Our 2012 Kentucky Derby Picks
The Rail's contributors and a guest picker make their Kentucky Derby selections.
View ArticleWeather Keeps Horses From Training
The Churchill Downs racetrack was closed Saturday morning, which prevented horses from training.
View ArticleLong History of Drug Use in the Derby
The 138th Kentucky Derby could be the last to allow the drug Salix, although Saturday's 20 starters will almost certainly be taking it.
View ArticleBonding in the Midst of Barbaro’s Ordeal
The daughter of Barbaro's trainer and a producer for NBC's racing coverage met in 2006, the year of Barbaro's rise and fall. Now they are married, with a 4-month-old daughter.
View ArticleLive Analysis: I’ll Have Another Wins Derby
Welcome to our live coverage of the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby.
View ArticleDerby Start Made for a Sprint, a Finish Made for Closing
Fast early fractions were expected in the Kentucky Derby, but perhaps not as fast as Bodemeister provided.
View ArticleSupping and Sipping, the Memories Before the Race
There are far more Kentucky Derby festivities than there are hours in a night.
View ArticleFrom a Young Fan, a Reminder of Racing’s Charms
Enthusiastic questions from a young girl about racehorses serve as a reminder why people love the sport and the Derby.
View ArticleFor Union Rags, It Was Over Before It Began
Unfortunately for Michael Matz’s team, they were compromised by two unexpected events, an uncharacteristically poor break, and the inability to hold a straight line that would have allowed him to...
View ArticleA Full Life, but an Endless Wait for Change
One race in particular has remained unfinished for Peter Fuller and his beloved horse, Dancer's Image, these past 44 years.
View ArticleHow to Enjoy the Derby in 10 Easy Steps
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States, and it truly is something to be checked off your bucket list.
View ArticleIf the Crown Fits, but the Name Doesn’t
Imagine adding to the list of iconic Triple Crown champions the ever-so-imposing name of this year’s contender: I’ll Have Another.
View ArticleA Signature Race in a Signature Series Lacks a Signature Drink
The Belmont, even more so than the Preakness, is lacking an official cocktail like the Kentucky Derby’s mint julep.
View ArticleThe Derby Dartboard
A points system is now being used to determine the field for the Kentucky Derby, replacing the use of graded-stakes earnings. Points are earned by the top four finishers in prep races and records are...
View ArticleThe Derby Dartboard
Ranking the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby on May 4 after another weekend of major prep races.
View ArticleThe Derby Dartboard
Ranking the top contenders for the Kentucky Derby on May 4 after another weekend of major prep races.
View ArticleThe Rail Bookshelf: ‘Battleship’
Battleship was like young whiskey sleeping in a wine cask, needing time to bring forth all of his best qualities. And despite its rich traditions and famous mint juleps, the Kentucky Derby isn’t a...
View ArticleI’ll Have Another’s Triumphs Put to Song
Some of New York State’s most talented musicians poured their hearts into a country/bluegrass tune about I'll Have Another's stirring quest for the Triple Crown.
View ArticleThe Rail Bookshelf: ‘Never Say Die’
An excerpt from "Never Say Die: A Kentucky Colt, the Epsom Derby, and the Rise of the Modern Thoroughbred Industry."
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