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.
What is the point of the Kentucky Derby?
A globally inclusive event, the Kentucky Derby opens The Road to both Europe and Japan via a series of seven qualifying races in Europe and a series of four qualifying races in Japan. The highest point earner on each Road is extended an invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
How does the Derby work?
Each year 20 horses have the once in a lifetime chance to run in the Kentucky Derby. To earn a spot in the starting gate, they must travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of designated races at tracks across the country and around the world. Points are awarded to the top four finishers in each race.
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 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.
Are Kentucky Derby horses male or female?
The Oaks is a gender-specific race, allowing only 3-year-old female horses, or fillies, to qualify and compete. The Derby, however, is open to eligible colts, geldings or fillies. While non-male horses are able to compete in the Kentucky Derby race, it’s an oddity in the sport.
How much does it cost to enter the Kentucky Derby?
Entry cost
There are some big Kentucky Derby entry fees that need to be paid. These include: $25,000 entry fee. $25,000 standing fee.
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.
What makes a race 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.
Do all the horses get paid in the Kentucky Derby?
Well, riders must finish in the top five to earn any of the Derby’s purse, which remains at $3 million for the fourth consecutive year. The winner will receive 60 percent of the total purse, which amounts to $1.86 million. Then, $600,000 going to second, $300,000 to third, $150,000 to fourth and $90,000 to fifth.
Why do Derby horses walk with another horse?
Racehorses have another horse with them before the race to help them stay calm, and as relaxed as possible before the race. Having a companion helps the racehorse focus on the race and not the crowd. The accompanying horse is called a pony horse and is a vital member of the horse racing community.
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 food do they eat at the Kentucky Derby?
The Best Food at the Kentucky Derby
- Derby Sundae. Consider this a Derby-style twist on a classic ice cream sundae.
- Cracklins’ with Pimento Cheese.
- Loaded Kentucky Nachos.
- Kentucky Burgoo.
- Benedictine.
- Old Forester Mint Julep.
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.
- Chicken Tenders and Fries.
What do you get if you win the Kentucky Derby?
Prize money breakdown for Kentucky Derby 2022
| Place | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1.86 million |
| 2 | $600,000 |
| 3 | $300,000 |
| 4 | $150,000 |
What do Derby winners get?
2022 Kentucky Derby Prize Money
- First Place: $1.86 million (10% or $186,000 of which goes to the jockey)
- Second Place: $600,000 (5% or $30,000 of which goes to the jockey)
- Third Place: $300,000 (5% or $15,000 of which goes to the jockey)
- Fourth Place: $100,000 ($7,000 of which goes to the jockey)
Why do people wear big hats at Kentucky Derby?
Of the Derby hat tradition, Pfanenstiel noted that hats were considered to be a sign of good luck. “So people thought the bigger the hat, the bigger the luck,” she said. “So that’s where the big brims came into play, and it just stuck.”
How many times can a horse run the Derby?
Only 3-year-olds are eligible to compete in the Triple Crown races. This means that any Thoroughbred has only one opportunity to win the Kentucky Derby in its lifetime. If they can only run once, why aren’t there more horses in the Derby?
Why are race horses gelded?
A gelding is a castrated horse. Racehorses are gelded to enhance their potential to be a winner on the track. Before being gelded, some colts are unruly or have medical conditions that hinder their training and running ability.
Are female jockeys allowed in the Kentucky Derby?
Now 53 years after Crump’s first race, the wave of female jockeys she hoped her history-making ride would usher in has failed to materialize. Only five other women have raced in the Derby. Women account for just 6.5% of the Jockeys’ Guild membership.
Is there a dress code at the Kentucky Derby?
Smart Casual
Jackets and blazers optional, vests, shirts with collars, sweaters, dresses, pantsuits, dress jeans, dress shorts and slacks are appropriate. Cargo shorts, t-shirts, halter tops, athletic wear, frayed or torn denim or shorts and tennis shoes are not permitted in these areas.
Can anyone enter the Kentucky Derby?
The horses who reach a minimum of 40 points will enter the Kentucky Derby Race. There are thirty-five Kentucky Prep Races to be held through seven states, namely New York, California, Louisiana, Arkansas, Florida, Oklahoma, and Kentucky.