America's most prestigious horse race, the Kentucky Derby kicks off this Saturday. But who will scoop the 139th edition of the premier competition?
And the winner is... —
America's most prestigious horse race, the Kentucky Derby kicks off this Saturday. But who will scoop the 139th edition of the premier competition?
Elsa/Getty Images/File
For jockey Kevin Krigger, the answer is simple: him. If successful, the 29-year-old from the Virgin Islands will be the first black man to win the race in 111 years. Regardless, he'll be the first African American rider to compete since Marlon St. Julien in 2000.
Kevin Krigger? —
For jockey Kevin Krigger, the answer is simple: him. If successful, the 29-year-old from the Virgin Islands will be the first black man to win the race in 111 years. Regardless, he'll be the first African American rider to compete since Marlon St. Julien in 2000.
Courtesy Kevin Krigger
Jimmy Winkfield was the last black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, taking the title back-to-back in 1901 and 1902. Many of the first African American jockeys had been slaves in the South, working as stable hands and becoming skilled horse handlers.
Forgotten godfathers —
Jimmy Winkfield was the last black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, taking the title back-to-back in 1901 and 1902. Many of the first African American jockeys had been slaves in the South, working as stable hands and becoming skilled horse handlers.
Courtesy Churchill Downs Inc/Kinetic Corporation
Today, Latin American jockeys dominate the sport. Mario Gutierrez (pictured)won last year's derby on I'll Have Another. This weekend, the favorite to win the race is Puerto Rican John Velazquez, with Krigger second favorite.
Latin living —
Today, Latin American jockeys dominate the sport. Mario Gutierrez (pictured)won last year's derby on I'll Have Another. This weekend, the favorite to win the race is Puerto Rican John Velazquez, with Krigger second favorite.
Mark Abraham/Getty Images/File
The Kentucky Derby is as well known for its colorful crowd as the actual sporting event, with around 165,000 filling the Churchill Downs stands each year.
Colorful characters —
The Kentucky Derby is as well known for its colorful crowd as the actual sporting event, with around 165,000 filling the Churchill Downs stands each year.
Rob Carr/Kentucky Derby/File
This year's race will be the first major sporting event in the U.S. following last month's Boston Marathon bombings and security will be on high alert. Coolers, cans, fireworks and camcorders are among the items banned from the infield.
Safety first —
This year's race will be the first major sporting event in the U.S. following last month's Boston Marathon bombings and security will be on high alert. Coolers, cans, fireworks and camcorders are among the items banned from the infield.
Don Emmert/Getty Images/File