Louisvillians know there’s no better way to flex on an out-of-towner this time of year than to drop some Kentucky Derby knowledge. Oh, you didn’t know the race was 1 1/4 miles?
So ahead of tomorrow’s 150th Kentucky Derby, how’s about putting that Big Brown brain to the test and finding out if you’re a real Smarty Jones? No cheating — keep that California Chrome web browser closed. If you can complete our crossword puzzle, your status as a Derby expert will be Affirmed.
And you’re off. The answers are listed below.
Answers
Down
1. Secretariat took the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” in under two minutes, 51 years ago.
3. Aristides took home the first Derby, which was run on May 17, 1875 — a Monday.
4. Churchill Downs is home to the Derby — we thought we give you an easy one.
5. American Pharaoh became the first horse to win the Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes since Affirmed in 1978.
6. The Kentucky Derby is only run by three-year-old horses.
Across
1. It takes seven hours for the florists at the Middletown Kroger to create the iconic Garland.
2. Mage took home last year’s race.
7. Kentucky has produced 115 Kentucky Derby winners. Next most is Florida, with six.
8. Rich Strike struck it rich, coming from behind to win the 148th Derby.
9. NBC airs the Derby every year.