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    May 05, 2012

Thousands Attend the Kentucky Derby

   VOA News
   Franklin Best hoses down the paddock area before the 138th Kentucky
   Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, May 5, 2012, in Louisville,
   Kentucky. Photo: AP
   Franklin Best hoses down the paddock area before the 138th Kentucky
   Derby horse race at Churchill Downs, May 5, 2012, in Louisville,
   Kentucky.

   The bourbon-laced mint juleps are flowing as thousands of people
   descend Saturday on Churchill Downs for the 138th annual [1]Kentucky
   Derby. Millions more are watching one of the world's most famous horse
   races on television.
   Spectators at the race in Louisville, Kentucky will likely be decked
   out in their usual fine regalia - pastel colored seersucker pants for
   the men and impressive millinery creations for the women.
   Another tradition of the horse race is the playing of Stephen Foster's
   song - My Old Kentucky Home. The song is controversial because it
   contains racist lyrics.
   Weather forecasters say the sun will shine bright, but scattered
   thunderstorms are also predicted.
   And then there are the horses - the real stars of the Kentucky Derby.
   Sports writers say the 20-horse field is one of the most talented in
   years. Odds makers say Bodemeister and Union Rags are the top
   contenders, relegating undefeated Gemologist to third place.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP.

References

   1. http://www.kentuckyderby.com/

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