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Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Whiskery, 1927)
The history of the Kentucky Derby is rich with names that have left their mark on this classic race: Bradley, Woodward, Chenery, and Whitney, owners who all celebrated more than one victory of their own. The Whitney family’s connection to the Run for the Roses spans more than a century with four wins from their long list of starters.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem May 6, 2024
Jason looks back at the success of the Kentucky Derby weekend and how important it is to build off of that.
Racing
2024 Kentucky Derby winner: Mystik Dan (18-1) wins the 150th Kentucky Derby
In the closest Kentucky Derby (G1) finish in more than a quarter-century, Mystik Dan surged up the rail and turned back late challenges to win the 150th edition of the historic race by a nose.
Racing
Storylines to watch for 2024 Kentucky Derby
The 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) promises to be a vintage renewal, befitting the special historical occasion.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 2, 2024
Jason gives his final thoughts and picks for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby
Being the most identifiable human participants on average in Thoroughbred racing, jockeys will be a major focus in this week’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
How has the winning time of the Kentucky Derby changed over time?
Below we explore how the average winning Kentucky Derby time has transformed over history.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 29, 2024
Jason looks ahead to this week's Derby festivities and looks back at some of his Derby memories.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mugatu
After finishing fourth in the John Battaglia Memorial S. and fifth in the Blue Grass (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, Mugatu enters the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) as the second also-eligible entrant in an overflow field of 22 horses.
Racing
The human and the horse
As the 150th Kentucky Derby approaches, we want to honor the beautiful connection that occurs between the horse and the human that cares for them.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 25, 2024
Jason shares some Thursday Thoughts on Keeneland's meet wrapping up, Churchill's getting underway, and more!
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Epic Ride
Which racing surface is best for Epic Ride? And can he handle the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile distance? His pedigree hints at the answers.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 22, 2024
Jason looks back at the weekend including the Illinois Derby win for Patriot Spirit and that horse's journey through his racing career.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Common Defense
Top-five finishers in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Rebel (G2), and Southwest (G3) have launched Common Defense into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture, even though his pedigree is geared toward success on turf more than dirt.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grand Mo the First
A glance at the pedigree of Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Grand Mo the First reveals the source of his multi-surface versatility.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 18, 2024
Jason discusses racing fans who came to the sport during the pandemic and the excitement of marketing to people who are new in the game.
Racing
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners: 1975-2023
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Racing
150 years of Kentucky Derby Winners: 1925-1974
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Racing
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners throughout the years: 1875-1924
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Racing
The Big Payoff: Donerail’s Derby
In 1913, Donerail became the talk of the town and the nation with his surprise Derby win, establishing a record that may never be broken.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 15, 2024
Jason looks back at the Masters tournament and discusses how sports traditions get formed as well as how do we keep people who watch just these big events to stay as year-round fans?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just Steel
Just Steel is a capable competitor on dirt, but that’s arguably in defiance of his bloodlines. A glance at his pedigree suggests turf might be his best surface.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just a Touch
One of the most beautifully bred horses in the prospective 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) field is Just a Touch, the lightly raced runner-up in the Blue Grass (G1) and Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Society Man
Running long is a strong suit for Society Man, runner-up in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) and a maiden winner over the same distance. Stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) should fit the chestnut gelding just fine.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catalytic
It’s difficult to say based off Catalytic’s racing record and pedigree whether the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance is within his wheelhouse.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Question of Calks
Blue Larkspur had what it takes to win the 1929 Kentucky Derby – speed, power, and tactical talent – yet met defeat for one surprising reason: calks.
Racing
How betting longshots exiting deep races can reap rewards
It's not uncommon to analyze the entries for a horse race and see multiple runners coming out of a common previous race. If the previous race was a deep and classy contest, consider the possibility the horses exiting that race will sweep the top two or three finishing positions in the race you're currently handicapping.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 8, 2024
Jason looks back at the Derby preps from the weekend and a huge day for jockey Frankie Dettori.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Resilience
Pedigree handicappers are aware of Resilience’s Kentucky Derby (G1) potential. After all, his pedigree is packed with speed, stamina, class, and—most importantly—Kentucky Derby winners.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: T O Password
Japan Road invitee T O Password brings a 2-for-2 record into Churchill Downs, but he’s yet to race at anywhere near the level of compatriot Forever Young.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Omar Khayyam, 1917)
The list of Kentucky Derby victors currently stands at 149 names long, a roster of horses famed and forgotten, each with a story of their own. In its fifth decade, the historic equine contest emerged from its lean years with new vigor, ignited by a filly, a longshot, and in 1917, another first for America’s signature race: an international victor.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Forever Young
Forever Young is arguably Japan’s best chance so far in the Kentucky Derby (G1), not just because he’s undefeated, and trained by a master horseman in Yoshito Yahagi.
Racing
Horses: $122 Billion annually to the US Economy
For many Americans, Kentucky Derby day is the one big day when they take an interest in horse racing. In the popular mindset, all roads lead to the first Saturday in May at Louisville. But as spectacular as that one day is, it’s merely the high point of a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of people.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catching Freedom
A perfect pedigree doesn’t guarantee success in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but it doesn’t hurt. And any way you slice it, Catching Freedom is bred to excel in the Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: West Saratoga
It’s only fitting that Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) runner-up West Saratoga won the one-mile Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs, the first leg of the 2023-24 Road to the Kentucky Derby. The gray colt is bred top and bottom for success in the spring classics.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Liberal Arts
Does Liberal Arts have the pedigree to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May? At least at first glance, his pedigree gives off mixed signals.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Uncle Heavy
A decade after Social Inclusion set the world abuzz as a possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, his son Uncle Heavy is embarking down the same path.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mystik Dan
Does Mystik Dan have the pedigree to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? That’s an important question Derby handicappers must ponder.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hades
How far can Hades run? Does he have the stamina to shine over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1), or will shorter journeys prove more favorable?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Stronghold
The Kentucky Derby (G1) looms on the horizon for Stronghold, but does he have the pedigree to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May? That’s a tricky question that requires a nuanced answer.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Otto the Conqueror
Otto the Conqueror showed unwavering tenacity to win the Remington Springboard Mile at Remington Park by three-quarters of a length, in the process joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sierra Leone
Racing 1 1/8 miles is no obstacle for Sierra Leone, winner of the Blue Grass (G1) and Risen Star (G2) and runner-up in the Remsen (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Neither should the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) prove problematic for the beautifully bred colt.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: No More Time
A gate-to-wire victory in the Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs launched No More Time into the picture as a 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Domestic Product
The pedigree of Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Domestic Product suggests the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) might be a furlong farther than his best.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Encino
Encino is bred top and bottom to shine on dirt, which bodes well for his chances of factoring in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Deterministic
A seven-month layoff couldn’t stop Deterministic from joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a win in the one-mile Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct. But can Deterministic stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Endlessly
Endlessly has been a force to reckon with on turf and synthetic, but he's never run on dirt, the surface over which the Kentucky Derby (G1) is contested.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: T O Password
A hard-fought head triumph in the Fukuryu S. at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan thrust T O Password into the picture as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 1, 2024
Jason looks back at his favorite moment from the weekend as Tampa Bay Downs jockey Daniel Centeno wins the Gulfstream Park Oaks with Power Squeeze and has a chance to go to the Kentucky Oaks.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Fierceness
A blend of tactical speed and staying power carried Fierceness to blowout victories in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Florida Derby (G1), stamping the bay colt as the possible favorite for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby dynasties: Visualizing today's most successful bloodlines
The 150-year history of the Kentucky Derby is more than written records, photographs, crackly old broadcasts, race replays, and personal memories.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem March 25, 2024
Jason looks back at some of the big races from the weekend and some news off of the track.
Racing
A Clean Start: The Evolution of the Kentucky Derby Starting Gate
In its 150 years, the Kentucky Derby has gone from a standing start to a barrier to the modern starting gate, a journey that shows the ever-evolving science of a clean start.
Racing
Trackside: 2024 Louisiana Derby Weekend at Fair Grounds [VIDEO]
TwinSpires races to the track this weekend to bring you exclusive content surrounding this week's Louisiana Derby where 100 points are up for grabs on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Thursday Thoughts for Mar. 21, 2024
Jason discusses bringing some family members out to the races and visiting with a former Kentucky Derby winning jockey.
Racing
Becoming Involved: Ownership and Investment in Racehorses
The thrill of winning drives every Thoroughbred racehorse owner. It can be a difficult journey, one filled with setbacks and anguish, but nothing beats the excitement and fulfillment when everything comes together.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Locked
After overcoming a wide trip to win the Breeders’ Futurity (G1), Locked ranks among the early favorites for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
The Culinary Spectacle of the Kentucky Derby: A Feast of Tradition and Excitement
Join us as we delve into the captivating numbers that fuel the culinary spectacle at the Kentucky Derby — a celebration where tradition, flavor, and excitement come together in a manner unlike any other.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for March 18, 2024
Jason discusses this weekend's NHC tournament as well as some general thoughts on the event.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cornishman, Quiet Wisdom strike
Could a Road to the Kentucky Derby foray be in the cards for Cornishman? It’s not inconceivable.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Timberlake
Can Timberlake become the third son of Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)? Only time will tell, but the bay colt is trending in the right direction.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Drum Roll Please
Drum Roll Please joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a third-place finish in the Remsen (G2), and a subsequent 3 3/4-length win in the Jerome S. at Aqueduct reiterates his emergence as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Ramjet
When Ramjet stormed home victorious by three lengths in the Hyacinth S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, he delivered on a pedigree geared top and bottom toward high-level success running long on dirt.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: Bets, Brawls, and Beefs at the 1911 Derby
In 1911, the famed Kentucky Derby was the scene of a racing drama with a cast of characters that included a Kentucky hardboot, a Chicago plunger, a classic-winning jockey, and a suspicious bit of cash.
Racing
Oldest Horses in History That Lived to a Great Age
A sampling of notable Thoroughbreds over the past century that lived to the age of 33 or more
Features
20 fun and interesting facts about horses
Get to know the Equus caballus species better with these 20 fun and interesting facts about horses.
Racing
What is a non-wagering event in horse racing?
Pari-mutuel betting is available on the vast majority of U.S. horse races, but a few different circumstances can turn races into non-wagering events.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Society Man wins on class drop
A trio of Triple Crown nominees broke their maidens last week, emerging as possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders eight weeks out from the first Saturday in May.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem March 11, 2024
Jason discusses some of the events from Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs as well as his favorite moment from the day.
Racing
Evolving prize money helps drive horse racing’s economics
Purse money—the prize money awarded to the top finishers in any given race—helps power the economics of horse racing.
Features
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Worth, 1912)
In Louisville, the big show went on as racing fans once again celebrated another Kentucky Derby, its victor a champion colt whose brief time on the racetrack left the sport wondering “what if?”
Racing
Pedigree profile: Imagination
A tenacious victory in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita has stamped Imagination as a talented three-year-old worth following.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Be You breaks through
You might assume March is too late for a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner to break his maiden. That might be true for some horses, but it shouldn’t be an issue for Be You.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem March 4, 2024
Jason looks back at some of the events from a particularly unusual weekend of racing and looks ahead to the Tampa Bay Derby week.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Four winners running long
Reasoned Analysis failed to factor in two starts as a juvenile, but the Chad Brown trainee broke through in his three-year-old debut, emerging as a possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Thoughts for Feb. 22, 2024
Jason shares some thoughts on this weekend's Rebel (G2), the Saudi Cup (G1), and also about the honoree of today's stakes race at Turf Paradise, the late Luke Kruytbosch.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Antiquarian scores for Pletcher
On Feb. 18, 2018, Justify won his debut in eye-catching fashion. Less than four months later he was a Triple Crown winner, proving late February isn’t too late for a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner to break his maiden.
Racing
How Matt Winn Saved Kentucky Racing with Those Paris Machines
When fans’ ability to bet on the big race was threatened, Colonel Matt Winn went to great lengths to preserve that part of racing and save the Kentucky Derby in the process.
Racing
Trackside: 2024 Risen Star Week at Fair Grounds [VIDEO]
TwinSpires is trackside all week from Fair Grounds as we talk with trainers, visit with horses and host barn tours. Our team of Abbey Huffman, Ashley Anderson and Blaise Bollman give you exclusive access to one of the main staging grounds of winter racing and Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Thursday Thoughts Feb. 15, 2024
Jason shares some of this thoughts from the racing world including the Risen Star (G2) and Sunland Derby (G3), as well as some other random topics.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Winners in Florida and New York
Two-time Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Todd Pletcher continues to add to his roster of contenders for the 2024 Run for the Roses.
Racing
Horse racing was Toby Keith’s passion, recalls Country Bro Stables partner
A passion for winning horse races brought Danny Caldwell and country music superstar Toby Keith together. That passion will keep them together for the time being in spirit.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Man of Firsts
The 150 years of the Kentucky Derby features thousands of stories of both the horses and the people that have been a part of this American tradition. Some names, like Bradley, Calumet, and Whitney, are familiar to fans, but others, especially those part of its earliest years, are less recognizable but equally as important to its long history. One in particular was behind a list of Derby firsts, his horses notable not only for their time on the racetrack but also for their role in the race’s first decade.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Feb. 8, 2024
Jason discusses the Sam F. Davis (G3) and talks about how in race-calling you can try to prepare for what might happen, but you truly just never know.
Racing
Pedigree profile: Nysos
After two blowout victories sprinting, it was no surprise to see Nysos dominate his two-turn debut, winning the one-mile Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) at Santa Anita by 7 1/2 lengths.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Well-bred Tuscan Gold romps
Only time will tell if Tuscan Gold has the talent to win the Kentucky Derby (G1). But there’s no doubt the bay colt has the pedigree to shine on the first Saturday in May.
Racing
Faded Glory: The Kentucky Derby’s Forgotten Winners (Spokane, 1889)
Spokane’s turn in the Kentucky Derby brought down the house with its thrilling finish, a confrontation that started a rivalry and notched the Montana-bred’s name in the history books.
Racing
Catching My Eye: Cox firster, Asmussen’s Guns A’blazing, Double DeVaux at Fair Grounds
A handful of runs on Saturday, Jan. 27 at Fair Grounds Race Course caught my eye.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Speak Easy is the talk of the town
One year after Kentucky Derby winner Mage won a Pegasus World Cup Day maiden race at Gulfstream Park, Speak Easy impressed in an identical maiden contest.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 29, 2024
Jason looks back at some of the weekend action, including another win by Didia, who continues to work her way up the ladder of the turf filly and mare division.
Racing
Catching My Eye: Asmussen has two pointed for Risen Star
In the end, the Lecomte (G3) didn’t tell me much besides reinforcing a lesson I thought I had etched into my skull.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Memorable Absence
In 1951, though, the black-and-white photo of Count Turf, flanked by his owner and others, is missing an important face, making this particular Derby one to remember for one unfortunate reason.
Racing
Seven older horses to follow in 2024
Let's look at several talented runners who could be poised for a bigger year in 2024.
Racing
Faded Glory: The Kentucky Derby’s Forgotten Winners (Ben Ali, 1886)
In the century and a half of the Kentucky Derby lies forgotten tales of this great race. While the sport's spotlight often shines on the most celebrated champions, there are remarkable tales of victory that have faded into the recesses of time.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Hall of Fame is very fast
The equine Hall of Fame took a solid first step toward a place in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame when he smashed a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Jan. 18, 2024
Jason looks ahead to this weekend's Silverbulletday S., discussing the story and chances of Oklahoma-bred Miss Code West.
Racing
First-crop sires: Flameaway leads the way by stakes winners
Flameaway outperformed expectations in his first season at stud, topping all freshman sires by stakes winners in 2023. He registered a total of six stakes victories from a quartet of stakes-winning offspring.
Racing
First-crop sires: Omaha Beach’s unbeaten Kopion on Kentucky Oaks trail
Omaha Beach ranked first among North American freshman sires, not by the official standard of progeny earnings in 2023, but by another metric that’s arguably more significant for his stud career: the number of stakes performers.
Racing