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

Churchill Downs
The famous dual spires of Churchill Downs, built in 1895, bear witness to more races than just the Derby. The Kentucky Oaks — a run open to 3-year old fillies (female horses) — takes place on the first Friday in May, and many Louisville residents prefer to attend that race, thereby avoiding the madness of the Derby. In 2005, when this photo was taken, a $100 million-plus renovation of the Downs resulted in a set of corporate luxury boxes so high that they practically dwarfed the track's traditional towers. "Millionaire's Row" had gotten a little longer.

• Tragedy and Triumph at the Derby