Record number come out to Ky. Derby 137

LOUISVILLE - A record number of Derby-goers came out to watch Animal Kingdom win the 137th Run for the Roses Saturday.

A new record of 164,858 people beat the 1974 record of 163,628. And of that number 99 percent most likely wearing some sort of head decoration… better known as a Kentucky Derby hat. Much like the Royal Wedding recently, hats, both large and small were the main attraction during the Derby prior to the race itself.

Many men are becoming more and more creative with their headwear, including making a 4-feet tall hat depicting the Kentucky horse race, track and all. Some use fedoras, gluing mirrors to all sides, while others wear their girlfriend's, wife's hat. The tradition continues.

Another tradition which is alive and well is the tradition of a slow-sipping Southern beverage.

Loads of ice, sugar, mint and bourbon were consumed this year at Churchill Downs during the Run for the Roses. Since the 1938 Kentucky Derby, mint juleps have been a staple at the track and this year was no exception. Each year approximately 120,000 of the traditional Derby cocktail are sold each year.

Fans watched Animal Kingdom beat out 18 other horses Saturday, including beating out their bets.

"I voted for five horses, not even one of them came in second.  We didn't do very good at all, but that's what the Derby is all about," said Jenna Deal, Derby-goer.

"We thought, 'Pants on Fire was going to win but its okay," said Jeff Hemphill at the Derby. "But it was fun--enjoyed every moment of it."

Here's how the horses finished:

Animal Kingdom 16
Nehro 19
Mucho Macho Man 13
Shackleford 14
Master of Hounds 11
Santiva 12
Brilliant Speed 2
Dialed In 8
Pants on Fire 7
Twice the Appeal 3
Soldat 17
Stay Thirsty 4
Derby Kitten 9
Decisive Moment 5
Archarcharch 1
Midnight Interlude 15
Twinspired 10
Watch Me Go 20
Comma to the Top 6

Next up for the Triple Crown is the Preakness in two weeks at Pemlico Race Course in Baltimore, Md.