Each year the Kentucky Derby brings with it numerous relevant details that only insiders take for granted and that a growing number of other fans and bettors on USA and around the World need to know what the Kentucky Derby is all about.
This race is also known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” because of its short duration.
Kentucky Derby History
The Kentucky Derby is an iconic horse race and the oldest sporting event in the United States. Every May, thousands of people flock to Louisville to witness “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” On Derby Day, attendees dress in their finery, sip mint juleps and eagerly bet on the winner.
The history of the Kentucky Derby dates back to 1872, when Meriwether Lewis Clark, grandson of William Clark, made a trip to Europe. There he visited the Epsom Derby in England and met with the Parisian horsemen’s club that organized the Grand Prix de Paris Longchamps. Clark returned home inspired to create an American equestrian event of the same caliber.
Financed by his uncles John and Henry Churchill, Clark purchased land and founded the Louisville Jockey Club to attract local racing fans. He then began developing the racetrack that would soon become the site of the Kentucky Derby.
^Kentucky Derby Evolution
The Kentucky Derby has a fascinating history. Highlights date back to the late 19th century and reach into the present day:
1875: The first Kentucky Derby race is held on May 17. It attracts 10,000 spectators. The first winner is a sorrel horse named Aristides, who beats 14 other thoroughbreds.
1894: As the popularity of the event grows, a 285-foot grandstand is built to accommodate the growing crowd of spectators.
1896: The racetrack is shortened from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles. This remains the current length of the Kentucky Derby racetrack.
1904: Red roses become the official flower of the Kentucky Derby.
1919: Sir Barton wins the Kentucky Derby and makes history as the first Triple Crown winner. The Triple Crown includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
1925: The Derby is broadcast on radio for the first time. Six million listeners tune in. Sports columnist Bill Corum coins the race as “The Run for the Roses.”
1931: TThe Kentucky Derby sets the first Saturday in May as the official date thereafter.
1932: The Kentucky Derby is held in the midst of the Great Depression. It is broadcast internationally for the first time, attracting listeners as far away as England.
1938: A tunnel is built to connect the Kentucky Derby grandstand to the race course, allowing attendees to watch the race with this superior view for an additional fee.
1943: The Kentucky Derby goes on despite travel restrictions imposed by World War II. It draws a crowd of 65,000 local fans.
1949: The 75th Kentucky Derby is broadcast for the first time on local television.
1952: The Kentucky Derby debuts on national television. An estimated 15 million viewers nationwide tune in to the event.
1970: Diane Crump becomes the first female jockey to run in the Kentucky Derby. She finishes 15th out of 18 starters.
1973: Secretariat wins the Kentucky Derby with the fastest time to date. Finishes the Kentucky Derby in 1:59:40. Becomes the Triple Crown champion.
1984: The Kentucky Derby is broadcast on television and radio at other U.S. racetracks, allowing distant attendees to bet on the race in real time. This Derby Day sets a new wagering record of $18,941,933.
1986: Churchill Downs Racetrack is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
1992: Lil E. Tee becomes the first Pennsylvania-bred champion of the Kentucky Derby in a stunning upset, beating superstar and 9-10 favorite Arazi.
2004: Smarty Jones, Pennsylvania-bred champion thoroughbred, wins the Kentucky Derby and is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
2006: Beloved racehorse Barbaro wins the Kentucky Derby. Sadly, he breaks his legs in the Preakness Stakes and passes away shortly thereafter. A bronze statue of Barbaro is erected at Churchill Downs to honor his memory.
2012: TThe Kentucky Derby sets a new stakes record of $133,100,000.
^As fans of the infamous race know, there were many more twists and turns that could have made it into this history book, but this gives an idea of the flawless track record the Kentucky Derby has had since 1875.
Who won the past Kentucky Derby?
Look at those who have touched glory over the last 20 years in the Run for the Roses:
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez | 2:03:34 |
| 2023 | Mage | Javier Castetllano | 2:01:57 |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon | 2:02:61 |
| 2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux | 2:01:02 |
| 2020 | Authentic | John Velazquez | 2:00:61 |
| 2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat | 2:03:93 |
| 2018 | Justiy | Mike Smith | 2:04:20 |
| 2017 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez | 2:03:59 |
| 2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | 2:01:31 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | 2:03:02 |
| 2014 | Caliornia Chrome | Victor Espinoza | 2:03:66 |
| 2013 | Orb | Joel Rosario | 2:02:89 |
| 2012 | I’ll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez | 2:01:83 |
| 2011 | Animal Kingdom | John Velazquez | 2:02:04 |
| 2010 | Super Saver | Calvin Borel | 2:04:45 |
| 2009 | Mine That Bird | Calvin Borel | 2:02:66 |
| 2008 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux | 2:01:82 |
| 2007 | Street Sense | Calvin Borel | 2:02:17 |
| 2006 | Barbaro | Edgar Prado | 2:01:36 |
| 2005 | Giacomo | Mike Smith | 2:02:75 |
| 2004 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliott | 2:04:06 |
What is the fastest finish in time for the Kentucky Derby?
This is a great statistic to know, where we list the horses that have made history over the years, where fans and bettors expect new records in a race that is short in duration, but great in expectations.
Source: kentuckyderby.com
| Rank | Horse | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secretariat | 1:59.40 | 1973 |
| 2 | Monarchos | 1:59.97 | 2001 |
| 3 | Northern Dancer | 2:00.00 | 1964 |
| 4 | Spend A Buck | 2:00.20 | 1985 |
| 5 | Decidedly | 2:00.40 | 1962 |
| 6 | Proud Clarion | 2:00.60 | 1967 |
| 7 | Authentic | 2:00.61 | 2020 |
| 8 | Fusaichi Pegasus | 2:01.00 | 2000 |
| 8 | Grindstone | 2:01.00 | 1996 |
| 10 | War Emblem | 2:01.13 | 2002 |
| 11 | Funny Cide | 2:01.19 | 2003 |
| 12 | Thunder Gulch | 2:01.20 | 1995 |
| 12 | Affirmed | 2:01.20 | 1978 |
| 12 | Lucky Debonair | 2:01.20 | 1965 |
| 15 | Nyquist | 2:01.31 | 2016 |
| 16 | Mandaloun | 2:01.36 | 2021 |
| 16 | Barbaro | 2:01.36 | 2006 |
| 18 | Whirlaway | 2:01.40 | 1941 |
| 19 | Mage | 2:01.57 | 2023 |
| 20 | Bold Forbes | 2:01.60 | 1976 |
| 20 | Hill Gail | 2:01.60 | 1952 |
| 20 | Middleground | 2:01.60 | 1950 |
| 23 | Riva Ridge | 2:01.80 | 1972 |
| 23 | Majestic Prince | 2:01.80 | 1969 |
| 23 | Chateaugay | 2:01.80 | 1963 |
| 23 | Swaps | 2:01.80 | 1955 |
| 23 | Twenty Grand | 2:01.80 | 1931 |
What jockey won the most Kentucky Derbys?
Obviously a horse responds according to the Jockey who rides him, and here in the Kentucky Derby there is plenty of experience, as these characters are 100% professional, disciplined and require more than just knowing how to ride a horse.
It is known that the winning horse in the Kentucky Derby receives a total of approximately $1.86 million and the jockey gets a 10% share of the prize money.
Source: kentuckyderby.com
3 Kentucky Derby Wins
1. John Velazquez
Winning Horses: Animal Kingdom (2011), Always Dreaming (2017), Authentic (2020)
2. Victor Espinoza
Winning Horses: War Emblem (2002), California Chrome (2014), American Pharoah (2015)
3. Calvin Borel
Winning Horses: Street Sense (2007), Mine That Bird (2009), Super Saver (2010)
4. Kent Desormeaux
Winning Horses: Real Quiet (1998), Fusaichi Pegasus (2000), Big Brown (2008)
5. Gary Stevens
Winning Horses: Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995), Silver Charm (1998)
6. Angel Cordero
Winning Horses: Cannonade (1974), Bold Forbes (1976), Spend a Buck (1985)
7. Earle Sande
Winning Horses: Zev (1923), Flying Ebony (1925), Gallant Fox (1930)
8. Isaac Murphy
Winning Horses: Buchanan (1884), Riley (1890), Kingman (1891)
4 Kentucky Derby Wins
1. Bill Shoemaker
Winning Horses: Swaps (1955), Tomy Lee (1959), Lucky Debonair (1965), Ferdinand (1986)
5 Kentucky Derby Wins
1. Bill Hartack
Winning Horses: Iron Liege (1957), Venetian Way (1960), Decidedly (1962), Northern Dancer (1964), Majestic Prince (1969)
2. Eddie Arcaro
Winning Horses: Lawrin (1938), Whirlaway (1941), Hoop Jr. (1945), Citation (1948), Hill Gail (1952)
^In 1948, seven years after he rode Whirlaway to a #TripleCrown, Eddie Arcaro did it again aboard Citation. pic.twitter.com/HCJItzg1WC
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) June 4, 2014
Churchill Downs
The track honors John and Henry Churchill, who leased 32 acres of land to his nephew, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. who was president of the Louisville Jockey Club and Driving Park Association, created in 1875.
Knowing the place where this great race takes place is mandatory, since it has a rich history dating back to 1875, as mentioned above. Currently, guided tours are offered to know the facilities, in fact, it has a Museum where different activities are carried out at Churchill Downs.
On the other hand, the Kentucky Derby is also famous for the outfits, hats and drinks that are one of the main dishes of this great horse racing event.
Dress Code, Outfits
Do you have to dress up to go to the Kentucky Derby? You can go in shorts or even flip-flops, but it is a fact that 99.9% will do it according to tradition.
Fashion is part of this equine event, where you see crowds of well-dressed people, expensive costumes that make the event a unique jewel and once a year we see the best galas gathered in the stands betting on their best horses.
The same event page says: “For some, that may mean bold, bright and floral looks, and for others it’s an opportunity to showcase refined elegance. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing for the Derby, in part because what you wear has a lot to do with where you’re going to spend the day.”
Hats
Hats are one of the most striking elements that you will see in the Derby, as you can find them in all sizes, shapes and colors, where glamour does not go unnoticed and of course they are an important part of the event.
Drinks
The outfit and hats are not enough, there are also the official drinks of this great May event, such as the iconic “Mint Julep”, which became the official drink since 1939 and has been synonymous with the event ever since.
This is the recipe of the drink in case you want to make it at home while enjoying the Kentucky Derby:
Ingredients
- 8 mint leaves, plus mint sprigs for garnish
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2 ounces of bourbon, preferably overproof
- Crushed ice
Instructions
In an effervescent glass, muddle the mint leaves and simple syrup. Add the bourbon and crushed ice. Place a swizzle stick or bar spoon in the glass and swirl between your hands to mix. Add crushed ice and garnish with mint sprigs.
^
Kentucky Derby FAQ
1. What was the fastest horse ever?
The record for the quickest finish is held by Secretariat, who won the 1973 Derby with a time of 1:59.40 en route to the Triple Crown.
2. What is the first jewel of the Triple Crown?
The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown series, followed by the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore and the Belmont Stakes in New York.
Taking that into account, there are horses that have already won the three most important competitions in the United States, so the horse and rider that manages to make the 3-3 will take the honors as the winner of the Triple Crown.
Triple Crown Winners
- Justify (2018)
- American Pharoah (2015)
- Affirmed (1978)
- Seattle Slew (1977)
- Secretariat (1973)
- Citation (1948)
- Assault (1946)
- Count Fleet (1943)
- Whirlaway (1941)
- War Admiral (1937)
- Omaha (1935)
- Gallant Fox (1930)
- Sir Barton (1919)
3. How many people watch the Kentucky Derby?
In 2023, the race was watched by 14.8 million people (according to NBC and Peacock data), as well as the 150,335 fans who attended Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby, Horses and Jockey’s Odds to Win
Who is favored in the Kentucky Derby 2024? At MyBookie Sportsbook Sierra Leone +250 is the favorite to Win, followed by Fierceness +250 and Forever Young +800 as the Top contenders in this awesome Race. And these are the odds for the rest of the participants:
- Catching Freedom +1000
- Just A Touch +1200
- Stronghold +1600
- Endlessly +2500
- Honor Marie +1600
- Resilience +2500
- Domestic Product +2000
- Dornoch +3300
- Epic Ride +2500
- Just Steel +2000
- Mystik Dan +2500
- Society Man +2000
- T O Password +3300
- Track Phantom +3300
- Epic Ride +4000
- Catalytic +4000
- West Saratoga +5000
- Grand Mo the First +6600
- Mugatu +6600
Kentucky Derby Analysis: Looking for the Advantage to Win in the Last Second!
As we know that you like horse racing betting, we suggest you review the analysis of our experts to consider when making your weekend action plans.
- Derby Lines and Field Analysis
- Analyzing Top Contenders
- Favorites, Contenders & Long Shots
- Updated Kentucky Derby Picks
- Top 3 Horses
- Trifecta, Superfecta & Exacta Betting Picks
- Which Horse Is the Ultimate Bet?
- Horse Racing Bets Explained
- What is a Horseracing Betting Superfecta?
- Horseracing Betting Guide: Quinella
- Horse Racing Multiple Betting System Explained
- Horse Betting 101 – How to Bet On Horses
2024 Kentucky Derby & Oaks May 3 and May 4, 2024
I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?
Horse Racing Odds, Bet Today’s Racebook Lines
MyBookie Odds for the Races
Sources:
History.com Editors, “Kentucky Derby,” History.com
https://www.history.com/topics/sports/kentucky-derby
“Kentucky Derby History,” 2023 Kentucky Derby and Oaks
https://www.kentuckyderby.com/history/kentucky-derby-history
J. Kelly, “BackTracks: Lil E. Tee, PA’s first Derby winner,” TheRacingBiz.com
https://www.theracingbiz.com/2022/04/19/backtracks-lil-e-tee-pas-first-derby-winner/
