Kentucky Derby – Fascinating Facts
The Kentucky Derby is the longest-running continuously held sporting event in the United States.
The first Kentucky Derby took place on May 17, 1875, and was attended by approximately 10,000 spectators.
The Kentucky Derby is often called The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.
The fastest time ever recorded in the Kentucky Derby was 1:59.40, set by Secretariat in 1973.
The Kentucky Derby is also known as the Run for the Roses due to the garland of roses awarded to the winner.
A total of 14 fillies have won the Kentucky Derby, with the most recent being Winning Colors in 1988.
The record for the most Kentucky Derby wins by a jockey is held by Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack, who each won five times.
The Kentucky Derby has been run on the first Saturday in May since 19
9. The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The fastest Kentucky Derby winner in terms of speed rating was Secretariat, who earned a 1
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The smallest winning margin in Kentucky Derby history was a nose, which happened in 2018 when Justify narrowly defeated Good Magic.
The largest winning margin in Kentucky Derby history was 8 lengths, achieved by Old Rosebud in 19
The Kentucky Derby has been postponed twice in its history, once in 1945 due to World War II and again in 2020 due to the global pandemic.
Kentucky Derby – Fascinating Facts part 2
The Kentucky Derby has a purse of $3 million, with the winner receiving approximately $1.8 million.
The record for the highest attendance at the Kentucky Derby was set in 2015, with over 170,000 spectators.
Only three horses have won the Kentucky Derby while starting from gate position 20: Big Brown in 2008, I’ll Have Another in 2012, and Country House in 20
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses.
The fastest time ever recorded in the Kentucky Derby for the first half-mile was 44.86 seconds, achieved by Secretariat in 1973.
The Kentucky Derby trophy is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 56 ounces.
The Kentucky Derby has been featured in various films, including Seabiscuit and Secretariat.
The Kentucky Derby is known for its extravagant fashion, with attendees often wearing elaborate hats and outfits.
The Kentucky Derby is broadcasted in over 160 countries worldwide.
The Kentucky Derby has a tradition of playing My Old Kentucky Home before the race begins.
The Kentucky Derby has had several controversial finishes, including the disqualification of Maximum Security in 20
The Kentucky Derby has had two dead heats, with two horses finishing in a tie: Azra and Manual in 1892 and Dauber and Willis in 19
The Kentucky Derby has only been won by a female trainer once, with Linda Rice’s horse, Ria Antonia, winning in 20
The Kentucky Derby has inspired several themed parties and events around the world.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-watched horse racing events globally.
The Kentucky Derby has a history of famous guests, including royalty, celebrities, and politicians.
The Kentucky Derby winner typically goes on to compete in the Preakness Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby is known for its traditional mint julep drink, made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
The Kentucky Derby has had three triple Dead Heaters, with all three horses crossing the finish line simultaneously in 1887, 1891, and 19
The Kentucky Derby has had four horses win the race by more than five lengths: Old Rosebud in 1914, Johnstown in 1939, Northern Dancer in 1964, and Secretariat in 1973.
The Kentucky Derby has a total of 20 horses competing, selected based on their earnings in graded stakes races.
The Kentucky Derby race is approximately 1.25 miles long.
The Kentucky Derby is a significant event for breeding, as many winning horses go on to become successful sires and broodmares.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most-wagered-on horse races worldwide.
The Kentucky Derby has a history of underdogs winning, with horses at long odds occasionally pulling off surprising victories.
The Kentucky Derby showcases the talent of jockeys from around the world, competing for the prestigious title.
The Kentucky Derby attracts a wide range of spectators, from horse racing enthusiasts to casual fans and socialites.
The Kentucky Derby has a rich history of legendary trainers, including Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas, and Woody Stephens.
The Kentucky Derby has had its share of iconic moments, such as the Photo Finish between Affirmed and Alydar in 1978.
The Kentucky Derby winner is draped in a traditional blanket of roses at the post-race ceremony.
The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race; it is a cultural phenomenon that celebrates the spirit of competition and the beauty of Thoroughbred racing.