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Top 10 Biggest Horse Races In The World
Let's look at the 10 biggest horse races in the world, from the “race that stops a nation” to the “fastest two minutes in sports.”
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
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
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grande
Grande qualified for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) via a strong runner-up finish in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flying Mohawk
Can Flying Mohawk successfully switch from synthetic to dirt for the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests it’s not a guarantee.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: River Thames
A review of River Thames' pedigree suggests stretching out over classic distances for the Triple Crown series could be a question mark.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 12-13]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Publisher
Although Publisher has yet to win a race, he qualified for the Kentucky Derby (G1) via a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and aims to become the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby since 1933.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chunk of Gold
Homestretch rallies carried Chunk of Gold to runner-up finishes in the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Risen Star (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, earning the gray colt a spot in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) starting gate.
Racing
Horseplayers have new, powerful video weapon in handicapping arsenal
The integration of WSC Sports' AI-powered video technology into the TwinSpires platform isn't just another tech rollout – it's a game-changer for serious Derby preparation.
Kentucky Derby
Netflix offers exclusive behind-the-scenes perspective on journey to the Triple Crown
"Race for the Crown," a new six-part Netflix series premiering April 22, 2025, promises an immersive look into the high-stakes world of Thoroughbred horse racing.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 Lexington Stakes
A well-matched field of seven sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Keeneland dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington S. (G3). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five across the wire with qualifying points on a 20-10-6-4-2 basis.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Lexington Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Lexington S. (G3) at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Final round of major Kentucky Derby and Oaks in the books
In this week’s edition of the Racing Roundtable, Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance review the final round of major Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps at Aqueduct, Keeneland, Meydan, providing analysis of the races' impact and any vulnerabilities of the projected Kentucky Derby favorite.
Racing
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Wood Memorial?
The productivity of the Wood Memorial (G2) as a Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race has always been cyclical, rising, falling, and rising again across decades.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Journalism reaffirms favoritism
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 26 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rodriguez
Rodriguez emerged as a top-tier 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when leading from start to finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Admire Daytona
Japanese raider Admire Daytona displayed unwavering tenacity when taking his game on the road to the UAE Derby (G2) at Meydan in Dubai.
Racing
Journalism retains 5-1 favoritism in KDFW Pool 6
The sixth and final pool of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) closed Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, giving bettors an opportunity to lock into contenders prior to the last three major U.S. preps.
Racing
Is the Kentucky Oaks more predictable than the Kentucky Derby?
It stands to reason that the Kentucky Oaks, which is limited to 14 starters, is an easier race to handicap than the 20-horse Kentucky Derby. But is this true?
Racing
Wood Memorial Stakes & Santa Anita Derby: Picks, race entries, analysis & LIVE horse racing news
Enjoy live odds for all the upcoming stakes races, including the Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby entries. Watch replays of those important stakes, and discover Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby results and for each stakes race.
Live
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 5-8]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for April 3, 2025
The TwinSpires Jury of James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali provide their best bets for major Kentucky Derby and Oaks qualifiers at Aqueduct, Keeneland, and Santa Anita.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 Blue Grass Stakes
A strong field of seven sophomores will travel nine panels over the Keeneland dirt in Saturday’s $1.25 million Blue Grass S. (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2025 Santa Anita Derby
A compact, but sensational, field of five three-year-olds will go 1 1/8 miles on the dirt in Saturday’s $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes
A well-matched field of 12 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles over the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2).
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Blue Grass Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Blue Grass S. (G1) at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
10 horses to watch in the final top-tier Kentucky Derby preps
Four weeks out from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), only three top-tier Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers remain on the agenda.
Racing
Journalism 4-1 in early-closing KDFW Pool 6
The sixth and final Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) pool in advance of this year's Churchill Downs classic is scheduled this week beginning Thursday at noon ET.
Kentucky Derby
4 jockey stats to know for Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs
If you’re a bettor who factors jockey assignments into your handicapping, we’ve got a handful of stats and facts for you to keep in mind during Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs:
Racing
Top 10 best racehorses of all time
Ranking the greatest racehorse of all time is an exercise fraught with challenges and subjectivity. But I'm going to give it a try.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
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
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps at Oaklawn and Gulfstream, Pool 6 of the KDFW
In this week’s edition of the Racing Roundtable, Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance review last weekend’s Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps at Oaklawn Park and Gulfstream Park, plus look ahead to the sixth and final pool of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Future Wager.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Santa Anita Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Michael Iavarone explains his winning Pick-5 ticket structure
Michael Iavarone had the sole winning ticket of Tampa Bay Downs’ late Pick 5 worth $435,029.40 on Feb. 8, 2020 when placing his bet at TwinSpires.com.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Sandman, Tappan Street step forward
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 33 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sandman
An eye-catching rally from behind a fast pace carried Sandman to victory in the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tappan Street
A well-timed rally carried Tappan Street to victory in the 1 1/8-mile Florida Derby (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, stamping the bay colt as the latest top-tier Kentucky Derby (G1) contender sired by Into Mischief.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Lucky Losers: Cryptoclearance (1987)
Cryptoclearance was another exceptional member of the class of 1984, a hard-trying horse who was always in the mix in the sport’s biggest stakes and a stellar sire who passed on his champion genes to more than one classic winner.
Racing
Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby: Picks, race entries, analysis & LIVE horse racing news
Enjoy live odds for all the upcoming stakes races, including the Florida Derby and the Arkansas Derby entries. Watch replays of those important stakes, and discover Arkansas Derby and Florida Derby results and for each stakes race.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 29-30]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for March 29 [VIDEO]
The TwinSpires Jury of James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali discuss their best bets and fades at Oaklawn Park for the Arkansas Derby (G1) card and Gulfstream Park for Florida Derby (G1) Day. Plus, they give their top picks for both 100-point Kentucky Derby prep races on Saturday.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 Florida Derby
An excellent field of 10 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s lucrative, $1 million Florida Derby (G2). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five finishers with qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 basis.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 Arkansas Derby
A total of nine three-year-olds will go 1 1/8 miles at Oaklawn Park in Saturday’s $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five finishers of the heat with qualifying points towards the Run for the Roses on a 100-50-25-15-10 structure.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Florida Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Arkansas Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Blue Grass?
During the 20th century, the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland was a preeminent steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Tiztastic, Final Gambit post upsets
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 40 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tiztastic
Of all the horses taking aim at the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tiztastic boasts one of the most interesting pedigrees.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Final Gambit
A terrific homestretch rally allowed Final Gambit to overcome a bumping start and dominate the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), his Road to the Kentucky Derby debut.
Racing
Louisiana Derby & Jeff Ruby Steaks: Picks, race entries, analysis & LIVE horse racing news
Enjoy live odds for all the upcoming stakes races, including the Jeff Ruby Steaks and Louisiana Derby entries. Watch replays of those important stakes, and discover Jeff Ruby Steaks and Louisiana Derby results for each stakes race.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 22-23]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
Ova Charged wins the Mardi Gras at Fair Grounds (Photo courtesy of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots)
Exclusive 2025 Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks LIVE chat ahead of Saturday racing
Join us for an hour long lively chat about this Saturday horse racing today, before the action begins on the Road to the Kentucky Derby at Fair Grounds and Turfway.
Live
Tipsheet: 2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks
A deep cast of 13 sophomores will travel nine panels over the Tapeta at Turfway Park in Saturday’s $777,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series tilt will reward the first five across the wire with qualifying points on a 100-50-25-15-10 structure.
Analysis
Tipsheet: 2025 Louisiana Derby
A strong field of 10 will travel 1 3/16 miles on the Fair Grounds dirt in Saturday’s lucrative, $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five finishers with qualifying points on a 100–50-25-15-10 basis.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Louisiana Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Louisiana Derby Saturday at Fair Grounds. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cox trainees stun at Colonial
Seven weeks out from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1), promising three-year-olds continue to post flashy maiden victories around the country.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: American Promise wins Virginia Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 47 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Journalism closes as 5-1 favorite in KDFW Pool 5; Good Cheer dominates Oaks Future at 2-1
Pool 5 of the 2025 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) closed Sunday evening with Journalism as the overall favorite at 5-1 from the 7-1 Sovereignty.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: American Promise
A 7 3/4-length demolition of the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs launched American Promise into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture.
Racing
Trackside: 2025 Virginia Derby Weekend at Colonial Downs [VIDEO]
Join our experts as they travel trackside to give you all access Colonial Downs Friday and Saturday up-to-date racing coverage. With behind the scenes action, expert picks, trainer and jockey interviews, breaking news, and more, you'll feel like you're at the track with them!
Analysis
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 15-16]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for March 15 [VIDEO]
From Colonial Downs for Virginia Derby weekend, James Scully and Ashley Anderson convene with guest Nick Tammaro to talk their best bets and fades of the week at Colonial and Gulfstream Park, plus their picks in the Virginia Oaks and Virginia Derby on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 Virginia Derby
A total of nine three-year-olds will go 1 1/8 miles on the Colonial Downs main strip in Saturday’s $500,000 Virginia Derby.
Racing
Journalism heads Pool 5 of KDFW; Good Cheer tops Oaks Future Wager
Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) and the lone Kentucky Oaks Future Wager (KOFW) of 2025 will be offered this week beginning at noon ET on Friday.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Louisiana Derby?
For decades, the Louisiana Derby had minimal impact on the Kentucky Derby. But that has changed sharply since the 1990s.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Accelerize, Zat’s the One shine
Can Accelerize qualify to the Kentucky Derby? It’s not out of the question after the talented three-year-old stunned on debut at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Owen Almighty takes Tampa Bay Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 54 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for March 10, 2025
Jason looks back at this weekend's Tampa Bay Derby win for Owen Almighty and a common bond shared with their ownership group.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Owen Almighty
We know Owen Almighty has speed. But does he have the necessary stamina to win over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [March 8-9]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Tampa Bay Derby
Meet the horses running in the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, FL. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Tipsheet: 2025 Tampa Bay Derby
A talented field of seven sophomores are signed on to travel 1 1/16 miles on the dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby S. (G3)
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Disruptor lives up to his name
Is Disruptor ready to disrupt the Road to the Kentucky Derby? It’s possible after the chestnut colt delivered a fast maiden victory at Gulfstream Park last Saturday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Journalism, Sovereignty win returns
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 61 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Mar. 3, 2025
Jason discusses some of the Kentucky Derby prep winners but also some of the horses not to give up on just yet.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flood Zone
Are one-turn miles destined to be Flood Zone’s strong suit, or can he shine racing 1 1/4 miles around two turns in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
LIVE Saturday Racing: Gulfstream, Santa Anita & Aqueduct
Join us on the Road to the Kentucky Derby as we give you live updates on stakes races, including the Gotham, Fountain of Youth, and San Felipe.
Live
LIVE Blog for Saturday Stakes Racing: picks, odds, results and more on the RTKD
Join us on the Road to the Kentucky Derby as we give you live updates on stakes races, including the Gotham, Fountain of Youth, and San Felipe.
Live
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [Feb 28-March 2]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2025 San Felipe Stakes
An exciting group of six talented three-year-olds will go 1 1/16 miles on the Santa Anita main strip in Saturday’s $300,000 San Felipe S. (G2). The 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five finishers of the heat with qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 structure.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track: A Tale of Two Clydes
Once upon a time in the rolling hills of the Kentucky Bluegrass, a little chestnut horse was born. What he lacked in stature, he made up for in talent and heart, especially on rainy days. Named for his equally diminutive trainer, Clyde Van Dusen put on a big show on the first Saturday in May and did his big sire proud with his Kentucky Derby win.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Fountain of Youth Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2025 Gotham Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 Gotham S. (G3) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2025 San Felipe Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2025 San Felipe S. (G2) at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Fountain of Youth?
During the second half of the 20th century, the Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park emerged as a pivotal Kentucky Derby (G1) prep race.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Coal Battle strikes again
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 68 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cornucopian wins like Justify
Seven years ago, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert pulled off a seemingly impossible feat. He has chances to do it again with Cornucopian and Tiz Secure.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Luxor Cafe
Luxor Cafe, a Triple Crown nominee based in Japan, could have Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations after winning the Hyacinth S. and Fukuryu S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: California Burrito
Switching back to dirt for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) shouldn’t be a concern for California Burrito. But can he handle the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance?
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [Feb 21 - 23]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Best Bets
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Feb. 21-23 [VIDEO]
Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali debate their best bets and fades at Turfway Park for the Cincinnati Trophy S. and John Battaglia Memorial on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Derby (G1), respectively. Plus, they look at Oaklawn Park's Sunday card featuring the Rebel (G2) and Honeybee (G3), and more.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Mage’s half-bro Baeza graduates
Can Puca make history as the first mare to produce three U.S. classic winners? It’s within the realm of possibility after her foal Baeza broke his maiden in eye-catching fashion at Santa Anita last Friday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Magnitude climbs the leaderboard
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 75 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Getaway Car
A brief glance at the pedigree of Sunland Park Derby winner Getaway Car might lead to the conclusion he’s bred to shine racing classic distances.
Racing
Barnes remains 8-1 individual favorite in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4
Unbeaten San Vicente (G2) winner Barnes closed as the 8-1 individual favorite in Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), while the mutuel field of “All Other Three-Year-Olds” continued to rank as the overall betting choice at 9-2.
Racing
Kentucky Derby 2026
Kentucky Derby news
Each of these series serve fresh, weekly updates - except for pedigree profiles which follow Road to the Kentucky Derby prep-races.
Kentucky Derby information
Below are hubs for key topics surrounding important aspects of the Kentucky Derby. From contenders to odds to the Future Wager.
Learn about the 2026 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
- 2026 Purse: $5 million
- 2026 Race Date: Saturday, May 2nd
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Kentucky Derby Video & Official Race Replays
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
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