racing

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Golden Tempo rallies late in Lecomte

Mon Jan 19 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Golden Tempo wins the Lecomte at Fair Grounds.

The Heart That Wears the Crown: Whirlaway

Mon Jan 19 2026Jennifer Kelly

Whirlaway wins the 1941 Kentucky Derby (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Gallahadion, 1940)

Mon Jan 19 2026Jennifer Kelly

1940 Kentucky Derby winner Gallahadion

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Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Three at Fair Grounds and Turfway
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Golden Tempo

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1940 Kentucky Derby winner Gallahadion

1940 Kentucky Derby winner Gallahadion (Photo courtesy of Kentucky Derby Museum)

Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Gallahadion, 1940)

Mon Jan 19 2026Jennifer Kelly

Bimelech entered the year as Colonel E.R. Bradley’s best hope for a fifth Derby win, his undefeated record making a win on the first Saturday in May a veritable certainty. In the wings waited a surprise for the overwhelming favorite, Gallahadion, an unheralded contender who would deliver a sweet victory for a familiar name.

Racing

Empire West breaking his maiden at Turfway Park

Empire West breaking his maiden at Turfway Park (Photo by Coady Media)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Three at Fair Grounds and Turfway

Mon Jan 19 2026J. Keeler Johnson

A pair of maiden special weights held on the Lecomte (G3) undercard at Fair Grounds may influence the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Racing

Golden Tempo wins the Lecomte at Fair Grounds.

Golden Tempo wins the Lecomte at Fair Grounds. (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Golden Tempo

Mon Jan 19 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Can Golden Tempo go where no son of Curlin has gone before: to the Kentucky Derby (G1) winner’s circle?

Racing

Kentucky Derby Future Wager graphic
Ted Noffey 6-1, All Others 7-2 in KDFW Pool 3

Mon Jan 19 2026TwinSpires Staff

Final odds for Pool 3 of the KDFW for Kentucky Derby 152

Racing

Fair Grounds racetrack grandstand racing scene.

Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)

Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [Jan. 16, 2026]

Sat Jan 17 2026TwinSpires Staff

Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.

Racing

Venetian Way, 1960 Kentucky Derby winner

Venetian Way, 1960 Kentucky Derby winner (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum)

Faded Glory: Forgotten Winners of the Kentucky Derby (Venetian Way, 1960)

Sat Jan 17 2026Jennifer Kelly

In 1960, with a Hall of Famer in the saddle, Venetian Way scored his signature victory for his soft-spoken owner and big-dreaming trainer, with his ultimate legacy coming in the form of another historic moment for America’s most famous race.

Racing

Kentucky Derby Future Wager graphic
Hanson, Scully handicap Pool 3 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager

Thu Jan 15 2026TwinSpires Staff

With Pool 3 of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) being offered this weekend, Vance Hanson and James Scully will preview an individual and joint selection to back from the list of 40.

Kentucky Derby

Field, morning-line odds for KDFW Pool 3 [Jan. 16-18, 2026]

Tue Jan 13 2026TwinSpires Staff

Unbeaten Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Ted Noffey will open as the 6-1 individual favorite, with the mutuel field of "All others" tabbed at 4-1 in KDFW Pool 3.

Racing

So Happy wins the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita.

So Happy wins the San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita. (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: So Happy, Robusta win at Santa Anita

Mon Jan 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 110 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Racing

Count Fleet wins the 1943 Kentucky Derby (Courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

Count Fleet wins the 1943 Kentucky Derby (Courtesy of the Kentucky Derby/Churchill Downs)

The Heart That Wears the Crown: Count Fleet

Mon Jan 12 2026Jennifer Kelly

Count Fleet swept into his classic season like no other. Virtually unbeatable at three, his trip through the three races was marked not by grinding stretch runs for the win but by the ease behind his victories, the clear joy he had in the running. The heart that wore the sixth Triple Crown was one that was both headstrong and ecstatic in one small brown package.

Features

Racing at Churchill Downs

Racing at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: 5 wins for proven trainers

Mon Jan 12 2026J. Keeler Johnson

Trainers Bill Mott, Doug O’Neill, Todd Pletcher, and Kenny McPeek have combined to win seven editions of the Kentucky Derby (G1). Their rosters of potential 2026 Kentucky Derby contenders grew last week as each saddled at least one notable maiden winner.

Racing

Strategic Risk wins the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park.

Strategic Risk wins the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media/Andrew Stauffacher)

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Strategic Risk, My World impress

Tue Jan 06 2026J. Keeler Johnson

The 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 116 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:

Racing

Plutarch in the post parade at Del Mar prior to his Aug. 2025 debut

Plutarch in the post parade at Del Mar prior to his Aug. 2025 debut (Photo by Benoit Photo)

Horses to follow in 2026: Plutarch

Tue Jan 06 2026Kellie Reilly

Plutarch's pedigree, surface versatility, and unusual trajectory for a Bob Baffert juvenile make him a fascinating character.

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

Kentucky Derby 152 logo

CDP-29201_Oaks_Logo_Stacked_CMYK_Color-Full_v1.png

Current Kentucky Derby Probable Contenders:

Horse Information

Commandment wins the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.
Further Ado wins the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.
Renegade wins the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park.
So Happy wins the Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita.
  • So Happy
     
  • Points: 114
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by Benoit Photography
Fulleffort Jeff Ruby Steaks Finish
The Puma wins the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs.
Silent Tactic wins the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.
  • Silent Tactic
     
  • Points: 100
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by Coady Media
Emerging Market wins the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds.
  • Emerging Market
     
  • Points: 100
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by Hodges Photography
Albus wins the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct.
  • Albus
     
  • Points: 100
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by Coglianese Photos
Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.
  • Potente
     
  • Points: 100
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
Potente wins the San Felipe at Santa Anita.
  • Pavlovian
     
  • Points: 70
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Right to Party
     
  • Points: 65
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Incredibolt
     
  • Points: 60
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
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  • Photo by 
 
  • Golden Tempo
     
  • Points: 60
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Ottinho
     
  • Points: 56
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Stark Contrast
     
  • Points: 50
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Iron Honor
     
  • Points: 50
  • Pedigree Profile
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  • Photo by 
 
  • Danon Bourbon
     
  • Points: Japan RTKD
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
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  • Photo by 
 
  • Wonder Dean (JPN)
     
  • Points: Euro/Mid-East RTKD
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
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  • Photo by 
 
  • Six Speed
     
  • Points: Euro/Mid-East RTKD
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Chief Wallabee
     
  • Points: 50
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Chip Honcho
     
  • Points: 49
  • Pedigree Profile
  • Context Profile
  • Add to Stable Alerts
  • Photo by 
 
  • Intrepido
     
  • Points: 38
  • Pedigree Profile
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  • Photo by 
 
  • Grittiness
     
  • Points: 38
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  • Photo by 

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.

North America:

Iroquois

American Pharoah

Champagne

Breeders’ Futurity

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

Kentucky Jockey Club

Remsen

Los Alamitos Futurity

Springboard Mile

Gun Runner

Smarty Jones

Jerome

Sham

North America:

Lecomte

Robert B. Lewis

Withers

Holy Bull

Sam F. Davis

El Camino Real Derby

John Battaglia Memorial

Southwest

Risen Star

Gotham

Fountain of Youth

San Felipe

Tampa Bay Derby

North America:

Rebel

Jeff Ruby Steaks (Spiral)

UAE Derby (Dubai)

Louisiana Derby

Sunland Derby

Florida Derby

Wood Memorial

Blue Grass

Santa Anita Derby

Arkansas Derby

Lexington

Europe:

Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes

Beresford Stakes

Prix de Jean Luc Lagardere

Vertem Futurity Trophy

Patton Stakes

Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes

Cardinal Condition Stakes

Japan:

Cattleya Sho

Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun

Hyacinth

Fukuryu

Kentucky Derby Party & Fun Facts

QUIZ: What's your style personality: Derby or Met Gala?

QUIZ: What's your Kentucky Derby style?

POLL: Who is the best Kentucky Derby winner of the 2000s?

POPULAR ARTICLES

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Three at Fair Grounds and Turfway
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Golden Tempo
Ted Noffey 6-1, All Others 7-2 in KDFW Pool 3
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [Jan. 16, 2026]
Faded Glory: Forgotten Winners of the Kentucky Derby (Venetian Way, 1960)

VIDEOS

LATEST

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