Derby Basics: What You Need to Know
No race captures the hearts, minds, and imagination of race fans young and old quite the Kentucky Derby.
Every owner wants to have a horse in it. Every jockey wants to ride it. But only a select few get to run in it.
This year another 20 horses will line up in the starting gate at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky for the oldest continuously run sporting event in America.
Here are some Derby basics to know...
Where to Watch
May 2 | NBCSN | 5p – 6p ET May 3 | NBCSN | 11a – 4p ET May 3 | NBC | 4p – 7p ET May 3 | NBCSN | 7p – 7:30p ET
or listen to HRRN all week
What Exactly Is a Mint Julep?
As the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, 120,000 Mint Juleps are served that weekend. This feat requires over 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.
Every owner wants to have a horse in it. Every jockey wants to ride it. But only a select few get to run in it.
This year another 20 horses will line up in the starting gate at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky for the oldest continuously run sporting event in America.
Here are some Derby basics to know...
Where to Watch
May 2 | NBCSN | 5p – 6p ET May 3 | NBCSN | 11a – 4p ET May 3 | NBC | 4p – 7p ET May 3 | NBCSN | 7p – 7:30p ET
or listen to HRRN all week
What Exactly Is a Mint Julep?
As the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, 120,000 Mint Juleps are served that weekend. This feat requires over 10,000 bottles of bourbon, 1,000 pounds of freshly harvested mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
Sprigs of fresh mint
Crushed ice
Kentucky BourbonTo really make your mint julep’s official, find silver julep cups!
Betting the Derby is Easy!
You are just a few clicks away from betting the biggest race of the year.
Click here to SIGN UP or LOGIN to your TwinSpires account
In the upper left corner, click BET NOW
In the center, select your track: CHURCHILL DOWNS is home to the Derby
Select your race number: race 11 is usually the Derby
Select your bet amount: $2 WPS is the safest place to start (your selection has to finish in the top 3); this is actually 3 separate bets and will cost you $6
Select your runner: pick the horse you want to win and - yes - you can choose more than one horse for additional cost
In the upper right corner, click VERIFY WAGER, then SUBMIT and you're all set!
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