Dating back to 1875, the Kentucky Derby is the longest-running annual sporting event in the United States. Rain or shine, it is held annually on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.
The event has never been cancelled, running throughout the Great Depression, both World Wars, and the 2020 pandemic.
Beginning in 1896, a garland of over 400 hand-sewn roses is draped over the winning horse, thus earning the race the nickname “The Run for the Roses.”
Kroger has crafted the Garland of Roses since 1987. Over seven hours, the garland is meticulously crafted in the Middleton, Kentucky Kroger before making its way to Churchill Downs via police transport.
Though the Kentucky Derby is a massive event followed by a two-week festival, the actual racing only takes about 2 minutes, which is why it’s known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
Secretariat holds the record for fastest win, completing the race in a swift 1 minute, 59.4 seconds in 1973.
Mint Juleps, a cocktail featuring bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice, is the Kentucky Derby’s official drink. Over 120,000 mint juleps are sold during the festival, requiring 1,000 pounds of mint and 60,000 pounds of crushed ice.
The drink is served in an iconic and collectible mint julep glass offered to patrons since 1938. Over 700,000 glasses are produced each year!
After winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Secretariat secured the final Belmont Stakes with a shocking 31-length victory. This margin is the largest in Belmont history.
The horse is said to have a heart nearly three times bigger than the average thoroughbred, which contributes to its power and stamina on the track.
Apart from being a horse race, the Kentucky Derby is a unique fashion spectacle. The unique attire is inspired by Southern culture and is reminiscent of the Derby’s origins.
Most notably, women don eye-catching wide-brimmed hats while the men opt for a classic bowler hat. It’s inspired by historical fashion trends that indicated wealth and social status.
Inspired by horse races in England and France, Kentucky Derby founder Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. returned to the South determined to recreate the prestigious event in America.
Though inspired by Europe, the Kentucky Derby has definitely curated its own unique style over the decades. From drinking mint juleps to singing “My Old Kentucky Home” before the race, the derby has cemented itself as a proudly American event.
A historically male-dominated sport, only six women have trained horses to compete in the 150+ years of the Kentucky Derby.
Notably, Julie Krone is the only female jockey to win a Triple Crown race and was the first woman to be inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2000.
The Kentucky Derby is only open to 3-year-old thoroughbreds. The rule ensures a level playing field since horses are at similar stages in development.
This age restriction creates a unique sense of urgency as horses have a once-in-a-lifetime chance at competing in the event.
Donerail stunned racing fans in 1913, winning the Kentucky Derby as a 91-1 underdog. This incredible upset remains the longest odds victory in Derby history.
Bettors who placed a $2 wager on Donerail walked away with a jaw-dropping $184.90!
The Curse of Apollo was a superstition inspired by the fact that no horse had won the Kentucky Derby without having raced as a two-year-old since Apollo in 1882.
After 136 years, the curse was broken by legendary Justify in 2018. Not only did he break the curse, but he also secured the Triple Crown!
A defining architectural feature of Churchill Downs, the Twin Spires are two gothic-style towers sitting atop the grandstand.
They were designed by 24-year-old Joseph Baldez, who wanted the building to have a defining appearance.
In 1875, African American jockey Oliver Lewis won the first Kentucky Derby aboard Aristides, setting a record time for the race. This historic victory marked the beginning of African American dominance in the sport.
African American jockeys excelled in the Derby's early years, winning 15 of the first 28 races. Their contributions remain a vital yet often overlooked part of horse racing history.
The Kentucky Derby is not just a “Run for the Roses”—it’s a race for life-changing payouts. With an impressive $3 million purse in 2023, the stakes are higher than most horse racing events worldwide.
The winning horse alone takes home $1.86 million, cementing its place in racing history.
No weather can dampen the spirit of the Kentucky Derby! The show goes on, thrilling fans every year, whether under blistering sun or through mud-soaked tracks.
The 2018 Kentucky Derby stands out as one of the muddiest. Heavy rain turned the track into a swamp, but that didn’t faze Justify. He powered through the mud to claim victory, showcasing the resilience of both horse and rider.
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just about thrilling races; it’s a feast for food lovers, too. The event’s legendary menu showcases the best of Southern cuisine, turning Derby Day into a full sensory experience.
From bourbon-laced pecan pie to classic hot browns and crispy fried chicken, these iconic dishes add to the event’s Southern charm. Over time, they’ve become as much a Derby tradition as the race itself.
Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack stand unmatched in Derby history, each boasting an incredible five wins.
Arcaro's record triumph came in 1952 aboard Hill Gail, marking his last Derby victory. Hartack followed in Gail’s footsteps in 1969 when Majestic Prince secured his fifth and final win.
The vibrant silks worn by jockeys are more than just eye-catching. These patterns and colors symbolize the horse's ownership group, bringing a touch of artistry and pride to the racetrack.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, silks serve a practical purpose. They help spectators quickly identify their favorite horses as they thunder around the track.
Kentucky Derby history boasts a rare and extraordinary accomplishment: a winning mother-son duo. Genuine Risk, a remarkable mare, etched her name in the history books with an unforgettable victory in 1980.
Eighteen years later, Genuine Risk’s legacy lived on through her son, Real Quiet, who claimed Derby glory in 1998.
From collectible glasses to themed apparel, the Kentucky Derby generates millions in merchandise sales. Fans gear up with themed apparel and other unique memorabilia to remember the occasion.
Vintage mint julep glasses, in particular, are sought-after collector’s items. These iconic glasses showcase the event’s rich history and add an extra layer of excitement to Derby celebrations.
