Kentucky Derby 2011: A Brief History of the Race in Photos

Gimme Two Bucks on No. 6
According to Dean Keppler, author of Betting the Kentucky Derby, over $80 million is wagered on the Derby alone (the day's entire bill, which consists of several races, can approach up to $123 million). Today the race's minimum wager is $2, which would have been a notable wager back in 1945, when the above photo of officials tallying bets was taken.

• Tragedy and Triumph at the Derby