There are clear, blue skies over the twin spires of "Akumal Downs", home of the famous 'Derby Dog'.

Mary Henderson, the matriarch of Akumal's Derby Day, is checking the board and on the phone directly to Churchill Downs.

And, Derby is celebrating his birthday with another "Run for the Roses".

Didiere is giving Bart an explanation about the aerodynamics as they come around the clubhouse turn.

Judy & Tony James have a prominent position in the grandstand, but they are disappointed the Queen isn't here this year.

Steve & Laura are back again for Derby Day in Akumal, and they are the only ones sporting Derby Day hats.

Bart has made his decision and moved to the head of the line at the Betting/Pooling Window.

Judy James is questioning Laura about her Derby Day chapeau.

The crowd continues to gather, now filling the standing room only places.

Paul arrives and immediately takes up a position between Lucy and Laura in their sky box, table seats.

Steve is checking out the scene here.

Scott Brown arrives and moves right to the front of the Betting Window.

John McCallum looks on intently from his Sky Box seat, once again wearing his good luck jaguar tooth.

Didiere Jackson and Lucy confer about the horses and the odds.

Charlene, a late arrival, is getting some expert advice from Bartley Smith, who has on his lucky Univ of Kentucky shirt.

The famous Lol Ha "Akumal Downs" Mint Julep and Cosmopolitan.

Annette says, "They do look good."

Paul Rasmussen arrives with his granddaughter, Lauren, for Post Time.

Gayle and Didiere posing for the paparazzi.

Paul and Laura doing some last minute discussions on strategies before Post Time.

Mary announces the Betting Window is closed, all bets are down, and they are at the starting gate.

"They are off", and the crown along the rail is on its feet.

Big Brown comes for the outside position to run away with it.

Jockey Kent Desormeaux celebrates after winning the Derby with Big Brown by four and three-quarter lengths.

SteveC has the winning ticket on Big Brown and comes away with the 20 -1 winnings.

Steve, Charlene, and Laura celebrate Charlene's winning Place ticket on Eight Belles, also with 20 -1 odds.

SteveC is back at the Window to collect his 20 -1 winning for the Show ticket on Denis of Cork.

Track personnel try to hold down Eight Belles, who was euthanized after breaking both front ankles following a second-place.