What Is The Kentucky Oaks Race?

The $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks is a premiere race for Thoroughbred three-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs, the female counterpart to Churchill Downs. The 1 1/8-mile event is offered the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, which takes place on the first Saturday in May every year.

Why are races called Oaks?

The Oaks was named for the nearby residence of the 12th Earl of Derby, whose horse Bridget won the first running.

What race is the 2022 Kentucky Oaks?

Friday, May 6th, 2022
The Longines Kentucky Oaks is America’s premier and most lucrative race for 3-year old fillies – female horses – held each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby.

What is the difference between Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks?

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 does a horse qualify for the Kentucky Oaks?

To be eligible to run in the Kentucky Oaks, a filly must earn sufficient points via the Road to the Kentucky Oaks and the owner must pay certain fees: specifically, a nomination fee, an entry fee and a starter fee.

Is the Kentucky Oaks all female?

This is the 147th running of the race that brings together the 3-year-old female horses each year on the day before the Kentucky Derby. Here’s a look at what you need to know about the Kentucky Oaks:The horses This race is a $1.25 million Grade 1 stakes race and awards the winning filly a garland of lilies.

What is the dress code for Oaks Day?

Traditionally known as Ladies Day, Oaks Day asks you to bring out your feminine side. This day is filled with pink and pastels, florals, prints, lace and dainty headpieces. It’s more chic rather than over-the-top.

What horses are running in the Oaks 2022?

2022 Kentucky Oaks Cheat Sheet: Get to Know the Horses

  • Secret Oath (6-1 morning-line odds) Jockey: Luis Saez.
  • Nostalgic (15-1) Jockey: Jose Ortiz.
  • Hidden Connection (20-1) Jockey: Reylu Gutierrez.
  • Nest (5-2) Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
  • Goddess of Fire (15-1)
  • Yuugiri (30-1)
  • Echo Zulu (4-1)
  • Venti Valentine (20-1)

What horses are running in the Oaks race?

Longines Kentucky Oaks 149

Place Horse Points
1 Wonder Wheel 40
2 Leave No Trace 15
3 Raging Sea 11
4 And Tell Me Nolies 10

What horse won the 2022 Oaks?

Secret Oath
Briland Farm’s homebred Secret Oath made a five-wide sweeping move on the far turn and then collared Echo Zulu at the three-sixteenths pole en route to a 2-length victory over favored Nest in the 148th running of the $1,250,000 Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) for 3-year-old fillies Friday afternoon at Churchill Downs

What are the odds for the horses in the Kentucky Oaks?

The current odds maker for the Kentucky Oaks is Mike Battaglia, who has held the position of Churchill Downs odds maker since the mid-1970s.
The 2022 Kentucky Oaks Morning Line Odds.

POST HORSE ODDS
5 Goddess of Fire 15-1
6 Yuugiri 30-1
7 Echo Zulu 4-1
8 Venti Valentine 20-1

What do you wear to the Kentucky Oaks?

Anything pink is in style for the Kentucky Oaks. Ties, hats, dresses and even shoes are all pink. The Kentucky Oaks is a little more casual in dress than the Kentucky Derby to dress comfortable and in pink. Now that you’ve learned what to wear at the Oaks, start planning your next visit to Churchill Downs.

Do male and female horses run against each other?

Both males and females race, sometimes even against each other. Speaking of racehorses, both males and females race. It’s rare for them to race together, but sometimes fillies and mares beat colts and stallions.

How old are horses that run in the Oaks?

three-year-old
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies staged annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. The race currently covers 11⁄8 miles (1,800 m) at Churchill Downs; the horses carry 121 pounds (55 kg). The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby each year.

Can a 4 year old horse run in the Kentucky Derby?

Are all Kentucky Derby entries three years old? Yes. The age limit for the Kentucky Derby is set by the governing body of the Kentucky Derby. Only 3-year-olds are eligible for any of the triple crown races.

Can girl horses run in the Kentucky Derby?

Both male and female horses race in the Kentucky Derby.
However, only three female horses (also known as fillies) have won the Kentucky Derby. Those horses were Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980, and Winning Colors in 1988.

Can a colt run in the Oaks?

The criteria for the Oaks is that only fillies — a female horse — aged three years old can run.

How much do jockeys make?

Jockeys are some of the original “gig workers” because they work as independent contractors. Rather than earn a salary, a jockey receives a “mounting fee” — often $50-$110 — for each race, riding sometimes eight races per day.

Is rich strike a stallion or a mare?

Rich Strike is a 3 year old colt and has raced from 2021 to 2022. He was sired by Keen Ice out of the Smart Strike mare Gold Strike. He was trained by Eric Reed and has raced for Richard Dawson, and was bred in Kentucky, United States by Calumet Farm.

Do you have to wear pink to Kentucky Oaks?

If you are planning to attend the Kentucky Oaks, we encourage you to wear any color as long as it is PINK — from hats to handkerchiefs, suits to sundresses, sunglasses to stilettos! Churchill Downs invites you to THINK PINK when planning your attire for Kentucky…

Why is everyone wearing pink at the Kentucky Oaks?

This is to show support for breast cancer awareness, and guests can show that through wearing pink and by drinking a Finlandia® Oaks Lily, the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks made with vodka and cranberry juice.