875 and was won by Aristides. Since then many things have changed, including the name of the track from Louisville Jockey Club to Churchill Downs.

• My predictions each year are usually pretty good. SO the week leading up to the Derby, I will be posting my picks for this years Derby Winners. Among the names of my hottest horses are:
  
  Freisan Fire....I Want Revenge....Pioneer of the Nile...Papa Clem & Quality Road

Thanks for checking out my Derby Fever blog. Until next week.....May the breeze be behind you and your choices in life be positive!

Keith Hoffman
http://LoansAreFree.com