In This Guide
Al Behrman/AP
The Kentucky Derby: “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”
“This Kentucky Derby, whatever it is—a race, an emotion, a turbulence, an explosion—is one of the most beautiful and violent and satisfying things I have ever experienced.”
—John Steinbeck
On the first Saturday of May, all eyes turn to Churchill Downs racetrack for the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. This guide prepares you for Kentucky Derby Day, linking to best sources for race history and traditions, race coverage, travel advice and party-throwing tips, as well as where to bet the Kentucky Derby.
—John Steinbeck
On the first Saturday of May, all eyes turn to Churchill Downs racetrack for the Kentucky Derby, the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown. This guide prepares you for Kentucky Derby Day, linking to best sources for race history and traditions, race coverage, travel advice and party-throwing tips, as well as where to bet the Kentucky Derby.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat You Need to Know About the Kentucky Derby
- The Kentucky Derby is a 1¼-mile race run by 3-year-old thoroughbreds. There are 20 horses in the race, who qualify based on their graded stakes earnings during the year.
- The Kentucky Derby is the 11th race at Churchill Downs. It will be televised on NBC, which begins its coverage at 4 p.m. EDT. Scheduled post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:24 pm Eastern time. Other Kentucky Derby Day races from Churchill Downs, running from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., will be televised on the Versus network.
- Radio coverage of the Kentucky Derby will be provided by Horse Racing Radio Network ("HRRN). Neither this site nor the Kentucky Derby site gives any indication of whether a live radio broadcast of the Derby will be available outside of Kentucky. However, HRRN will stream the audio from its Web site.
- HRRN's coverage will be available on Sirius XM Satellite Radio starting at 5:00 pm ET on Sirius channel 93 and XM channel 209. The live broadcast will also be available to subscribers on the Sports Zone channel on SiriusXM Internet Radio and through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App for the Apple iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, as well as several BlackBerry and Android-powered smartphones.
- The official Web site of the Kentucky Derby is KentuckyDerby.com.
History and Traditions of the Kentucky Derby
Held annually since 1875, the Kentucky Derby is rich in history and colorful tradition. This section will review its history, explain its traditions and relate what others have had to say about the Derby.
Top Sites for History and Traditions of the Kentucky Derby
For the history of the Kentucky Derby …
The Official Web Site of the Kentucky Derby
has a comprehensive database of historical stats and records. It includes lists of winners and race charts for every year, as well as records for horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and breeders. There are also articles chronicling the history of the race and profiling the role of women and African-Americans.
For traditions of the Kentucky Derby …
The Official Web Site of the Kentucky Derby
describes the race’s greatest traditions, including the Twin Spires, mint juleps, the hat parade and “My Old Kentucky Home.”
University of Virginia
tells the history of “My Old Kentucky Home,” the official song of the state of Kentucky. It was written in 1853 by Stephen C. Foster in response to the publication of “Uncle Tom,” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The original title of the song was “Poor Uncle Tom, Good Night.” Since the 1920s, it has been sung by sentimental fans as the field of horses enters the racetrack for the Kentucky Derby.
For famous words about the Kentucky Derby ...
Sports Illustrated
features a column by William Faulkner, who covered the 1955 Derby for the magazine. On the winning horse Swaps, Faulkner writes, “And now he stands beneath the rose escarpment above the flash and glare of the magnesium and the whirring film of celluloid immortality. This is the moment, the peak, the pinnacle; after this, all is ebb.”
Sports Illustrated
ran an article in 2005 in which retired jockey Gary Stevens asked several participants about their remembrances of the race and received some colorful responses.
“The First Saturday in May”
is a critically acclaimed film that follows six trainers for a year as they prepare their horses for the 2006 Kentucky Derby. One of the trainers is Michael Matz, whose horse Barbaro won the Derby impressively, only to suffer a tragic breakdown in the Preakness Stakes.
Kentucky Derby News and Handicapping Information
Whether you're an experienced handicapper or a casual fan just trying to learn who's running this year, you'll find helpful news and handicapping resources in this section.
Insights for Kentucky Derby News and Handicapping Information
- Visit the official Web site of the Kentucky Derby for profiles of each contending horse, which includes a look at past races, pedigree information and biographies of the connections.
Top Sites for Kentucky Derby News and Handicapping Information
For Web sites ...
The Daily Racing Form
is the most popular choice for bettors planning their wagering strategies. Its Derby section includes news stories, analysis and chats from its racing experts and “Derby Watch,” a weekly look at the progress of Derby contenders. A subscription is required to access all of DRF's analysis and handicapping data, but Derby past performances are available with free registration.
The Blood-Horse’s
Triple Crown Mania recaps of Derby prep races and profiles of contending horses with links to news stories. It also features extensive video coverage. Be sure to visit Blood-Horse's “Blog Stable,” which includes two focused on the Triple Crown.
The Thoroughbred Times
has a "Road to the Triple Crown" section that looks at contending horses; the site also explains dosage and how it applies to this year's Derby. In addition, there's a video detailing the history of the Triple Crown.
For a news aggregator ...
Equidaily
is the single best source of horse racing news on the Internet, providing links to the top horse racing stories from newspapers around the world.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby
Find out how and where to bet on the Derby and other races on Saturday.
Insights for Betting on the Kentucky Derby
- For an overview on how to wager on horse racing, view TVG’s “Learn To Play” instructional video.
- Read findingDulcinea’s “How to Pick the Winner of the Kentucky Derby” for a tutorial on how to handicap the Derby.
- Most racetracks that are open for live racing, and most off-track betting outlets, in the U.S. offer betting on the Kentucky Derby. The NTRA provides a calendar of racing at all U.S. tracks.
- The four online wagering providers listed below are the most reliable sites that permit same-day funding of a new account and operate on a national scale. There are other legitimate providers, such as Autotote and ones associated with racetracks, but most do not allow same-day funding of a new account. Be wary of any other operator; they may be located offshore and may not be legally permitted to accept wagers from U.S. residents.
- Of the four sites listed below, only TwinSpires offer wagering to residents of all 50 states.
- With New York City OTB closing this year, many are wondering where to bet the Kentucky Derby in New York City. The only places to make a legal bet on the Kentucky Derby in or near New York City are at Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park, at Meadowlands Racetrack in Secaucus, N.J., or via the online wagering outlets listed below.
Top Sites for Betting on the Kentucky Derby
TwinSpires
is managed by Churchill Downs Incorporated and offers wagering on races at Churchill Downs to all U.S. residents. Accounts require an initial $50 deposit, but there is no monthly subscription fee. Account holders have access to live streaming video and race replays, past performances and handicapping software.
XpressBet
offers wagering online and by phone to residents in 32 states. Opening an account is free with a $25 deposit.
TVG
is a horse racing television network that allows people in 15 states to bet online, by phone and with with a television remote.
NYRA Rewards
is a service offered by The New York Racing Association, operator of New York's three major thoroughbred racing tracks. It is available to residents of NY and CT.
Attending the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is an all-day party for everyone, from the big shots in Millionaire's Row to the masses on the infield. If you want to experience Derby Day for yourself, use this section for advice on getting to Louisville, going to the track and making the most of your trip.
Insights for Attending the Kentucky Derby
- For more advice on booking airline tickets and hotels, visit the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide.
- A small number of reserved seats are available on the official Web site of Churchill Downs. Other reserved seats can be purchased from online ticket brokers, which are listed in the findingDulcinea Web Guide to Sports.
- Buying from scalpers is another option, but be advised that Churchill Downs is particularly vigilant about cracking down on scalpers and resold tickets.
- There are an unlimited number of general admission tickets available for $40 at every entrance gate. These tickets give you access to the infield and the paddock area. However, the infield is not for the fastidious or the faint of heart.
Top Sites for Attending the Kentucky Derby
For Louisville visitors' information ...
The Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau
will help you find hotels, restaurants and attractions in Louisville. It also includes maps, directions on information on air travel, rental cars and public transit.
For Kentucky Derby attractions ...
The Kentucky Derby Festival
is a weeks-long series of social and sporting events, parties and parades held in the Louisville area to commemorate the running of the Kentucky Derby. The site features event descriptions and schedules, as well as online festival ticket sales.
The Kentucky Derby Museum
is located at Churchill Downs. Get a virtual taste of the museum via photo galleries of the exhibits or plan a visit using sample itineraries, printable brochures and group tour options. The museum is closed on the Friday and Saturday of the Derby, but it reopens on Sunday morning.
For Kentucky Derby fan guides ...
The Official Web Site of the Kentucky Derby
has visitors guide that offers information on tickets, dress codes, getting to the track, parking, and items that are allowed in the track.
ESPN
has a similar fan guide with more general advice, including tips on what to do around Louisville.
Throwing a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
You don't have to be at Churchill Downs to party on Derby Day. This section will help you plan the perfect Kentucky Derby party at home.
Top Sites for Throwing a Kentucky Derby Viewing Party
For Derby party tips and recipes ...
Kentucky Derby Party
is a Web site produced by Churchill Downs Inc. that features recipes, ideas for party themes, fashion, decorating and games. Party supplies are sold in the Derby Store.
The Master's Tech Kitchen
has recipes for an authentic Kentucky brunch to serve on Derby Day morning.
For buying food and supplies ...
A Taste of Kentucky
is an online food and gift store focusing on Kentucky specialties. The site offers decorating and serving advice. Even if you don't plan on ordering anything, its tips will help you throw an authentic Kentucky party.
The Kern's Kitchen Derby-Pie
is a chocolate-and-walnut tart created by Kentucky native George Kern. The site will tell you where to buy a Derby-Pie online but won't reveal its secret Derby-Pie recipe.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
