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What You Need to Know About the Kentucky Derby

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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.

What 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 first race of the Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. To learn more, view the Thoroughbred Times’ video on the history of the Triple Crown.
  • The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC, which begins its coverage at 4 p.m. EDT.
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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.
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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.”
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Kentucky.gov tells the history of “My Old Kentucky Home,” the official song of the State of Kentucky, written by Stephen C. Foster in 1853. Since the 1920s, it has been sung by sentimental fans as the field of horses enters the racetrack for the Kentucky Derby.
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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.”
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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The Blood-Horse's Triple Crown Mania features extensive video coverage, including a weekly "Target Louisville" show dedicated to the Derby. TCM also includes recaps of Derby prep races and profiles of contending horses with links to news stories. Be sure to visit Blood-Horse's “Blog Stable,” which includes one focused on the Triple Crown.
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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.
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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.
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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

  • 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.

Top Sites for Betting on the Kentucky Derby

Youbet is the largest online horse racing wagering site. Placing wagers on races requires no membership costs, but there are subscription plans that offer live streaming and race replays.
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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.
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XpressBet offers wagering online and by phone to residents in 32 states. Opening an account is free with a $50 deposit.
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TVG is a horse racing television network that allows people in 15 states to bet online, by phone and with with a television remote.
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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

  • Buying from scalpers is another option, but be advised that Churchill Downs is particularly vigilant about cracking down on scalpers and resold tickets.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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ESPN has a similar fan guide with more general advice, including tips on what to do around Louisville.
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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 from celebrity chef Bobby Flay, plus ideas for party themes, fashion, decorating and games. Party supplies are sold in the Derby Store.
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The Master's Tech Kitchen has recipes for an authentic Kentucky brunch to serve on Derby Day morning.
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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.
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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.
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