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Photos from the 152nd Kentucky Derby: The best day in horse racing, the 'sport of kings'

Once again, tens of thousands flocked to Churchill Downs dressed to the nines to partake in one of the grandest spectacles in sport — and perhaps travel back in time.
152nd Kentucky Derby
Jockey Jose Ortiz riding Golden Tempo (#19) toward a first-place finish during the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday.Rob Carr / Getty Images

Every year, the Kentucky Derby produces some of the best visuals in sports: horses galloping around a dirt track, the stands filled with spectators dressed in linen suits, gaudy dresses and even gaudier hats, the twin spires of Churchill Downs looming above. The Derby has gone on like this for more than 150 years.

Long ago, horse racing was referred to as the “sport of kings” for its connection to nobility and high society. The Derby offers us all a chance to play dress-up, celebrate this historic sport and travel back in time.

Follow along for live updates.

The sights, the sounds, the grandeur — at the end of the day, it’s almost as important as which horse wins.

A huge crowd at Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby.
Jeff Faughender / Courier Journal via Imagn
Race fans pass by the Pat Day statue.
Jeff Faughender / USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Fans look over the program.
Grace Hollars / USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Horses break from the starting gate.
Jeff Faughender / USA Today Network via Imagn Images
A composite image of people at the Kentucky Derby.
Three men cheer while standing in the infield of Churchill Downs under gray skies.
Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images
Horses take off from the starting gate.
Grace Hollars / USA Today Network via Imagn Images
A man smokes a cigar while watching the fourth race.
Jeff Faughender / USA Today Network via Imagn Images
People wear Derby hats.
Albert Cesare / USA Today Network via Imagn Images
Attendees check racing forms of the prep races.
Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images
152nd Kentucky Derby
Michael Reaves / Getty Images
A jockey holds up a trophy while smiling broadly, surrounded by other celebrants.
Michael Reaves / Getty Images
Red roses appear in the foreground before the twin spires of Churchill Downs.
Rob Carr / Getty Images