U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for May 17

WASHINGTON, May 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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MONDAY, MAY 17: FIRST KENTUCKY DERBY

Profile America — Monday, May 17th.  Each May, one of the key sporting events is the Kentucky Derby — held on the first Saturday of the month.  This year's running was the 136th in the race's storied history.  The first race was held on this day in 1875, won by a horse named Aristides, ridden by African-American jockey Oliver Lewis.  The race was patterned after the English Derby,  at a mile and a half in length.  It was shortened to a mile and a quarter in 1896, where it remains.  Some of the famous horses to win the derby include War Admiral, Whirlaway and Secretariat.  At tracks across the U.S., less famous thoroughbred racing draws nearly 12.5 million people each year, while harness racing attracts almost 11 million others.  Profile America is beginning its 14th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2010, p. 280

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2010, t. 1209

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).  

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau