The Kentucky Derby is a famous annual horse race at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby is limited to 20 three-year-old horses and is run on a dirt racetrack that is 1 ¼ miles long.
What is special about the Kentucky Derby?
It is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes, and then the Belmont Stakes. Of the three Triple Crown races, the Kentucky Derby has the distinction of having been run uninterrupted since its inaugural race in 1875.
What are 5 facts about the Kentucky Derby?
There have been 19 winning horses in Kentucky Derby history whose names begin with the letter “S”. On Derby Day, the infield at Churchill Downs will host 80,000 celebrants. The Kentucky Derby race track is 11⁄4 miles, which has been the standard since 1896. The first Derby races were slightly longer, at 11⁄2 miles.
What kind of race is the Kentucky Derby?
Grade I stakes race
The Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, is a top rank, Grade I stakes race for 3 year old Thoroughbred horses. The race distance is one and one-quarter miles long, and it is run on the dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
How do you enjoy the Kentucky Derby?
You’ll want to head to Churchill Downs first thing in the morning. Derby and Oaks contenders begin first around 7:30 AM, but you’ll find horses warming up until 10am. You do not need a ticket – although if you’re feeling fancy, you can purchase a ticket which includes breakfast at the track.
Is the Kentucky Derby fun?
Derby Day can be a lot of fun, and is a bucket-list event for more than just horse racing enthusiasts, but there are some things to keep in mind before jumping into the infield on race day. Bringing alcohol into the Kentucky Derby is prohibited and all attendees have to go through a bag check when entering.
What are 3 traditions of the Kentucky Derby?
Among the long-standing Derby traditions are the drinking of mint juleps (an iced cocktail consisting of bourbon, mint, and sugar), the wearing of ornate hats by female spectators, and the raucous partying that takes place in the track’s infield.
What is Kentucky known for?
Kentucky is also known for its culture, which includes horse racing, bourbon, moonshine, coal, “My Old Kentucky Home” historic state park, automobile manufacturing, tobacco, bluegrass music, college basketball, Louisville Slugger baseball bats, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and the Kentucky colonel.
Is the Kentucky Derby the most famous horse race?
Read a brief summary of this topic
Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious American horse race, established in 1875 and run annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack, Louisville, Kentucky.
Why are there only 3 year olds in the Kentucky Derby?
According to an article on the subject, the Kentucky Derby (and Preakness and Belmont) simply carried on the tradition of racing 3-year-olds that began in England: “The predominance of 3-year-olds dates back to the early days of organized English racing. Famous races such as the St.
Why is it called Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is actually based off of and named for a prestigious race in England called the Derby (frequently referred to as the “Epsom Derby” after the track where it is held), and the story behind the name of England’s Derby is equal parts interesting and amusing.
What makes a race a derby?
In horse racing, “derby” can refer to any horse race limited to three-year-old horses. The term came from the Derby Stakes. This was a famous horse race in England. It was named after Edward Smith-Stanley, the 12th Earl of Derby.
What does the Kentucky Derby consist of?
The Kentucky Derby consists of 20 different horses and jockeys that compete in a 1.25 mile (10 furlong) race for the top spot. The first-place winner collects a total of $2 million. In order to qualify to run in the Kentucky Derby, Jockeys and their horses must first win a majority of races in a 35 race series.
What are 5 Derby traditions?
Derby Traditions
- Garland of Roses.
- The Twin Spires.
- “My Old Kentucky Home”
- Kentucky Oaks.
- Mint Julep.
- Hats.
- Celebrities.
- Trophy & Winner’s Circle.
Why do people go to the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby, with its grand history and tradition, is a bucket-list sporting event. It’s also, for lots of fans, an opportunity to go all out. While it’s possible to experience the “most exciting two minutes in sports” on a budget, you can also drop thousands of dollars in a single weekend — and many people do.
Can a woman wear pants to the Kentucky Derby?
Choose spring dresses for your Kentucky Derby outfit
But keep in mind, there’s no rule that says you have to wear a dress, though most women do. “Some women are more comfortable in pants and that is fine, too.
Can you wear jeans to Derby?
Per the Kentucky Derby dress code, the following articles of clothing are only permitted in the Infield: Denim, jeans, shorts and tennis shoes.
Is the Kentucky Derby kid friendly?
General Admission: Children may attend Churchill Downs Racetrack for free (limit of two (2) children per paying adult). Reserved Seating: Children of any age require a Ticket to be admitted to any reserved seating area.
What do they say at the start of the Kentucky Derby?
In the world of sports, there is not a more moving moment than when the horses step onto the track for the Kentucky Derby post parade and the band strikes up “My Old Kentucky Home” and 160,000+ people sing along. If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Why do you wear black and white to Derby Day?
Women wore white flowers or white pearls as the only decorating feature of their outfits, so the day was dubbed “Black Ascot”. The Earl of Derby’s traditional racing colours (those worn by the jockey) were black with a white cap.
What is the difference between a horse race and a Derby?
Traditionally, the term “derby” is used strictly to refer to races restricted to three-year-olds, as the English and U.S. Triple Crown races all are.