Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby race, Louisville, Kentucky

Jockey Oliver Lewis atop winner Aristides in first Kentucky Derby

Churchill Downs 1901

Louisville Clock

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse racing event held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, running at a distance of one and a quarter miles (2.0 km) at Churchill Downs. Colloquially known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports" for its approximate duration, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown of horse racing, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. It is a major event in American culture, celebrated on the first Saturday in May, and has been held continuously since 1875.

History

The Kentucky Derby was conceived by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. After attending the Epsom Derby in England, Clark was inspired to create a similar event in the United States. He founded the Louisville Jockey Club for this purpose and raised funds to build Churchill Downs, named after John and Henry Churchill, who provided the land for the racetrack. The first Derby was held on May 17, 1875, with a field of fifteen three-year-old horses racing before an estimated crowd of 10,000 people.

Traditions

The Kentucky Derby is rich in tradition, with several iconic elements associated with the event. One of the most recognizable is the garland of roses awarded to the winner, leading to the nickname "The Run for the Roses®." Mint juleps, a cocktail made from bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup, are the traditional beverage of the Derby, consumed by attendees in commemorative glasses that feature past winners. Women attending the Derby often wear elaborate hats, a fashion statement that has become synonymous with the event.

Qualification

Horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby through the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of races that award points to the top finishers. The top 20 point earners earn the right to compete in the Derby. This system was implemented in 2013, replacing the previous earnings-based qualification system.

Impact and Legacy

The Kentucky Derby has a significant impact on American culture and the sport of horse racing. It attracts celebrities and royalty from around the world, contributing to its status as a premier social event. The race has also been the subject of numerous books, movies, and documentaries, highlighting its importance beyond the sporting world.

The Derby has produced many memorable moments and legendary horses, including Secretariat, who set the still-standing track record in 1973, and recent Triple Crown winners American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018). These champions have cemented the Kentucky Derby's place as a pivotal event in the horse racing calendar.

See Also

• Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing (United States)
• Churchill Downs
• Preakness Stakes
• Belmont Stakes

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