As sports gambling continues to grow exponentially, so has betting on the ponies.

No horse race on the calendar will be bet on more than Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. As Caesar’s Vice President of Trading Craig Mucklow says, “This is the Super Bowl of horse racing.”

Just before 7 p.m. ET, viewers around the country will watch the 20 horses head toward the starting gate at Churchill Downs, and just about every single one of them will have some sort of bet on it.

It might just be the only horse race a decent portion of people watch in the entire year, but in recent years, there has been a sense of needing to be involved.

“It used to be an all men’s game. Now, as sports gambling has become more involved . . . the younger generation is getting more involved, it’s become more of a society thing as well,” Mucklow said in a recent interview to Fox News Digital, noting that Tom Brady and other celebrities often show up in their pastel-colored suits and hats. “The Interest has increased.”

Mucklow admits that horse racing bets only rise “around the marquee meetings,” with Saturday’s Run of the Roses leading the way “by a mile.” Believe it or not, the Preakness and Belmont actually trail the Breeder’s Cup races in terms of handle, but nothing tops the race in Louisville.

A general view of roses in the winner’s circle with the Twin Spires in the background before the148th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7th, 2022, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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“It’s rich in history, the Kentucky Derby. Since I’ve moved here [from England), all the Americans are like, ‘It’s Derby Day.’ Everyone gets excited for it. It’s like a national holiday.”

Mucklow even joked, though, that because everyone wants to bet at the same time (normally, in the final hours, or even minutes, leading up to the race), they may be stuck in queues waiting to place bets (keep in mind, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings and others don’t take typical racing bets. Those still need to be made through separate horse-betting sites like TVG).

“Every Tom, Dick, and Harry says, ‘I’m going to bet on the Derby,’ because it’s the Derby. Everyone waits until the last minute, and then you’re struck in queues on the mobile app,” says an insightful Mucklow. “My advice is, check the weather first, because that can affect your horse; and also, place your bets earlier. You don’t want to be disappointed, especially if you pick the horse, you put the pen to paper, and then you don’t want to see that ticket you haven’t gotten wind up winning.”

General view prior to the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 6, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Mucklow says the 4-1 favorite in Sierra Leone has had the most money and people bet on it to win.

Post time is 6:57 p.m. ET.

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The University of Florida was praised by conservatives for declaring it is “not a daycare” and anti-Israel agitators who break rules will face consequences as campuses across America have been flooded with progressive antisemitic demonstrations. 

“This is not complicated: The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children — they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences,” said university spokesman Steve Orlando.

He noted that protesters – many of whom are outside agitators – were told they could exercise their right to free speech and free assembly. 

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA FIRES ALL DEI EMPLOYEES IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW

“We also told them that clearly prohibited activities would result in a trespassing order from UPD (barring them from all university properties for three years) and an interim suspension from the university,” Orlando said. “For days UPD patiently and consistently reiterated the rules. Today, individuals who refused to comply were arrested after UPD gave multiple warnings and multiple opportunities to comply.”

Nine anti-Israel protesters were arrested Monday at the University of Florida, the state’s flagship university located in Gainesville, according to reports, although it was unclear which, if any, were students.

Author Christopher Rufo, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, said, “This is the Florida way,” in reaction to the statement as UF President Ben Sasse, a former U.S. Senator for Nebraska, continues to take steps to protect Jewish students on campus. 

“This is a leadership cascade: @GovRonDeSantis sets the vision, @BenSasse enacts the policy, and aptly-named spokesman Steve Orlando reproduces the tone. Coordinated movement. Clear incentives. Perfect contrast with Columbia,” Rufo added. 

“Earlier this year, President Sasse fired the entire DEI department, eliminating a potential reservoir of support for pro-Hamas protestors and consolidating the administration around common sense priorities,” Rufo continued. “The next move is to keep highlighting contrast with blue institutions.”

Sasse has been a staunch critic of Hamas since the October 7 terror attack on Israel, and he said it should not be difficult for universities to protect free speech and religious pupils. 

Another X user posted, “That’s the no nonsense way and that’s why Florida is no longer purple. People gravitate to common sense and decency.”

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, reacted, “This is the way.”

UNIVERSITIES CRACK DOWN ON ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS AS PROTESTERS CALL FOR ‘AMNESTY’

University of Florida President Ben Sasse recently told Fox News that he is committed to free speech and protecting Jewish students.  (Fox News)

Others told schools such as Columbia University to “take note,” and one person said the statement “is like conservative porn.”

“Send your kids to the University of Florida instead of Columbia. They don’t f–k around with terrorists,” one person added. 

“In places where Republicans have political power, universities increasingly sound different from before,” Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology (CSPI) president Richard Hanania wrote. 

Parents Defending Education president Nicki Neily added, “Oh look, a university that isn’t terrified of enforcing the rules against its students.” 

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Many others took to social media to praise Florida’s response: 

In March, the University of Florida announced it was firing all employees in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) positions and administrative appointments.

Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz, Nikolas Lanum and David Rutz contributed to this report. 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Johnny Jennings broke down during a Tuesday press conference remembering the four officers who died during a Monday shootout while serving a warrant for a felon in possession of a firearm. 

The four fallen officers have been identified as Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks Jr; North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) Officers Sam Poloche and William “Alden” Elliot, who were members of a USMS Fugitive Task Force; and CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer. Four other officers were shot in the line of duty Monday afternoon.

Suspect Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, died at the scene Monday after firing at officers from the second floor of his Galway Drive home, on the front and back side, Jennings said Monday.

“[I]t’s just been very tough,” Jennings told reporters through tears Tuesday when asked about how Monday’s shootout was different from others his Department has responded to. “And knowing that you have families that are hurting right now — we’ll get through it, though, very rapidly.”

CHARLOTTE RESIDENTS SHOCKED AFTER 4 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS DIE, 4 OTHERS INJURED IN SHOOTOUT

Law enforcement, including 12 CMPD officers returned fire at the house on Galway Drive Monday. It is unclear if the gunshots came from more than one suspect, and police are still working to determine if there was a second shooter and whether any additional charges will be filed.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings speaks at a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, regarding a shooting that killed four officers during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29.  (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

Authorities recovered an AR-15 rifle, a 40-caliber handgun, magazines and ammunition from the residence.

CHARLOTTE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHO DIED IN SHOOTOUT IDENTIFIED: ‘FOREVER INDEBTED’

“There were just an enormous amount of gunshots and people in our yard and people hiding behind vehicles,” a neighbor who wanted to be identified only as Sarah told Fox News Digital. “Firemen hiding behind firetrucks. It was wild.”

(L-R) Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, Investigator William “Alden” Elliott,  Police Officer Joshua Eyer and Investigator Samuel “Sam” Poloche were killed in a police shootout in Charlotte, North Carolina on Monday, April 29, 2024. (U.S. Marshals Service via AP/NCDAC/Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department/Sean Rayford via AP/Getty Images)

Hughes had an “extensive” criminal history, Jennings said. North Carolina public records show the suspect had previously been charged with eluding arrest, looting, marijuana possession and manufacturing, driving with an expired registration, driving while impaired and more out of several different counties. 

“Our system is not completely is not completely where it needs to be.”

— CMPD Chief Johnny Jennings

“I know this individual did serve a significant amount of time in jail and had been released,” Jenning said during the Tuesday press conference. “But I can give you hundreds of examples of people that I feel like should not be out preying upon our citizens, and I’ve been pretty vocal about that, particularly with juveniles. What I’ll say is that our system is not completely is not completely where it needs to be, but … I really think we’re overwhelmed. We’re overwhelmed in the court system. Our district attorney is overwhelmed with the docket that we see within Charlotte-Mecklenburg, and I don’t have an answer for that.”

CHARLOTTE SHOOTING: 4 US MARSHALS TASK FORCE MEMBERS KILLED, 5 OTHER OFFICERS INJURED SERVING WARRANT

Charlotte residents are shocked after the deaths of three officers following a Monday afternoon shootout. (Charlotte resident)

Jennings added that his department is “focused” on holding people accountable for the crimes they commit in Charlotte.

The scene is still being processed as investigators collect projectiles and casings from what was believed to be more than 100 rounds fired.

MEMPHIS COP-KILLING SUSPECT IDENTIFIED AS OFFICIALS CALL FOR TOUGHER SENTENCES

“I was in a state of shock,” Sarah, the neighbor, said. “It’s really tragic. Those folks go to work every day to protect us, and I don’t think there’s any time they serve a federal warrant that’s just status quo, but I don’t think you expect something like this to happen. For their families…it’s just crazy.”

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department responds to a shootout on the 5000 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte, North Carolina, on Monday, April, 29, 2024. CMPD says people should stay clear of the 5000 block of Galway Drive, where there is an active investigation. (Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez/The Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Two female persons of interest — including one 17-year-old juvenile — who were in the house at the time of the shooting were taken into custody Monday afternoon and are fully cooperating with police. 

It is unclear exactly what their relationship to the shooter is, but Jennings said they were in the house voluntarily.

Ronald Davis, Director of the United States Marshals Service, speaks during a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., Tuesday, April 30, 2024, regarding a shooting that killed four officers during an attempt to serve a warrant on April 29.  (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

“As more and more comes out about this incident, not only when you see how brave they were,” USMS Director Ron Davis said Tuesday. “You will see examples of their courage and bravery. Let there be no mistake. They represent the best of us. They are truly America’s finest, and it’s just an honor to serve with them.”

The case remains an open and active investigation.

“Something went terribly wrong terribly fast.”

— Terry Mikels, former USMS task force member

Terry Mikels, a North Carolina-based private investigator and former officer with the Durham Police Department told Fox News Digital that “for eight people to get shot that quickly, something went terribly wrong terribly fast.”

Police urged residents in the 5000 block of Galway Drive to stay inside. (Audrey Conklin/Fox News Digital)

“I worked on U.S. Marshal task force before doing the exact same thing. You may be looking for five guys, then all of a sudden you get a hot lead and your whole team takes off, and that’s where you go, but you can’t go in without proper preparation,” he said. “That’s when things go terribly south. Did they have surveillance cameras? Did they see them coming? Could we have floated a drone over the property beforehand? There are so many questions that I have in my mind. It’s hard for me to understand.”

Nicole Parker, a Fox News contributor and former FBI agent on the Miami Violent Fugitive Task Force, likened Monday’s Charlotte shootout to a February 2, 2021, incident in which two FBI agents were killed while serving a warrant for a child predator. She also noted that the Justice Department changed its use of force policy in 2022.

“Why in the world would you change the law enforcement DOJ deadly force policy on the heels of losing two FBI agents in the line of duty to give agents what we deemed as less protection?” she said. “…Until our country wakes up and shows respect, learns lessons from these tragedies, shares those lessona and makes some changes its going to keep happening. That’s why everyone’s leaving — law enforcement officers don’t feel like anyone has our backs.”