Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments DVD

The Kentucky Derby is the biggest prize in American racing, and its reputation comes from 135 years of history, run every year without interruption since 1875 at the same site, Churchill Downs in Louisville. 27 of the best runnings are covered here, grouped into seven categories. These are the magical memories of the world's most legendary horse race, the stories we most remember and cherish. Highly recommended for any racing history fan, especially avid followers of the Kentucky Derby and American racing in general. New fans will quickly understand why the Derby really is the "greatest two minutes in sports".

On the first Saturday in May, about 150,000 people from all walks of life and all corners of the globe gather to not only witness history in the making, but also to take part in the pageantry and tradition under the shadow of the Twin Spires. In this officially licensed DVD, footage from the Churchill archives are presented together, showing the racing fan the many equine and human stars that together have built the Derby into the spectacle it has become today.

The script, written by Bill Doolittle and narrated by John Asher, was well written and gave just enough information to keep the viewer's attention, letting the images and the voice of the race caller tell the story. The 7 sections, listed above, conveniently group the selected runnings into categories, the titles of which describe what made that group of winners special.

"Big Red" Secretariat deservedly was given a section to himself. He swept the 1973 Triple Crown and still holds the track record for 1 1/4 miles, running each quarter mile in the race faster than the previous quarter. Interviews with owner Penny Chenery, jockey Ron Turcotte, and exercise rider Charlie Davis are included.

The first 8 Triple Crown winners are covered in "The Golden Era of Triple Crown winners", including a special "sidebar" discussing Calumet Farm's longtime dominance of American racing. "Fabulous Finishes" included four of the most exciting Derby stretch runs ever, starting with the 1933 "Fighting Finish" between Broker's Tip and Head Play. "Ladies' Day" commemorates the three fillies to wear the Roses. "Longshots" covers five memorable upset winners, including Donerail's record win payoff. "Crowd Favorites" covers three horses who captured the hearts of people outside the sport, highlighted by Barbaro. "Rivalries" covering some of the bitter rivalries that were settled under the Spires.