The next episode of KET’s Kentucky Life features an assortment of stories about what the Commonwealth is best known for: horses and bourbon.

Kentucky Life: Bourbon and Horses airs Saturday, Feb. 6, at 8/7 pm and Sunday, Feb. 7, at 4/3 pm on KET, and Monday, Feb. 8, at 7/6 pm on KET2. 

First, Kentucky Life takes a trip back in history to look at the Kentucky Derby in the years immediately following the Civil War. Horse racing was America’s most popular sport in that era, and the winner’s circle at The Run for the Roses was dominated by African-American jockeys, who won 15 of the first 28 Derbys.

Then, Kentucky Life checks out the story of Elijah Craig, who despite his name recognition was more than just a pioneer in Kentucky distiller history. And his many careers make him one of the more intriguing figures ever associated with the Commonwealth.

Next, Kentucky Life dives into the mystery of the white Thoroughbred, which, genetically-speaking, shouldn’t really exist. That is until 1963, when a foal born at Patchen-Wilkes Farm was the first ever registered—and scientists have been puzzling over the genetics ever since.

Finally, Kentucky Life looks at a popular mainstay on Derby Day that also happens to be popular all-year-round: the famous Old Fashioned cocktail.

Kentucky Life is a KET production, produced by Chelsea Gorham.

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, where learning comes to life for more than one million people each week via television, online and mobile. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization at KET.org, on Twitter @KET and at facebook.com/KET.