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Santa Anita Derby International Scouting Report: Mandarin Hero
After two Japanese horses are already in the Kentucky Derby (G1) – Derma Sotogake by romping in the UAE Derby (G2) and Continuar accepting the Japan Road invitation – Mandarin Hero tries to make it three in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: In Person at the Arkansas Derby
I walked the last block, taking in the Arkansas Derby Day crowd. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort was buzzing.
Features
Kentucky Derby Report – Forte rallies dramatically, Angel of Empire soars
Kentucky Derby favorite Forte saved his best for the stretch drive, and Angel of Empire continued his progression with an authoritative win.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Santa Anita Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park with pro/cons and star ratings.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Blue Grass Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Blue Grass (G1) over 1 1/8 miles at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Wood Memorial
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Wood Memorial (G2) over 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on April 8. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2023 Santa Anita Derby
A fantastic field of nine sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the dirt in Saturday’s exciting $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Blue Grass Stakes
An excellent field of 11 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Keeneland main surface in Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Wood Memorial Stakes
A dozen three-year-olds will travel 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Aqueduct in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial S.
Kentucky Derby
Forte heavily favored in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 6
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has won the Kentucky Derby twice with Super Saver (2010) and Always Dreaming (2017). According to bettors, there’s a strong chance a third win is on the horizon.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forever Young
A powerful seven-length victory in Japan’s Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse stamped Forever Young as a formidable 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, a status he confirmed with globetrotting victories in the Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Report – Speed rules in Louisiana, Japanese trio added to mix
Three of the eight major qualifiers in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series are in the books, and large fields are set for the $1.25 Arkansas Derby (G1) and $1 million Florida Derby (G1) this Saturday.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Continuar
A victory in the Cattleya S. and a third-place finish in the UAE Derby (G2) earned Continuar enough Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby qualification points to secure a berth in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds
Kingsbarns won the Louisiana Derby but does he have a shot in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Florida Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Florida Derby (G1) over 1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park on April 1. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well in the Florida Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Arkansas Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Arkansas Derby (G1) over 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn on April 1. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well in the Arkansas Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Forte leads way in KDFW Pool 6
The final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), Pool 6 will open its three-day run on Thursday and closes at 6 p.m. (ET) Saturday, prior to the runnings of the Florida Derby (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Wild On Ice
An upset victory in the Sunland Park Derby (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby propelled Wild On Ice into the spotlight. But does he have the pedigree to handle the Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Two Phil's
Although Two Phil’s has shown talent on dirt, he elevated his game to a new level when tackling a synthetic Tapeta track in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Kingsbarns
A gate-to-wire victory in the Louisiana Derby has launched Kingsbarns into the Kentucky Derby picture, and his pedigree suggests he’s well-suited to racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Derma Sotogake
It isn’t surprising to see UAE Derby winner Derma Sotogake display both speed and stamina.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Asmussen duo shine
Six weeks out from the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), a handful of up-and-coming three-year-olds delivered sharp performances to break their maidens.
Kentucky Derby
Scully: Fair Grounds All-Stakes Pick 5 play on Louisiana Derby Day
Saturday’s $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) anchors a $500,000 guaranteed all-stakes Pick 5 at Fair Grounds, and I’ll take a swing at the sequence.
Racing
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park
This week’s debate features a major qualifier in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, as handicappers James Scully and John Mucciolo offer differing opinions on Saturday’s $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park.
Kentucky Derby
Playing the March 25 Bayou Bluegrass 5
Fair Grounds and Turfway Park team up Saturday to offer the Bayou Bluegrass 5, a 50-cent minimum Pick 5 wager that includes the main features on the biggest cards of the season at both facilities.
Wagering
Tipsheet: Sunland Park Derby 2023
A total of seven sophomores will travel nine furlongs on the dirt in Sunday’s $600,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3).
Kentucky Derby
Dubai Preview: 2023 World Cup night dirt undercard spot plays
Here we look at some plays for the trio of major dirt Thoroughbred races at Meydan away from the World Cup.
International
Tipsheet: UAE Derby 2023
A deep field of 13 sophomores will travel 1 3/16 miles on the Dubai dirt in the $1 million UAE Derby (G2) on Saturday.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Report: Fields sets for opening round of major qualifiers
The spotlight shines on Kentucky Derby contenders over the next three weeks as the final round of prep races get underway.
Kentucky Derby
Pick 3 for Turfway March 25, including Jeff Ruby Steaks
The $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) and $300,000 Bourbonette Oaks — a pair of Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep races — highlight Saturday’s 13-race card at Turfway Park.
Wagering
Free Download: 2023 Betting Guides for Louisiana Derby, Jeff Ruby Steaks, UAE Derby
The Louisiana Derby, Jeff Ruby and UAE Derby are all point races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Inside the 2023 Betting Guides are editorial content to help you form a strong betting ticket.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: Jeff Ruby Steaks 2023
A well-matched field of 12 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic strip at Turfway Park in Saturday’s $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3).
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Sunland Park Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Sunland Park Derby (G3) over 1 1/8 miles on dirt at Sunland Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) over 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta at Turfway Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Louisiana Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Louisiana Derby over 1 3/16 miles on dirt at Fair Grounds in Louisiana.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 UAE Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 UAE Derby (G2) over 1,900 meters (about 1 3/16 miles) at Meydan in Dubai. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: First Mission, Promise Me a Ride impress for Cox
The 2022-23 Road to the Kentucky Derby has been productive for trainer Brad Cox.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: Louisiana Derby 2023
A strong field of 12 three-year-olds will travel 1 3/16 miles on the dirt at Fair Grounds in Saturday’s $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2).
Kentucky Derby
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Scully's Kentucky Derby Top 10 for March 14
It's an opportune time for analysis, with one Kentucky Derby prep race remaining for contenders, and here are my top 10 Kentucky Derby rankings entering the final round of preps.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice
Victories in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and Blue Grass (G1) vaulted Tapit Trice into the Kentucky Derby picture.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: I Don't Get It, Major Blue prevail for Derby-winning trainers
You might assume that any horse competing against maiden special weight company in March is too far behind to qualify to the Kentucky Derby (G1) field. But that isn’t always the case.
Kentucky Derby
Forte hardens into 3-1 favoritism in KDFW Pool 5; Wet Paint popular in Oaks Future
Champion Forte closed as the overall 3-1 favorite in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager on Sunday evening, his strongest backing so far in the KDFW series.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Tampa Bay Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Tampa Bay Derby. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2023 Tampa Bay Derby
A fantastic field of 12 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G3).
Wagering
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Kentucky Derby Future Wager 2023: Betting Strategies for Pool 5
Historically, the March Kentucky Derby Future Wagers are about when you can start to expect the eventual Derby winner to be a named individual option.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Report: Stylish return performance for the champ
Champion juvenile male Forte came back impressively in the Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, one of four Road to the Kentucky Derby series qualifiers offered on March 4, and the Todd Pletcher-trained colt will make his final prep in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on April 1.
Kentucky Derby
Forte listed at 4-1 for KDFW Pool 5; Wonder Wheel 8-1 favorite in lone Oaks Future
Following an impressive comeback win in Saturday’s Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Forte has been installed as the 4-1 morning line favorite in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which is set for its three-day span Friday-Sunday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Raise Cain
Violence picked up another possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when his son Raise Cain unleashed a giant rally from behind a fast pace to dominate Aqueduct’s Gotham (G3).
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Congruent
Don’t assume John Battaglia Memorial S. winner Congruent is a synthetic specialist; to the contrary, he’s a versatile young runner capable of performing well over any surface.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bo Cruz, Squire Creek romp at Fair Grounds
With only two months remaining until the Kentucky Derby, you might assume the weekly roster of impressive three-year-old maiden winners has been reduced to a trickle. But that’s simply not the case.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Practical Move
Practical Move joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an upset victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos, but does he have the pedigree to thrive in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forte
One of the most accomplished horses on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is Forte.
Kentucky Derby
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Gallant Fox
Gallant Fox’s victories in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes were the first to come with the name “Triple Crown,” as those intervening years saw the three races enter the sport’s consciousness with that sobriquet attached.
Triple Crown
Meet the Contenders: 2023 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 John Battaglia Memorial S. over 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta at Turfway Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Gotham Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Gotham S. (G3) over one mile at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Fountain of Youth Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Fountain of Youth S. (G2), plus a pro, con and rating of their potential.
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2023 San Felipe Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 San Felipe S. (G2), plus a pro, con and rating of their potential.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Report: Rebel upset precedes flurry of early March preps
March opens with a bang for Kentucky Derby contenders, as four qualifiers in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series will be held on March 4
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: 2023 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
An overflow field of 14 sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Turfway Park All-Weather surface in Saturday’s $125,000 John Battaglia Memorial S.
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 San Felipe Stakes
A fantastic field of 11 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Santa Anita dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 San Felipe S. (G2).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Gotham Stakes
An overflow field of 15 three-year-olds will run one-mile on the Aqueduct main strip on Saturday in the $300,000 Gotham S. (G3).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Fountain of Youth Stakes
A strong field of 10 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Fountain of Youth S. (G2).
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Triple Crown nominee Summer Cause breaks through
The Kentucky Derby (G1) is barely more than two months away, but Triple Crown nominees are still busy breaking their maidens and emerging as possible Run for the Roses contenders.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Confidence Game
A well-timed rally from midfield carried Confidence Game to victory in the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park, stamping the improving colt as a viable contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Louisiana Derby Preview Day Round-up
As the Roads to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) carry on and older divisions begin to take shape, here’s a round-up of Kevin Kilroy's takeaways.
Analysis
Meet The Contenders: 2023 Rebel Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Rebel Stakes, plus a pro, con and rating of their potential.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Report: Late runners step up in Risen Star
Angel of Empire and Sun Thunder jumped into the Kentucky Derby picture with a 1-2 finish in Saturday’s Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds, rallying from far back in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series qualifier.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: 2023 Rebel Stakes
A total of 11 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Oaklawn Park dirt in Saturday’s lucrative $1 million Rebel S. (G3).
Wagering
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Angel of Empire
Stretch-running victories in the Risen Star (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G1) have propelled Angel of Empire into the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) picture. But does he have the pedigree to succeed in the Run for the Roses?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bishops Bay, Heroic Move impress for Cox
Winning the Kentucky Derby (much less the Triple Crown) off a February debut isn’t easy, but Bishops Bay may have the talent to take a shot.
Kentucky Derby
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds
New Orleans is the destination for this week’s debate, as handicappers Alastair Bull and James Scully offer different opinions in Saturday’s $400,000 Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Features
Shirl's Speight takes on leading Japanese dirt horses in Tokyo
It’s a significant day of racing at Tokyo racecourse in Japan, with two features that have relevance to North America.
International
Catching My Eye: Morning Breezes Ahead of Louisiana Derby Preview Day
As the three-year-old campaigns build momentum and with Louisiana Derby Preview Day on Saturday, the morning workouts at Fair Grounds have been heating up.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Risen Star Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Risen Star Stakes, plus a pro, con and rating of their potential.
Wagering
Derby Report – Stakes debuters continue to strike in Davis, Withers; Risen Star gets big field
Hit Show and Litigate became the latest first-time stakes performers to win a qualifier, jumping on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with respective wins in the Withers (G3) and Sam F. Davis (G3) on Feb. 11.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2023 Risen Star Stakes
A huge field of 14 sophomores will run 1 1/8 miles on the Fair Grounds dirt surface in the $400,000 Risen Star S. (G2) on Saturday.
Wagering
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson take a look at the latest developments along the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) trails in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Kentucky Derby
The Heart That Wears the Crown: Sir Barton
Thoroughbreds are fast and powerful athletes and the most elite are the ones whose names become a part of our collective consciousness, but, like familiar faces like Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, they were living, breathing beings who interacted with the world around them and left a distinct impression on those who cared for them.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Skinner, Arthur's Ride impress
You might assume February is too late for a future Kentucky Derby (G1) winner to be scoring their maiden victory. That’s true most of the time, but not always.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Litigate
When Litigate rallied to a determined victory in the Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, it was confirmation the bay colt has been waiting for a chance to shine running long.
Kentucky Derby
Chase the Chaos winning the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields (Photo by Vassar Photography)
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chase the Chaos
What do we make of Chase the Chaos, who unleashed a giant homestretch rally to win the El Camino Real Derby over the synthetic Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields? Can he successfully switch to dirt?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hit Show
When Hit Show stormed down the Aqueduct homestretch to dominate the 1 1/8-mile Withers (G3), he fulfilled the promise of a pedigree geared top and bottom toward success running long.
Kentucky Derby
Forte holds as 8-1 individual choice in KDFW Pool 4; 'All others' 2-1
Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) closed Sunday with stability at the very top, coupled with big market moves for a filly as well as recent winners.
Kentucky Derby
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs
The Road to the Kentucky Derby series is featured in this week’s debate, as handicappers James Scully and Vance Hanson offer different opinions in Saturday’s $250,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Dubai Preview: Shirl's Bee hard to beat in UAE 2,000 Guineas
Some potential contenders for the main Kentucky Derby overseas qualifying race contest the UAE 2,000 Guineas (G3) at Meydan on Friday.
International
Tipsheet: 2023 Sam F. Davis Stakes
A full field of 12 sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Tampa Bay Downs dirt surface in the $250,000 Sam F. Davis S. (G3) on Saturday.
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 El Camino Real Derby
An octet of sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Golden Gate Fields All-Weather surface in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby.
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Withers Stakes
A total of seven sophomores will go postward in Saturday’s $250,000 Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Report: Mott strikes in Holy Bull, sends contenders to Sam Davis, Withers
Rocket Can opened his three-year-old season with a rallying win in the Feb. 4 Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
Racing
Forte listed at 8-1, ‘All Others' 2-1 for Pool 4 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) will open its three-day run Friday at noon (ET) and close Sunday at 6 p.m. The revamped KDFW features 40 betting interests for the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 6.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: Holy Bull and Robert B. Lewis
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson look back at last weekend's classic preps and other three-year-old doings in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bus Buzz, Demolition Duke impress
Santa Anita… Fair Grounds… Gulfstream Park… Oaklawn Park… Tampa Bay Downs. Possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders won maiden special weights at racetracks all around the country last week.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rocket Can
It isn’t surprising to see Rocket Can enjoying success on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail. The gray colt boasts a pedigree combining speed with stamina, often a recipe for success in the Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Report: Southwest flash, Cyclone set for Holy Bull
The second of four Kentucky Derby qualifiers at Oaklawn Park, the Jan. 28 Southwest (G3) featured the return of Arabian Knight, a spectacular wire-to-wire maiden winner on the Breeders’ Cup Saturday undercard in his career debut.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Holy Bull Stakes
Star Ratings and Pros/Cons for the Holy Bull Stakes contenders.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2023 Holy Bull Stakes
An octet of three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $250,000 Holy Bull S. (G3).
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Geaux Rocket Ride romps for Mandella
Arguably the most impressive three-year-old maiden winner of the weekend was Richard Mandella’s Geaux Rocket Ride, who trounced his Sunday debut sprinting six furlongs at Santa Anita.
Racing
Top trainers on Road to Kentucky Derby and their past Derby history
We take a look at some of the top Derby trainers and their horses to keep an eye on in upcoming Derby preps, as well as how those trainers have fared in past Kentucky Derby races.
Kentucky Derby
Countdown to the
2025 Kentucky Derby
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Kentucky Derby 2025
Kentucky Derby information
Learn about the 2025 Kentucky Derby
What is the Kentucky Derby?
- Location: Churchill Downs
- Inaugural Race: 1875
- Current Distance: 1 & 1/4 miles (10 furlongs)
- Track Type: Left-Handed Dirt
- Age Qualification: Three-year-olds
- 2025 Purse: $5 million
- 2025 Race Date: Saturday, May 3rd
Kentucky Derby Contenders: | Runner Information |
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Kentucky Derby Video
A Brief History of the Kentucky Derby
The most famous horse race in the world is the most thrilling two minutes in sport. It takes place on the first Saturday in May at the historic Churchill Downs racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky and regularly attended by more than 150,000 people. The record attendance was 165,307 in 2012, and in 2014 164,906 watched California Chrome win "the run for the roses".
The inaugural Kentucky Derby took place in 1875 after Col. Meriweather Lewis Clark, Jr had visited England three years earlier and witnessed the Epsom Derby, a famous race which had been run since 1780 on the outskirts of London. The Kentucky Derby was originally raced over the same distance of 1 & 1/2 miles as the Epsom Derby (it was changed to its current distance of 1 & 1/4 miles in 1896. An estimated crowd of 10,000 watched the colt Aristides crowned winner of the first running of the race at the newly constructed Churchill Downs racecourse.
The first live radio broadcast of the Kentucky Derby was in 1925, and it wasn't until 1949 that the first television coverage of the race happened. In 2016 the race will be covered live by NBC with real-time payouts and results from horse racing's premier event available all day on BetAmerica.com.
The race is so popular that in the preceding two weeks leading up to the running, the city of Louisville holds the Kentucky Derby Festival, Kentucky’s largest single annual event. The Kentucky Derby Festival is comprised of several events, including Thunder Over Louisville (the biggest annual fireworks display in North America), the Great Balloon Race, the Pegasus Parade (one the countries largest), and The Great Steamboat Race.
Entries into the Kentucky Derby include some of the most famous racehorses to ever compete. Notable entries into the race include Regret, Sir Burton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, War Admiral, Citation, Northern Dancer, Seattle Slew, War Emblem, and California Chrome.
Visit our Kentucky Derby Trivia page for more insights into the most famous race in the world, including detailed facts about entries, records, and winners.
TwinSpires is a licensed supplier of online betting on the Kentucky Derby. You can bet on the Kentucky Derby legally online at TwinSpires.com with a regulated U.S. based website where your deposits are safe and your winnings are guaranteed. All bets are placed directly into the official Churchill Downs betting pools and all winnings are paid at full track odds.
Kentucky Derby Race Records
Fastest Time Recorded
- 1.59.40
Secretariat - 1973
Biggest Odds Winner
- 91-1
Donerail - 1913
Biggest Win Margin
- 8 lengths
Assault (1946) & Whirlaway (1941)
Most Wins by a Jockey
- 5
Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952) & Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)
Most Wins by an Owner
- 8
Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968)
Most Wins by a Trainer
- 6
Ben A Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952)
Bob Baffert (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020, 2021*)
Kentucky Derby prep-race listing:
View a complete list of prep-races that award points along the Road to the Kentucky Derby trail. Prep-races are valuable stepping stones for horses looking to compete on the First Saturday in May.
Kentucky Derby Party & Fun Facts
- KELLY: One Hundred Years Ago, Colonel Bradley Goes for the One-Two
- KELLY: More Than One Way to Wear Roses
- HANSON: D. Wayne Lukas the best asset for fillies in Kentucky Derby preps
- HANSON: Phenom to Journeyman: The Riding Life of Bill Boland
- KELLY: Some Things Stay the Same: One Hundred Days, One Hundred Years Ago
- HANSON: 1945 - When the Kentucky Derby moved from May to June