This Week in Horse History - May 17th Through May 23rd

May 17, 1875 - The Kentucky Derby was first run. The Derby is held on the first Saturday each May, and is the first race of the Triple Crown. The Derby is run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The winner is traditionally awarded with a blanket of red roses.

Information courtesy of Kentucky - Sports

Photo courtesy of Kentucky Derby

May 20, 2006 - Kelly Zweifel became the first woman to win the National Reining Horse Association Derby Open Division. Zweifel rode Master Snapper and the pair received a standing ovation after completing their pattern in the finals. Zweifel also became the first rider to win the Open, Intermediate Open, and Limited Open divisions by riding in one NRHA Derby Open.

Information and photo courtesy of Master Snapper News

May 21, 1977 - Thoroughbred racehorse Seattle Slew won the Preakness Stakes on his way to a Triple Crown victory. The Triple Crown is a prestigious series of races made up of the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes open to three year-old racehorses. Seattle Slew was purchased at auction as a yearling for a mere $17,500, rock-bottom price for a Thoroughbred racehorse. Seattle Slew would go on to win $1.2 million during his racing career, and sired over 1,000 foals. Seattle Slew passed away in 2002.

Information and photo courtesy of: Seattle Slew wins Belmont Stakes and horse racing's coveted Triple Crown on June 11, 1977