The strains of "My Old Kentucky Home" and the accompanying goosebumps. The southern hospitality. The distinct taste of a mint julep. The thunder of hooves down the stretch as the world's best 3-year-old athletes run toward a garland of roses.

The Kentucky Derby is not the best event on horse racing's calendar. It's an over-crowded test of thoroughbreds who generally have not been raced enough to know which, if any, might beat the odds to become the next Secretariat or Seattle Slew.

But there's a reason fans from all over flock on the first Saturday in May to stately Churchill Downs in Lexington, Ky., for what has been called ""the most exciting two minutes in sports.'' When it comes to glamour, the Derby is one-of-a-kind.

From fancy hats and celebrity sightings in the clubhouse to the hardcore handicappers scouring their notes in the grandstand to the college fraternity-style mayhem in the infield, Derby Day offers something for everyone.

To Kentuckyans and anyone who has experienced Derby day, the first Saturday in May brings not just another sporting event. It brings the sporting event.

- Marty Strasen/TBO.com

DERBY FACTS

WHAT: 131st Kentucky Derby.
WHEN: Saturday, 6:04 p.m.
WHERE: Churchill Downs; Louisville, Ky.
DISTANCE: 1 ‘ miles.
PURSE: $2 million.
TV: WFLA, Channel 8.

ROAD TO THE DERBY

Major 3-year-old prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday:

Date Track Race Winner

2/5 Gulfstream Hutcheson Stakes Proud Accolade
2/5 Gulfstream Holy Bull Stakes Closing Argument
2/12 Fair Grounds Risen Star Stakes Scipion
2/12 Aqueduct Whirlaway Stakes Sort It Out
2/13 Santa Anita San Vicente Stakes Fusaichi Rock Star
2/26 TB Downs Sam F. Davis Stakes Andromeda's Hero
3/5 Gulfstream Fountain of Youth High Fly
3/5 Santa Anita Santa Catalina Declan's Moon
3/5 Gulfstream Swale Stakes Lost in the Fog
3/12 Fair Grounds Louisiana Derby High Limit
3/19 TB Downs Tampa Bay Derby Sun King
3/19 Santa Anita San Felipe Stakes Consolidator
3/19 Aqueduct Gotham Stakes Survivalist
3/19 Oaklawn Park Rebel Stakes Greater Good
3/26 Turfway Park Lane's End Stakes Flower Alley
4/2 Gulfstream Florida Derby High Fly
4/9 Aqueduct Wood Memorial Bellamy Road
4/9 Santa Anita Santa Anita Derby Buzzards Bay
4/9 Hawthorne Illinois Derby Greeley's Galaxy
4/10 Keeneland Lafayette Stakes More Smoke
4/16 Keeneland Blue Grass Stakes Bandini
4/16 Oaklawn Park Arkansas Derby Afleet Alex
4/23 Keeneland Lexington Stakes Coin Silver

JOCKEY SILKS

When horse racing began in 18th century Great Britain, silks were a way for spectators to distinguish the jockeys. During the reign of King Charles II when horse racing debuted on the plains of Hempstead the silks identified the duke or earl that the horse belonged to. In 1762, the English Jockey Club introduced the registration of owner's silks. Each set would be unique to its owner.

The tradition was copied here in the U.S. like many other aspects of horse racing. Some silk designs are simple, with a dominant color and the stable's name written on the back. Diamonds, circles, polka dots and chevrons are popular designs. Some silks include curiosity-raising elements such as a deck of cards, a lightning bolt, or family crests.

The one thing all sets of silks have in common is that they are not made of silk. They used to be, but now are made of nylon. Nylon began replacing silk during World War II. Nylon became popular because it is lighter and more durable.

A set of silks can be made in one to five days after the owner decides on the pattern or design. Each owners' silks are individually made. A typical set costs between $100 and $200. Some more complicated designs can be nore expensive.

IN most places there are no restrictions on how silks can look, but in New York, where the New York Jockey Club regulates colors, the rules are very stringent.

In 2004, jockeys won a lawsuit allowing them to where advertisements on their silks.

HOW A HORSE GETS IN AND OTHER DETAILS