About the Kentucky Oaks

The Kentucky Oaks is considered one of, if not the, top race in North America for 3-year-old fillies in Thoroughbred Racing.

The first Friday in May—May 4, 2018—will witness the 144th running of the race. The purse is worth $1 million in combonation with a blanket of lillies, thus coining the term the ‘Run for the Lilies for the Fillies.’

Originally run on May 19th, 1875, started by Kentucky Derby founder Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark and similarly to the Derby, is inspired by the Epsom Oaks in Britain.

Traditionally the Kentucky Oaks day is the fourth highest attended horse race in the United States, following other Triple Crown race, the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

A recent and important tradition is the addition of the survivor’s parade and honoring women with pink on race day.