Here are 10 little known facts about the legendary racing event.

'Pro - it's like the original NASCAR. Con - except the vehicles only have one horsepower.' [Jimmy Fallon]

Tis the season for roses, ladylike hats, mint juleps, and fast horses.

That's right, it's Kentucky Derby time.

Here are 10 little known facts about the legendary racing event.

Number 10. Jockeys have strict weight requirements. At the Kentucky Derby the maximum is a scant 126 pounds, which is considered the limit the horses can handle. Riders have been known to take extreme measures to pass the pre-event weigh-in, including inducing vomiting, jogging in rubber suits, and taking diet pills.

Number 9. It never gets rained out. That's not because the sun is always shining at Churchill Downs, it's because rain or shine, they run anyway, and have been doing so since 1875.

Number 8. Number 8. The winning horse is draped with a garland of 554 red roses. That's how many are in the garland that's draped over the victor. It's also why the race is sometimes referred to as 'The Run for the Roses'. Incidentally, the jockey only gets a bouquet of 60.

Number 7. The maximum participation age is 3. For the horses, that is. Considering thoroughbreds can live to be up to 30, their window for glory is quite small.

Number 6. Stephen .