Derby Time: It’s So On!
There really is no sporting event quite like the Kentucky Derby. Steeped in deep tradition (including that of those house-sized hats you’d only otherwise see at a British Royal wedding), the Derby is certainly known for American horse racing at its best and a celebration of Bourbon and delicious southern cookin’.
The moment that the first strains of “My Old Kentucky Home” begin to bellow from the speakers at Churchill Downs and the horses first set foot onto the track for the post parade is the moment that the gravitas of this event truly hits you like a 1,000 pound thoroughbred. The history — the culture — it’s all there and it’s on parade.
This year’s Derby format has changed a bit from races of years past, including the number of horses running. This year, after initial second-favorite Hopportunity scratched (and news today is that replacement Pablo Del Monte dropped out as well), there will only be 19 horses running the Derby — none running in the historically “dreaded” Number 1 Spot. With all these changes, what remains the same are intense, athletic contenders in the form of beautiful thoroughbreds. According to horse racing experts as well as the oddsmakers in Vegas, some of the top contenders of this year’s Derby are California Chrome, Wicked Strong, and Intense Holiday.
California Chrome: California Chrome is a sleek, fit, and quick chestnut colt who will be ridden by jockey Victor Espinoza. California Chrome is the favorite to win, having won four straight stakes by a combined total of 24 lengths.
Wicked Strong: Washington Post sports reporter Andrew Beyer picks Wicked Strong to surprise us all this Sunday. Beyer cites this horse’s long-distance pedigree, calling him ideally conditioned for the race. Wicked Strong will be ridden by jockey Rajiv Maragh.
Intense Holiday: Ridden by Hall of Famer jockey John Velazquez, this million dollar baby is second in the running according to some. Other horse experts have their money on this dark bay colt, citing not only the reputation of Velazquez, but also Intense Holiday’s reputation as the best closer.
Here’s what I don’t know: who will win the race.
Here what I do know: it’s bound to be a gripping nail-biter, so stock up on the bourbon and indulge in some good ol’ Southern fare with my recipe du jour. Care to wager a bet on how delicious it is is or will you save your cash for your favorite steed?
(Louisiana) Crawfish and Arugula Salad*
*Adapted from Kentucky Derby Food Recipes. Additional note: Kentuckians enjoy the native (and what they call) crayfish. Nearby neighbor Louisiana calls the crustacean “crawfish.” Or at least so says Mr. Google.
Ingredients:
Crawfish Salad
1 cup of homemade Mayonnaise
1 tbsp creme fraiche
1/4 cup of minced chives
1/2 cup fresh horseradish (or to taste)
Kosher salt
White pepper
1 pound of Louisiana crawfish tails, boiled and brought to room temperature
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Arugula Salad
Chervil, roughly chopped/minced
Arugula — amount depends on how you choose to serve this. I like family style so for me, it’s enough to fill the salad bowl (to then be topped off with the crawfish salad).
1 pickled, julienned small red onion*
White pepper
Apple cider vinegar
Extra virgin olive oil
*To make the onion:
½ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 red onion, thinly sliced
Combine the vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl, whisking until the sugar and salt dissolve into the vinegar.
In a jar or bowl you can seal well, combine the vinegar mixture with the onion slices and let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Drain the onion is ready to go!
Preparation
This one’s an easy one and really refreshing.
In a bowl, combine your mayo, creme fraiche, chives, horseradish, and salt and pepper to taste). Once well mixed, carefully fold in your crawfish. Consistency-wise, you are looking for wet and creamy but by no means soupy.
Add the arugula into your serving bowl and splash with a (very little bit) of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. (You don’t want to overdress because you’re topping the lettuce with the creamy, already-dressed crawfish). Season well with a pinch of salt and a good helping of the white pepper.
Add the crawfish salad and top with your pickled onions and chervil to make it look pretty.
Serve with a chilled Mint Julep and enjoy!
**Click here for more fun Kentucky Derby fun facts!**
