CHARRED OAKS INN'S CALENDAR SAYS FIRST SATURDAY IN MAY IS KENTUCKY DERBY DAY

In the Horse Capital of the World, also known as the Greater Lexington-Louisville, Kentucky area, on the calendar the first Saturday in May is written in stone: Kentucky Derby Day. Folks come from across the country and around the world to witness "the greatest two minutes in sports!"

Our friends at Churchill Downs tell us that there are few American sporting events with the history and popularity of the Kentucky Derby. It's rich traditions - sipping a mint julep, donning a beautiful hat, and joining fellow race fans in singing "My Old Kentucky Home" - transcend the Kentucky Derby from just a sporting event, making it a celebration of southern culture and a true icon of Americana. The Kentucky Derby is the longest running sporting event in the United States, dating back to 1875. The race is often referred to as "The Run for the Roses" and has produced "the most exciting two minutes in sports"; uninterrupted, even when coinciding with profound historical events like The Great Depression and World Wars I & II.

It has undergone changes throughout the decades, but none as radical as in 2020 with the worldwide pandemic. This year's Kentucky Derby will look and feel a whole lot different. The event has currently been rescheduled from this Saturday, May 2 to Saturday, September 5.

And while that is all well and good, what do those of us who have the first Saturday of May written in our souls supposed to do? The good folks at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby are offering a #HealthyAtHome solution.

It's called "Keeping A Tradition" - a virtual Kentucky Derby Event on this Saturday, May 2, 2020 whereas Churchill Downs will host a virtual running of the Kentucky Derby from 3-6p.m. ET on NBC called "The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown", a computer-simulated version of the American classic in which the 13 past Triple Crown winners will "race" for this unique title.

In order to accomplish the Triple Crown title, a three-year-old Thoroughbred must win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes. It is considered one of the most difficult accomplishments in horse racing, and possibly all of sports championships. Only thirteen (13) horses have achieved this title:

Sir Barton (1919)

Gallant Fox (1930)

Omaha (1935)

War Admiral (1937)

Whirlaway (1941)

Count Fleet (1943)

Assault (1946)

Citation (1948)

Secretariat (1973)

Seattle Slew (1977)

Affirmed (1978)

American Pharoah (2015)