The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports

There's something about the first weekends in April and May - sports, tradition, and eating and drinking too much. Following the first edition last month - "A Tradition Unlike Any Other", The Masters - this month it's America's longest running sporting event, The Kentucky Derby. With the race coming up in three days here's FIVE facts you should know about what will probably be the most exciting two minutes of your weekend:

1. The Kentucky Derby is America's longest running sporting event, with the first race taking place 149 years ago this weekend, in May of 1875 - 92 years before what is considered to America's premier sporting event - The Super Bowl.
2. Since 1987 floral designers from Kroger (yes, the grocery store) have been the ones responsible for making the "Garland of Roses" - a 40 pound blanket containing over 400 roses - that goes on the winning horse after the race. Turns out Kroger is more than just a one-trick pony!
3. Churchill Downs offers an "extra-premium" version of the Derby's most popular drink on race day, the Mint Julep.. the premium version features Kentucky Bourbon from Woodford Reserve, mint imported from Ireland, spring water ice cubes from the Bavarian Alps, and sugar from Australia, served in a gold-plated cup - coming in at a modest $1k for a single drink. That makes an audible to Pappy Van Winkle seem reasonable.
4. The traditional dish served on race day at the track is called Burgoo, a thick stew of beef, chicken, pork and vegetables.. not ideal for the thousands of people who have had more than their fair share of Mint Juleps during race day.. just saying.
5. Last year's winner, Rich Strike, was the second biggest upset in Derby History from a pre-race odds perspective. In fact, Rich Strike only made it into the Derby due to injured horse, Ethereal Road, having to pull out the morning before the race. Just a $20 bet on Rich Strike to win would've payed out $1,620.. all this to say, if you're thinking of throwing down some cash on a random horse this weekend.. just do it.

Morehouse College Partnership

Earlier this year we formed a partnership with Atlanta-based Morehouse College, with the goal of providing valuable internship experience to college-aged students interested in a career in the finance industry. In March of this year we welcomed our first intern of the program, Mark Nichols, to the firm. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mark is a senior at Morehouse College, where he is pursuing his Bachelor of Economics degree with a minor in Business, while also serving as SGA President. Mark graduates later this month and plans to start his professional career with EY in their Atlanta office later this year.

PortCo Spotlight

Benjamin Franklin once said, "There are a few universal truths in life: Death, Taxes and Investment Bankers and Private Equity professionals coming up with industry buzz-words." One that's pretty popular right now is "Outdoor Enthusiast" - if you're an Outdoor Enthusiast, just like to be outside, or sick of riding your desk all day - make sure to follow the blog by our portfolio company, Overland Vehicle Systems. With content ranging from a story about a couples' 550,000 mile road trip across 177 countries, to a top 10 list of the most extreme overland vehicles you can take anywhere - there's probably some content that Outdoor Enthusiasts, Investment Bankers and Private Equity pros alike can day dream about.