MAIN Recreation Sports Horse Racing 2012 Kentucky Derby

It's the annual springtime ritual focusing on the biggest event in American racing — as the Kentucky Derby makes its way down the track on Saturday, May 5, 2012.

The first jewel in the Triple Crown, the Run for the Roses offers the largest purse - $2,000,000 - bringing out all of the best 3 year-olds up to the challenge.

Days before the race, horse racing fans check out the lineup to find out how they've run in the Stakes races of the season, along with graded earnings and how the handicappers put it all together to come up with the odds on the leading contenders.

Heart-pounding anticipation follows. Who will scratch at the last minute? Who will have the heart to lead the field at the finish?

Odds and post positions

With the Kentucky Derby always scheduled on the first Saturday of May, watch for 2012 Kentucky Derby post positions and morning line odds to be announced several days beforehand on Wednesday, May 2, 2012.

TV coverage & post time

Coverage of the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby will began on Saturday, May 5, 2012 on NBC Television at 5 PM ET, with post time set at approx. 6:25 PM. ET, 3:25 Pacific.

2011 Kentucky Derby recap

For whatever reason, ther 2011 lineup was good, but not stellar. Riders and horses faced a wet track after several days of rain, so all eyes were on Pants on Fire and Soldat for their preference for muddy tracks.

And the winner?

It was Animal Kingdom, ridden by jockey John Velazquez (after being bumped as Uncle Mo's mount on Friday) who clocked in at 2:02.04 to win the 2011 Kentucky Derby, paying $43.80, $19.60 and $13.00. Coming in second was Nehro paying $8.80 and $6.40, and in third Mucho Macho Man at $7

also see -> 10 Tips for Betting the Kentucky Derby

Elsewhere around the Web, enjoy the stories of past winners, history and trivia that make the Kentucky Derby much more than just another horse race.

Mint Juleps and the Hat Parade are just some of the fun surrounding this race at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

Also discover complete Kentucky Derby party ideas, as well as tips on traveling to Kentucky for this year's derby — plus everything else you ever wanted to know about the Run for the Roses and the Triple Crown ....

More about the Kentucky Derby around the Web:

Kentucky Derby - As race draws near there's all the news that's fit to sprint - with feature articles, daily blog, pictures and video clips, odds and latest lineup, breaking announcements.

Churchill Downs - The official site of the traditional Derby track featuring news, story articles, betting info, event calendar, visitor information, track history.

MSNBC Sports - Horse Racing - The official U.S. television station with plenty of coverage in feature stories, analysis, predictions, interviews, photo slide shows & video.

Louisville Kentucky's The Courier-Journal - Local newspaper online coverage of the Kentucky Derby with added color pieces on the hats, festival events, in depth info on the track, probable contenders and their pedigrees.

Kentucky Derby Museum - Your old Kentucky home meets hi-tech with multimedia presentations on current exhibits. With schedules, hours, contact information, visitor guide, membership info and more. Flash and QuickTime required.

Derby Post - The latest news and archives of past races, tip sheets, Horse Betting 101, messageboards and related links.

Kentucky Derby Festival Official Site - A comprehensive schedule of events searchable by name, date or location, here at the official online fest celebrating Louisville's excuse for doing nothing but just horsing around all week.

Thoroughbred Times On-Line - Road to the Triple Crown - All the past winners from Sir Barton (1919) to Affirmed (1978) with illustrated background on each, other major contenders of note, news, recent results on horses to watch, plus a complete TV schedule of important races leading up to and beyond the Derby, including the Preakness and Belmont.

Kentucky Derby Day Party Ideas & Recipes

Kentucky Derby Day Recipes - If you can't make it to the race, sit back and party with do-it-yourself mint juleps, bourbon balls, Kentucky hot browns and a chocolately horse race pie with some fresh whipped cream. Tool around the rest of this Derby fan site for more history and color commentary on the big day.

Derby Party Ideas - Recipes for Kentucky burgoo, derby pie, cucumber sandwiches, mint juleps, bourbon slush plus lots of creative ideas for party themes, decorations and setting up your own betting parlor.

Kentucky Derby Day Pie - The chocolately-pecan recipe in several different variations, with ingredient lists and complete instructions.

Last 2 Left Kentucky Derby Party Game - Picking the winning horse is not the way to win this game, but picking the top two finishers helps...

also see -> Preakness | Belmont | Ascot Week | Breeders Cup