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I grew up watching horse racing and look forward to the Kentucky Derby every year.  For most people though, thoroughbred racing is one of the biggest mysteries in sports, the Derby is the day when there’s nothing normal on ESPN, a good reason to watch in bewilderment for a few minutes before changing the channel.  It’s true that horse racing can seem a little antiquated. Trainers and jockeys are strange cliques and it can all be pretty bizarre, but it can also be a lot of fun.  Here’s what you need to know to enjoy Derby Day 2010.

Know the basics

The Kentucky Derby occurs on the first Saturday in May.  The second race is the Preakness Stakes in Maryland on the third Saturday in May, and the final is the Belmont Stakes in New York three weeks after the Preakness.  The three races make up the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing in the US.  Only three-year-old horses are eligible to race in the Triple Crown.  The last horse to win all three races was Affirmed in 1978, making this the longest dry spell in the history of the races.

Pick a horse

It can be one giant logic puzzle — look at the pedigrees, the odds, the predictions, the gate numbers — if you’re up for a challenge you can really go crazy.  Then take a huge step back and remember that these are horses, it’s impossible to know what’s going to happen once the gates open and that’s just part of the equation.

For this exact reason, you don’t have to do research to pick a winner.  Choose based on a name you like, a cool story (you’ll hear tons of stories in the pre-race coverage) or anything else that catches your attention.  For years I liked to pick gray horses because they were easier to find during the race.

Make it a party

Make some mint juleps, some party food, break out a funny looking hats, invite everyone over — it’s a classed-up Superbowl.  Coverage starts by noon on ESPN and switches over to a local channel by late afternoon.  The actual race is only about two minutes (post time is 6:24 PM), so there’s plenty of time to catch up with friends, eat, drink, and generally enjoy the first Saturday in May.