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The 2000 Kentucky Derby took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The winner of the race was Fusaichi Pegasus with a finishing time of 2:01.02.


Importance of the Kentucky Derby

2012 Derby Crowd

The Kentucky Derby is seen by Kentuckians "as important as Christmas" [1] this day unites the state of Kentucky. Whether Kentuckians are at the Derby at Churchill Downs or watching from their living room nearly the whole state watches in unison "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports". [2] The race is not just important in Kentucky or the United States, it's popularity is seen around the globe. [3] People and horses from around the world flock to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday in April to watch the short race. Those who attend the Derby can be seen dressed casually drinking, the official drink of the derby, a mint julep as they watch the races leading up to the main post. The Kentucky Derby brings together people from all over the globe and is by far the biggest sporting event of the year for Kentucky.

Fusaichi Pegasus

Statue of Fusaichi Pegasus

Fusaichi Pegasus was the name of the horse who won the 2000 Kentucky Derby and was ridden by jockey Kent Desormeaux. [4] A large price was paid for Pegasus at Keenland, by a buyer by the name of Fusao Sekiguchi, $4 million was how much was paid for Pegasus. His Buyer, Fusao Sekiguchi claimed "I had to have him. I had no limits on how much I would spend." [5] Fusichi was chosen to be this horses name because it is a mix of the owners name "Fuaso" combined with the Japanese word "ichi" which translates to "number one." Fusichi Pegasus won the 2000 Kentucky Derby by an entire one and a half lengths and finished with a time of 2:01 which was the sixth fastest finishing time thought the one hundred and twenty six years of derby's.

Keeneland

Keeneland is located in Lexington, Kentucky, about six miles west of The University of Kentucky. Keeneland is a through bread auction house and race track. Where horse racing is hosted annually every fall and spring. [6] Buyers can see horses race at the Keenland race track, then later purchase them at the auction house. From then buyers would assemble a horse racing team with a jockey and trainers and race their horse, in hopes that the horse will eventually make it to the national stage of the Kentucky Derby. Twenty-two winners of the Kentukcy Derby were purchased at Keeneland, Fusaichi Pegasus being one of them. [7]

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References

  1. ^ Nicholson, James C. (2013-04-01), "The First Kentucky-Bred Champion of the Epsom Derby", Never Say Die, University Press of Kentucky, pp. 119–134, retrieved 2021-11-16
  2. ^ https://prizeins.com/kentucky-derby-the-most-exciting-two-minutes-in-sports-promotion/
  3. ^ Finley, Marty (May 5, 2017). "Just How International is the Kentucky Derby? This Interactive Map Shows You". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2021-11-16.{{ cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status ( link)
  4. ^ "Hype, Luck and Mystery: The Story of Fusiachi Pegasus and the Most Valuable Horse Race in History | The Action Network". Action Network. 2020-05-06. Retrieved 2021-11-18.
  5. ^ Nack, William (May 20, 2000). [search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.uky.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=3084502&site=ehost-live&scope=site. "Triple Threat"]. Sports Illustrated. 92: 20 – via EBSCO Host. {{ cite journal}}: Check |url= value ( help)
  6. ^ "About Keeneland | Keeneland". www.keeneland.com. Retrieved 2021-11-29.
  7. ^ "About Keeneland Sales | Keeneland". www.keeneland.com. Retrieved 2021-11-30.