triple crown Tag

Louisville, KY has been the home to the premiere North-American horse race for well over a century and the tradition continues in 2013.  This year the Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4th.  It is also important to note that the Kentucky Oaks will take place on Friday, May 3 as a precursor to the Kentucky Derby.  Doesn't it seem hard to believe that we are just a few months away from the running of the first leg of the horse racing triple crown?

There will much anticipation for the 2013 edition of the Kentucky Derby after the run by I'll Have Another in 2012.  I'll Have Another swept through the first 2 legs of the triple crown but had to pull out of the Belmont Stakes at the last minute.  It seemed hard to think that we wouldn't have a triple crown in 2012 but fate directed us down another path.  Our desires for a triple crown winner were teased to the point of aggravation.  I can't speak for everyone but I know myself and others close to me were very disappointed in the busted triple crown opportunity.  I know that year to year the Derby and the triple crown races share no common thread but I can't help but get excited for another prospective year for the triple crown.  It would seem only fitting after Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Carbera won baseball's triple crown for the first time since 1967.

Well that was quite a season folks.  Yesterday marked the end to 2012 MLB regular season and it seemed like history was being made all over the place.  The two individuals who lead the way with historical accomplishments were Mike Trout and triple crown winner Miguel Carbrera.  Both of these players had outstanding seasons and figure to be the only 2 competing for the AL MVP award.  Before I get into to Cabrera's triple crown feat, I just want to briefly list off the highlights of Mike Trout's season.

Mike Trout (2012)
R - 129
H - 182
HR - 30
RBI - 83
SB - 49
AVG - .326
OBP - .399
OPS - .963

- Set AL rookie record with 14 straight games with a run.
- Youngest player to hit 20 HR's and steal 40 bases.
- Set Angels record for most runs in a season.
- Fourth rookie in baseball history to record 120 runs.
- Set Angels rookie record for most hits.
- First rookie ever to hit 30 HR's and steal 40 bases.
- Youngest player to join 30-30 club.

I'll Have Another put on another spectacular display this past weekend at the Preakness Stakes and now the horse has a chance to reach horse racing immortality.  I'll Have Another must have watched a replay of his Derby win right before the race because the final stretch was a reenactment of the horse's victory at Churchill Downs.  Beating out Bodemeister in just the last few strides.

We are now in the middle of August and our attention in the sports world is either on a pennant race in baseball or the start of good 'ol fashioned tackle football.  Soon the leaves will change color and the cool nights of fall will become more frequent.  Many sports fans across the country are anxiously awaiting the arrival of football but if excitement is what you seek then don't forget about the year-end championship of North American horse racing.

Over the last 10 years, we have witnessed many astonishing feats in the sports world.  Roger Federer won 16 Grand Slam Finals (and still counting) to surpass Pete Sampras for most in history, 6 no-hitters thrown during one season, Michael Phelps winning 8 gold medals in Beijing, and Brett Favre retiring 957 times.

However, during this time, we have not witnessed the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.  Actually, this feat last occurred back in 1978 when Affirmed won all three races. 

The 138th Running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 5, 2012. There is no other event in the world that offers more exciting moments than the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

2012 Kentucky Derby Packages are Now Available with Low Deposits!

2012 Kentucky Derby Packages are available for first time guests and experienced attendees. Enjoy the Derby with these great inclusions:

- Hotel accommodations in the Louisville area
- Guaranteed Tickets to the 2012 Kentucky Derby
- Transportation to Churchill Downs on race day
- Selected Meals
- Options on Kentucky Oaks Tickets, Welcome Receptions, & Ticket Upgrades

Sports Traveler is also offering Horse Farm Tours to the 2012 Kentucky Derby. These packages provide you with a behind the scenes look at various horse farms in the Lexington area during the week of Derby.

Kentucky Derby Horse Farm Tour Packages offer many great amenities including:

- Deluxe Accommodations in the Lexington area
- Guaranteed Tickets to the Kentucky Oaks & Derby

With a capacity of 150,000 people, there are many seating options at Churchill Downs. Many people have a difficult time trying to decide on where to sit. Guess what, I don't blame you. For most people, attending the Kentucky Derby has been a dream and when it comes to where to sit, of course you want the best possible section.

Before you go ahead and purchase your Kentucky Derby seats, let me help make the decision much easier for you!

1. Clubhouse vs. Grandstand Seating: This seems to be the most popular question with people making their first trip to the Derby. The Grandstand offers standard bleacher seating with no backs, however, the Clubhouse offers seating with chair backs. Keep in mind that the Clubhouse seating is A LOT more comfortable than the Grandstand. The Clubhouse also offers better amenities including more food & drink options, plus easier access to the betting tables and restrooms.

   Clubhouse seating is located closer to the finish line in sections 111-118, 212, 218, 220,

The Kentucky Derby cannot be compared to any other event in North America. The thrill of the horses coming down the finish line, the ambiance of Churchill Downs, or the taste of a freshly made mint julep makes this event second to none.

Sports Traveler is offering NEW Packages to the Kentucky Derby!

The new Kentucky Derby Packages offer more options and includes the following amenities:

- Accommodations in the Louisville area
- Your Choice of Seating to the Kentucky Derby & Oaks
- Roundtrip Transfers to Churchill Downs
- Various Meals
- Options on Rental Cars & Derby Club Passes

View 2011 Kentucky Derby Packages