LOUISVILLE, Ky. _ For centuries, thoroughbred racing has been a mainstay of Kentucky's culture. Three generations of families will go to the races together, and not just on event days. The ultimate experience is Derby weekend, when as many as 275,000 show up in their fanciest outfits.
Elaborate dresses for the ladies, and pink or white shirts and black bow ties for the men, were on display. The endless lines to the ladies' rooms looked like impromptu fashion shows.
"People rally around horse racing here, everywhere you go," said California-based trainer Bob Baffert, a five-time Derby winner who calls Churchill Downs "our second home."
