The most exciting two minutes in sports take place at Churchill Downs on Saturday, with the running of the 2011 Kentucky Derby. See our photos of legendary horses, stars, and distinctive hats—that have graced the classic over the decades—along with the official mint julep recipe.
Bettman / Corbis
Old Kentucky Home
Bettman / Corbis
Derby Legends
Bettmann / Corbis
"Come On, Needles!"
Getty Images
The Mint Julep
Jerry Cooke / Corbis; Mike Simons / Getty Images
Toots and "Baby"
FPG / Getty Images
Beautician and the Beast
Alfred Eisenstaedt, Time & Life Pictures / Getty Images
"Big Red"
AP Photo
Seattle Slew
Bettmann / Corbis
Hats!
AP Photo (2); Getty Images (2)
Victory at Last
AP Photo
Derby Diehards
AP Photos
More Hats!
Jeff Gentner / Getty Images; Darron Cummings / AP Photo; Gail Kamendish / AP Photo