POPULAR ARTICLES
VIDEOS
LATEST
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 Apr. 13, 2026
Jason writes about the tradition of the Masters golf tournament and traditions in racing.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Wonder Dean
The fifth straight Japanese-trained winner of the UAE Derby (G2), and sixth overall, Wonder Dean will try to score an historic breakthrough in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Features
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.
Features
10 interesting facts about Justify, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
Justify is the 13th and most recent Triple Crown winner, having achieved his milestone in 2018 in remarkable circumstances. Below are 10 interesting facts about Justify.
Racing
10 interesting facts about American Pharoah, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
American Pharoah was the 12th Triple Crown winner, having broken a 37-year drought to win the famed trio of races in 2015.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 11, 2026]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Triple Crown
Best trainers never to have won the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is America's signature race, but victory in it unfortunately eluded (or has) some of the finest and most accomplished horsemen in history.
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Chief Wallabee
After commendable showings in the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2), Chief Wallabee will look to break through in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Emerging Market
Unbeaten from two outings, Emerging Market will try to buck a long-standing trend by winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) in his third start.
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Fulleffort
Fulleffort will look to make a serious impact in the Kentucky Derby (G1) if he takes to the main track at Churchill Downs.
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Right to Party
Right to Party will bring a late kick to the Kentucky Derby (G1) following his closing second in the Wood Memorial (G2).
Features
The oddest horse names in Kentucky Derby history
There are a number of weird and wonderful horse names that have made it to the biggest stage of all. Here are the 10 best in Kentucky Derby history.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chief Wallabee
There are no certainties in horse racing, but it seems reasonable to conclude Chief Wallabee has the pedigree to relish racing 1 1/4 miles in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Right to Party
Right to Party, a late nominee to the Triple Crown, stamped his ticket to the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) with top-three finishes in the Gotham (G3) and Wood Memorial (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Incredibolt
After showing an affinity for Churchill Downs last year, Virginia Derby romper Incredibolt will return for the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Pavlovian
Pavlovian will face a class check in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but he can make his own trip with tactical speed and enters on an upward trajectory.
Features
Kentucky Derby Context: Potente
Potente will enter the Kentucky Derby (G1) off a frontrunning second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), an experience that may sharpen him up for a good showing at Churchill Downs.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Context: Silent Tactic
Oaklawn stakes winner Silent Tactic, runner-up to Renegade in the Arkansas Derby (G1), promises to be finishing fast if the early pace is hot and/or contested in the Kentucky Derby.
Features
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 9, 2026
Jason discusses a recent letter to the editor about how tracks show horse races on broadcasts.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Further Ado crushes the Blue Grass
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 25 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Triple Crown
Fastest Kentucky Derby Times: What History Tells Us
The Kentucky Derby (G1) adopted its current 1 1/4-mile distance in 1896. In the ensuing decades, the fastest and average winning times have decreased significantly.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: So Happy
After enjoying early success in sprints, So Happy stretched out over 1 1/8 miles to win the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Albus
Can Albus, a son of tried-and-true sprinter Yaupon, handle the testing distance of 1 1/4 miles in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: 4 Triple Crown nominees triumph
Less than four weeks out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), the Road to the Kentucky Derby is nearly complete.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 6, 2026
Jason talks about Saturday's Wood Memorial (G2) winner Albus in this week's Monday Morning Message.
Racing
LIVE Wood Memorial 2026: odds, entries, post times, results, and picks
Welcome to our Wood Memorial 2026 LIVE coverage!
Wagering
LIVE
LIVE Santa Anita Derby 2026: entries, picks, odds, betting tips, and moreWelcome to our Santa Anita Derby 2026 LIVE coverage!
Tournaments
LIVE Blue Grass Stakes 2026: Picks, odds, entries, and results
Join our live coverage of the Blue Grass Stakes 2026 happening at Keeneland.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem April 2, 2026
Jason discusses Keeneland and raising the minimum bet on certain wagers.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Commandment, Renegade score big wins
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 32 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Features
Which prep races have produced the most Kentucky Derby winners?
Not all Kentucky Derby (G1) prep races are equally productive. Some Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers yield Kentucky Derby winners with greater frequency than others.
Triple Crown
Which Kentucky Derby winners had the best careers after the race?
Determining which Kentucky Derby winners enjoyed the best post-Derby careers is subjective and depends on which achievements one values most.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Sovereign Law graduates for Cox
Time is running out for inexperienced maiden winners to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby and earn points toward a start in the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Wonder Dean
Wonder Dean stamped his ticket to the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a determined victory in the UAE Derby (G2) on dirt at Meydan in Dubai.
International
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 30, 2026
Jason looks back at the weekend and talks about a potential budding star that debuted at Tampa on Sunday.
Racing
LIVE Arkansas Derby 2026 odds, picks, post time, horses & race coverage
Welcome to our LIVE Arkansas Derby 2026 race coverage!
Racing
LIVE Florida Derby 2026 picks, odds, post time, & entries
Welcome to our LIVE Florida Derby 2026 race day coverage!
Gulfstream Park
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 27]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Tournaments
2026 Dubai World Cup storylines: Forever Young on verge of earnings record
Thirty years after Hall of Famer Cigar made the inaugural Dubai World Cup an instant classic, the biggest storyline of the 2026 renewal is the fact that it’s happening at all.
Features
2026 Kentucky Derby News and Notes
The Kentucky Derby news and notes offers all of our coverage cultivated in one place!
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Fulleffort tops the leaderboard
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 39 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Fulleffort
After spending his first seven starts competing on turf and Tapeta, stretch-running Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner Fulleffort must switch to dirt for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Emerging Market
It wasn’t surprising to see Emerging Market handle 1 3/16 miles with aplomb in the Louisiana Derby (G2), charging with determination to win the Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier by a head.
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Four Triple Crown noms graduate
One of the flashiest three-year-olds to graduate last week was Make My Day, a second-time starter from the Hall of Fame barn of Todd Pletcher.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 23, 2026
Jason discusses Emerging Market's quick rise to prominence as well as talking about Touchuponastar.
Racing
LIVE Louisiana Derby 2026: Expert Top Picks and Live Results as Kentucky Derby Points Hang in the Balance
Welcome to our Louisiana Derby 2026 LIVE coverage!
Fair Grounds
LIVE Jeff Ruby Steaks 2026 at Turfway Park: picks, odds, entries & best bets
Welcome to the Jeff Ruby Steaks 2026 LIVE coverage!
Wagering
LIVE
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 21]Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Wagering
Tall Tales of the Track – Under Fire
When Count Turf crossed the finish line first to win the 1951 Kentucky Derby, he was the third generation of Derby winners, his sire Count Fleet and grandsire Reigh Count both also victorious under the Twin Spires. In 1928, Reigh Count brought John and Fannie Hertz the first of their classic victories, but a conflict involving John’s taxi company almost ended the horse’s life. When it counted, when history was on the line, one man’s quick-thinking response made all the difference.
Features
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Incredibolt romps in Virginia Derby
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 47 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Ezum wins by 19 1/2 lengths
Ezum isn’t currently nominated to the Triple Crown, but that could change after the gray colt obliterated a one-mile maiden special weight on Saturday at Colonial Downs.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 16, 2026
Jason discusses Dylan Donnelly's win in the NHC and the event itself.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 13]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Wagering
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.
Features
Yes, She Can: Female Jockey Representation in America's Elite Races
While Julie Krone remains the only woman to win a Triple Crown classic—her historic 1993 Belmont Stakes win aboard Colonial Affair—pioneers like Patti Cooksey and Rosie Napravnik have continued to prove that strength and strategy know no gender.
Trends
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: The Puma
A relentless outside rally from last place carried The Puma to a determined victory in the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Potente
It’s safe to say Into Mischief is the dominant Kentucky Derby (G1) sire of the 2020s. His influence extends not only to Kentucky Derby Day but throughout the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Features
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Lawrin, 1938)
While the majority of the 150 winners of the Kentucky Derby were born in the Bluegrass State, 14 other states boast Derby victors of their own, with seven producing one each. New York has Funny Cide, Maryland gave us Kauai King, and in 1938, Kansas got its lone victory with a colt named Lawrin.
Features
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Affirmed
But who was the lanky chestnut colt that came out on top, the one that followed Seattle Slew into history a scant 12 months after his own classic campaign? The combination of an easygoing disposition, a clever mind, and an iron will gave Affirmed everything he would need to turn away his challengers and become an immortal.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 9, 2026
Jason discusses his day at Tampa Bay Downs and the Tampa Bay Derby (G3).
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Dust Commander, 1970)
In 1970, Dust Commander made dreams come true for a journeyman jockey, a young trainer, and a family new to racing, a victory that rewarded the faith of the few who believed in this long shot from the Land of Lincoln.
Kentucky Derby
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Mar. 5, 2026
Jason discusses this weekend's Tampa Bay Derby and shares some memories of the race.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Class President
Ten years ago, a young stallion named Uncle Mo made headlines when his son Nyquist prevailed in the 2016 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Commandment
Can Commandment make history and become the fourth son of perennial leading North American sire Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Features
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Secretariat
Fifty years and 31 lengths ago, Secretariat sailed into the history books as the ninth horse to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes, our American Triple Crown.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Iron Honor
A determined charge down the Aqueduct homestretch carried Iron Honor to a one-length victory in the Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
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?”
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Mar. 2, 2026
Jason writes about Sandman and finding his level in racing.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [Feb 28]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Wagering
Japan's ascent in international horse racing: World rankings tell the tale
Japan has dispatched a series of outstanding Thoroughbred ambassadors on the world stage in recent years, becoming a force in international racing festivals.
Kentucky Derby
The Most Predictive Horse Racing Metrics: What Actually Moves the Odds
Intuitively, we know hot jockeys, hot trainers, and strong speed figures are some of the major handicapping angles that attract betting support. But what does the data say?
Trends
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Sunny’s Halo, 1983)
Sunny’s Halo bested injury and a full field on Derby Day to bring another victory in the Run for the Roses back to the Great White North.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Lucky Kid
Lucky Kid could be bound for the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) after holding off a late challenger to win the Hyacinth S. over 1,600 meters (about one mile) at Tokyo Racecourse.
International
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Feb. 26, 2026
Jason discusses how tracks report and distribute information to the public.
Racing
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
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Jet Pilot, 1947)
In a year sandwiched between Triple Crown winners, Jet Pilot capitalized on his good fortune and brought home a rosy victory for his famous owner and Hall of Fame trainer.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Feb. 23, 2026
Jason discusses some racing from the weekend, as well as the tournament scene and its community.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Feb. 19, 2026
Jason writes about getting involved in racing boards and leadership groups.
Racing
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.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Al Haram
Al Haram, an unbeaten colt based in Saudi Arabia, brought his record to 4-for-4 with a late-charging triumph in the Saudi Derby (G3).
Features
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
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Feb. 16, 2026
Jason looks back at the 100th anniversary party at Tampa Bay Downs and talks about meeting the great Tom Durkin.
Racing
2026 Saudi Cup Day: Top 10 storylines
The world’s richest race features the world’s top-rated dirt horse, as global dirt supremo Forever Young is on a quest to become the first two-time winner of the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1).
Features
All-Access Trackside Coverage: 2026 Risen Star Weekend at Fair Grounds
Welcome to our All-Access Trackside Coverage of the 2026 Risen Star Weekend at Fair Grounds.
Video
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Silent Tactic among four new winners
The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 81 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Renegade
Renegade has shown talent and stamina on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, winning the 1 1/16-mile Sam F. Davis S. and 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby (G1) in succession.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Plutarch
It’s fitting to see Plutarch emerge as a 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender. His pedigree contains two of the most dominant Kentucky Derby sires of the last decade.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Talk to Me Jimmy
Talk to Me Jimmy made his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut a winning one in the 1 1/8-mile Withers S., leading all the way to dominate by 11 lengths.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Silent Tactic
A powerful rally from off the pace carried Silent Tactic to a decisive win in the Southwest (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Feb. 9, 2026
Jason discusses a maiden event from Tampa on Saturday that might turn out to be the most significant race from the weekend.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Nearly
Dueling for the lead through hot pace fractions didn’t stop Nearly from dominating the Holy Bull (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Pedigree
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Omaha
When any Triple Crown winner goes to stud, the high expectations set by winning that coveted trophy come along, as fans eagerly anticipate the next generation. Can he copy himself and produce another just like him? Of the 13 to have worn the crown, only one has done what is nearly impossible, a feat unlikely to be duplicated anytime soon: siring another Triple Crown winner.
Education
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Feb. 2, 2026
Jason discusses Nearly's win in the Holy Bull (G3) and the Derby trail in its early stages.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track: Honoring the Memory of a Rider Long Gone
By the late 19th century, the Kentucky Derby had become a fixture on the American stakes calendar, but its home track struggled with its finances and with attracting good horses for its list of feature races. When Chant arrived in Louisville for the 1894 Derby, he would face a short field, but a victory would give his young jockey a place in the sport’s history books and preserve his memory for years to come.
Features
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for Jan. 29, 2026
Jason discusses his recent visit to the backstretch with Rasi Harper from The Real Players Inside the Backstretch.
Racing
The Heart That Wears the Crown: War Admiral
Lofty expectations are laid upon the greats when they exit stage left to enter the next phase. When Man o’ War said goodbye to his life on the track, the focus then became on whether the 20th century’s greatest racehorse could produce another one like him. Whatever it was that made Big Red so dominant and so iconic had to be passed along to his progeny, but what would that look like?
Triple Crown
Dark Star wins the 1953 Kentucky Derby (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum/Churchill Downs)
Faded Glory: Forgotten Winners of the Kentucky Derby (Dark Star, 1953)
In 1953, the sport had fallen in love with a gray colt who seemed destined to sweep every race he tried, but in that year’s Kentucky Derby, Native Dancer’s unexpected defeat came thanks to a colt named Dark Star.
Kentucky Derby
POPULAR ARTICLES
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Apr. 13, 2026
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Wonder Dean
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby
10 interesting facts about Justify, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
10 interesting facts about American Pharoah, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
VIDEOS
LATEST