The biggest horse race in the U.S. takes place annually on the first Saturday in May. Fans of the sport race to Churchill Downs to be a part of history, as there is nothing that comes close to the Kentucky Derby.
The race is the opening leg of the Triple Crown season, and Kentucky Derby odds are available all year round in preparation for one of the biggest betting days on the American sporting calendar.
History of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse racing events in the world, and it has a rich history that dates back to 1875. The race is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, a legendary racetrack that has been the home of the Kentucky Derby since its inception. The race has come to be associated with the state of Kentucky, and it is considered one of the most important events in the state’s culture and identity.
The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, and it featured a field of 15 three-year-old thoroughbreds racing 1.5 miles. The winning horse, Aristides, finished with a time of 2:37.75, and the event was attended by around 10,000 people. Over the years, the Kentucky Derby has become known for its unique traditions, such as the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” and the wearing of elaborate hats by attendees. Additionally, the race has been a source of controversy at times, particularly with regard to issues of race and gender, such as the exclusion of Black jockeys from the sport for many years. Today, the Kentucky Derby remains one of the most popular and prestigious events in the world of horse racing, and it continues to draw crowds of thousands to Churchill Downs every year.
Race Information
Together with the Preakness Stakes (held in mid-May) and the Belmont Stakes (held in early June), the Kentucky Derby forms the Triple Crown of American Thoroughbred racing, which is considered one of the most coveted achievements in the sport.
To qualify for the Kentucky Derby, horses must earn points in designated “prep season” qualifying races, with the top five finishers earning points on a scale of either 10-4-3-2-1 or 20-8-6-4-2, depending on the race. The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile has a 30-12-9-6-3 scale due to its importance. The official website of the Kentucky Derby offers information about the event, including the schedule, party planning ideas, merchandise, and updates about construction projects at Churchill Downs. The race has become a major cultural event in the United States, with many traditions associated with it, including the wearing of elaborate hats by attendees and the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” before the race.
Kentucky Derby Odds To Win
POSITION | TO WIN THE 2023 KENTUCKY DERBY | MONEYLINE |
---|---|---|
1 | Hit Show | +3000 |
2 | Verifying | +1500 |
3 | Two Phil’s | +1500 |
4 | Confidence Game | +2400 |
5 | Tapit Trice | +550 |
6 | Kingsbarns | +1200 |
7 | Reincarnate | +4100 |
8 | Mage | +1500 |
9 | Skinner | +2000 |
10 | Practical Move | +1000 |
11 | Disarm | +3000 |
12 | Jace’s Road | +5000 |
13 | Sun Thunder | +5000 |
14 | Angel of Empire | +800 |
15 | Forte | +330 |
16 | Raise Cain | +5000 |
17 | Derma Sotogake | +1000 |
18 | Rocket Can | +3000 |
19 | Lord Miles | +3000 |
20 | Continuar | +5000 |
21 | Cyclone Mischief | +4700 |
22 | Mandarin Hero | +2000 |
23 | King Russel | +6600 |
Kentucky Derby 2023 Winning Time
KENTUCKY DERBY 2023 WINNING TIME | MONEYLINE |
---|---|
Over 2:02.30 min | -110 |
Under 2:02.30 min | -130 |
Kentucky Derby record
There are several Kentucky Derby records worth noting. The slowest time recorded by a winner in the Kentucky Derby is 2:52.25, achieved by Kingman in 1891. This was before the race was shortened from 1 1/2 miles to 1 1/4 miles in 1896, which is its current distance. In terms of attendance and betting, the 2017 Kentucky Derby drew a crowd of 158,070, making it the seventh biggest attendance in the history of the racetrack, and the total wagering for all the races on the Kentucky Derby Day program was $209.2 million.
When it comes to jockeys, Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack share the record for most Kentucky Derby wins with five apiece. Additionally, while the Kentucky Derby is often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” only two horses have officially finished the race in under two minutes: Secretariat in 1973 and Monarchos in 2001, both of whom set new records for the fastest time in Kentucky Derby history.
Last 5 Winners
Year | Winning Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
---|---|---|---|
2022 | Rich Strike | Joe Sharp | S. Leon |
2021 | Mandaloun | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux |
2020 | Authentic | Bob Baffert | John Velazquez |
2019 | Country House | Bill Mott | Flavien Prat |
2018 | Justify | Bob Baffert | Mike E. Smith |
Tips On How To Win With Horse Racing
When it comes to making selections on the odds on horse racing, there are several factors to consider. Some of the tips that you should follow to increase your chances of landing a winner in the Kentucky Derby 2022 can be found below.
Read The Form
The most essential piece of research that all bettors must do is examine the form of the horses involved. Each horse in the Kentucky Derby betting market will have solid form under its belt, as they would have needed to pick up qualifying points in prep races. However, comparing and contrasting each horse’s form is integral in finding the winner.
Trainer Form
It isn’t just the form of the horse that is important. Trainer form is also essential. Trainers with strong recent form will stand the best chance of landing a victory in the Kentucky Derby. Meanwhile, trainers that have previously won the race will also stand an increased chance.
Prep Races
Prep races are an integral part of the lead-up to the big race. These races have a huge impact on the Kentucky Derby odds, and it should be examined whether certain prep races increase the chances of the horses involved. Both the Santa Anita Derby and Florida Derby have excellent records of producing Kentucky Derby winners. Meanwhile, the Blue Grass Stakes and Wood Memorial have failed to produce a winner in the past ten years.
Learn more about the horse racing betting markets available when wagering on the Kentucky Derby odds here.
The Kentucky Derby has been run consecutively for the last 147 years, since its inaugural running in 1875
The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, at a track that would become known as Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race was run at 1 1/2 miles on dirt and was the second of four races on the program.
The Kentucky Derby was founded by Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of William Clark, who was one half of the famous explorer duo Lewis and Clark. He was inspired to start the race after seeing England’s Epsom Derby
The Kentucky Derby is currently run at a distance of 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs) on dirt.
The purse for the Kentucky Derby is currently $3 million, with the winner receiving $1.86 million, second place receiving $600,000, third place receiving $300,000, fourth place receiving $150,000, and fifth place receiving $90,000.