The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious American horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Limited to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, the race covers a distance of 1+1⁄4 miles. Weight restrictions apply, with colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds, while fillies carry a slightly lighter load of 121 pounds. Known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" and "The Run for the Roses," the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Kentucky Derby is a significant event in American horse racing, attracting considerable attention and prestige.
1901: Jimmy Winkfield Wins First Kentucky Derby
Jimmy Winkfield won his first of back-to-back Kentucky Derbies in 1901.
1902: Matt Winn Acquires Churchill Downs
A syndicate led by Col. Matt Winn acquired Churchill Downs in 1902, leading to its prosperity and the Kentucky Derby's rise to prominence.
1919: Sir Barton Wins First Triple Crown
Sir Barton became the first horse to win all three Triple Crown races in 1919.
1921: "My Old Kentucky Home" tradition begins
In 1921, the tradition of playing Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses parade before the grandstands commenced.
1930: "Triple Crown" Term Coined
The term "Triple Crown" was brought into American usage by sportswriter Charles Hatton in 1930 after Gallant Fox won all three races.
1932: Herbert J. Thompson Wins First Kentucky Derby
Herbert J. Thompson won the first of his back-to-back Kentucky Derbies in 1932.
1937: Churchill Downs Officially Named
The racetrack where the Kentucky Derby is held was officially named Churchill Downs in 1937, after John and Henry Churchill who provided the land.
1946: Assault Wins by 8 Lengths
Assault joined Old Rosebud, Johnstown, and Whirlaway as the only horses to win the Derby by 8 lengths, achieving the feat in 1946.
1957: Jimmy Jones Wins First Kentucky Derby
Jimmy Jones won his first of back-to-back Kentucky Derbies in 1957.
2007: Calvin Borel Wins Kentucky Derby
Calvin Borel's first of three wins in a four-year period came in 2007.
2007: Queen Elizabeth II attends Kentucky Derby
In 2007, Queen Elizabeth II, during a visit to the United States, attended the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
2012: Grand Marshal introduces "Riders Up!" tradition
From 2012, the grand marshal took on the role of reciting the traditional "Riders Up!" command, signaling for jockeys to mount their horses.
2014: Jumbotron installed at Churchill Downs
A jumbotron was installed in the infield of Churchill Downs in 2014, improving the viewing experience for general admission spectators.
2017: Always Dreaming Wins Kentucky Derby
In 2017, Always Dreaming emerged victorious at the Kentucky Derby, witnessed by a crowd of 158,070, the seventh largest in the event's history. Wagering on all races totaled $209.2 million, a significant increase from previous years. TwinSpires, the Derby's online betting partner, handled $32.8 million in bets on Churchill Downs races, with $20.1 million specifically on the Derby.