The big two days at Churchill Downs in May aren’t all about the Kentucky Derby, as bettors will also be making picks for the Kentucky Oaks. This race takes place on Friday, with the opening leg of the Triple Crown taking place 24 hours later.
It does an excellent job of raising the anticipation levels before the Kentucky Derby, but it is a huge race in its own right. Fillies aged three compete in the race, and you can find out more about the factors to consider before making Kentucky Oaks picks below.
History of the Kentucky Oaks
The Kentucky Oaks is a popular annual horse race held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Based on the search results, here is a brief history of Kentucky Oaks:
The Kentucky Oaks was first held on May 19, 1875, at Churchill Downs when it was still known as the Louisville Jockey Club. It was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who also co-founded the Kentucky Derby. The race was modeled after the British Epsom Oaks, which has been held annually since 1779.
In the first running of the Kentucky Oaks, the horse Vinaigrette won the race in a time of 2 minutes and 39 3/4 seconds, covering a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and winning a purse of $1,175.
Since then, the Kentucky Oaks has been held annually at Churchill Downs, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the United States. The race has become a significant event in the Kentucky Derby Festival, held the day before the Kentucky Derby.
Over the years, the Kentucky Oaks has seen many historic moments, including the achievements of black jockeys and the inclusion of women in the race. Today, it is an important event in the world of horse racing, drawing in thousands of spectators from around the world.
Race Information
The race covers a distance of 11⁄8 miles (1,800 m), and the horses carry 121 pounds (55 kg).
The Oaks horse race is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, making it an important part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. It is the second highest-attended horse race in the United States, following the Triple Crown of racing, which includes the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes.
Apart from the thunderous live horse racing, the Oaks horse race is celebrated for its fashion and fundraising for critical women’s health issues. The first running of the Kentucky Oaks took place on May 19, 1875, when Churchill Downs was known as the Louisville Jockey Club. The race was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who also co-founded the Kentucky Derby.
In summary, the Oaks horse race is a prestigious Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies held annually at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky. It is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby and is the second-highest-attended horse race in the United States. The event is celebrated for its fashion and fundraising for critical women’s health issues, and it has a long and rich history dating back to 1875.
Kentucky Oaks Records
Here are some of the most famous records associated with the Kentucky Oaks race:
- The Kentucky Oaks was modeled after the British Epsom Oaks, which has been held annually since 1779.
- The fastest running of the Kentucky Oaks was in 2003 when Bird Town covered 1 1/8 miles in 1:48.64.
- The current track record of 1:47.28 for the 1 1/8 miles distance at Churchill Downs was established by Victory Gallop in 1999.
- Pari-mutuel wagering was first offered on the Kentucky Oaks in 1903.
- The longest-priced winner of the Oaks was Lemons Forever, who won the 2006 edition under jockey Mark Guidry.
These are some of the most famous records associated with the Kentucky Oaks race. The race has a long and rich history dating back to 1875 and has become an important event in the world of horse racing. Every year, thousands of spectators from around the world gather to watch the fillies compete and witness history being made.
Last 5 Winners
Before making Kentucky Oaks picks, it is always worth examining the previous winners of the race. You can find the previous five winners, along with their Kentucky Oaks odds below.
Year | Winning Horse | Trainer | Jockey |
2022 | Secret Oath | D. Wayne Lukas | L. Saez |
2021 | Malathaat | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez |
2020 | Shedaresthedevil | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux |
2019 | Serengeti Empress | Tom Amoss | Jose Ortiz |
2018 | Monomoy Girl | Brad Cox | Florent Geroux |
Tips On How To Win With Horse Racing
The opening leg of the Triple Tiara is often a very competitive affair. However, before making picks for the Kentucky Oaks, it is important to look at a number of factors to ensure that you stand the best chance of having a winner. Below, you can find some helpful tips to follow.
Read Horses Form
The most important piece of reading that all bettors should do before making Kentucky Oaks picks is the form. Each horse will come into the race with different results under its belt. You should examine each selection, including researching how many wins that horses have recorded, before making a wager.
Trainer Form
The form of the trainer is almost as important as the horses themselves. Trainers in excellent form will stand the best chance of claiming victory. Meanwhile, trainers that have previously claimed victories in the Kentucky Oaks, or have outstanding records at Churchill Downs, will have good chances.
Prep Races
Like the Kentucky Derby, the field for the Kentucky Oaks is made up of horses that have performed best in the prep races. Every horse in the field would have needed to perform before the big race. Like the Derby, certain races are more important, which includes the Santa Anita Oaks, Ashland Stakes, and Fantasy Stakes, which are all worth 100 qualifying points.
Find out more about the horse racing betting markets available when wagering on the Kentucky Oaks odds here.
The Kentucky Oaks is held annually on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby, which is typically the first Saturday in May.
The Kentucky Oaks was founded in 1875 by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr., who also founded the Kentucky Derby. The Oaks is modeled after the British Epsom Oaks and is one of the oldest continuously contested sporting events in history.
The Kentucky Oaks is a $1.25 million Grade 1 stakes race, and the winning filly is awarded a garland of lilies.
The Kentucky Oaks typically features a maximum of 14 horses competing against each other.
The Kentucky Oaks is the second-highest attended horse race in the United States, following the Triple Crown of racing; the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. Fans come to Churchill Downs to watch the live horse racing and celebrate fashion and fundraising for critical women’s health issues.