When’s the Kentucky Derby? (And a Bonus Q&A)

When’s the Kentucky Derby? Let’s jump right in.

Timing

The event takes place on the first Saturday in May, which means:

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Saturday, May 4, 2024

The main race typically starts sometime after 6:00 pm Eastern Time.

 

Bonus Q&A

Here are some other questions that you might have.

What exactly is the Kentucky Derby?

It’s an annual horse race that is perhaps the most-renowned race of its kind, at least to the casual observer.

Where does the Kentucky Derby take place?

The race is in Louisville, Kentucky, at a horse racing complex known as Churchill Downs.

When was the first Kentucky Derby?

It was in 1875. The tradition was started by Lewis Clark Jr. (grandson of explorer William Clark from the famed Lewis and Clark duo) after he was inspired by similar races in Europe. Although other contemporary races began before the Kentucky Derby, the Derby is considered the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the US.

What kind of horses participate in the race?

The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds (a horse breed used in racing), meaning that a horse can compete in the race only once. It should be noted that all Thoroughbreds in the Northern Hemisphere are given the same birthday—January 1—regardless of when they are born in the calendar year. While the vast majority of participants are male, a filly (female) has won the race three times.

On a side note, the state that has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners is…Kentucky.

How do horses qualify for the race?

Horses compete in a series of prep races and are awarded points based on their performance in each race. Those with a sufficient number of cumulative points are eligible to participate (as long as something called a nomination fee has been paid). If it’s a go, there are a couple other charges—a $25,000 entry fee and a $25,000 starting fee.

How long is the race?

Initially, it was run at 1 1/2 miles, though in 1896 the length was decreased to the current 1 1/4 miles, also referred to as 10 furlongs. (A furlong is 1/8 of a mile.)

How many horses run?

The field is currently capped at 20 horses, which is more than most other races. In the past, as few as 3 and as many as 23 have participated.

How is the winner determined?

The horse whose nose is first to cross the finish line is the winner, hence the use of the expression to win by a nose to describe closely contested competitions that have nothing to do with horse racing.

How much money does the winner receive?

The purse for the Derby is $3 million, with $1.86 million going to the winner, $600,000 to second place, $300,000 to third place, $150,000 to fourth place, and $90,000 to fifth place.

What is the fastest time ever?

Secretariat still holds the record, completing the 1973 Derby in just under two minutes (1:59.40 to be exact). The horse would go on to win the Triple Crown (see below) and inspire a Disney movie. The slowest winning time ever was 2:52.25, courtesy Kingman in 1891 (on the 1 1/2 mile track).

How many people show up to watch the race?

A lot. In 2015, a record 170,513 fans witnessed the occasion.

And all those people show up for only two minutes of action?

Well, for those so inclined, there are a bunch of events in the week leading up to the big race. On the day immediately preceding the Kentucky Derby is a race for three-year-old fillies called the Kentucky Oaks. And on the day of the Derby itself, there are many other races.

Who rides the horses?

The riders are called jockeys. Because of weight limits—126 lbs. including equipment for riders of male horses at the Kentucky Derby—jockeys tend to be quite short (in the range of 5 feet 3 inches). The oldest jockey to have won the Derby was 54 years old, and the youngest was just 15. The best finish by a female jockey was second place in 1992.

In case you’re wondering, jockeys typically receive a mount fee as well as a percentage of earnings.

Who owns the horses?

That would be an owner or an ownership group. The cost of a Thoroughbred can be all over the map, but the more desirable ones can cost well into the six figures. A successful horse can earn some of that money back through winnings (and later via stud fees). Of course, winnings are shared with the trainer and jockey.

What is the Triple Crown?

This refers to a series of three annual, high-profile American horse races, namely the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes (Baltimore, Maryland), and the Belmont Stakes (Elmont, NY). Interestingly, the number of participating horses and track length is not identical for all three. In any event, to win them all is to win the Triple Crown, a feat that has been accomplished by only 13 horses.

Why is the Kentucky Derby so popular?

I’m not going to lie—gambling is probably a pretty big part of the picture. As an example, in 2019, $165.5 million was wagered on the big race, not including betting on the numerous other races that were part of the proceedings.

What are some nicknames for the Kentucky Derby?

The Run for the Roses is one, referring to the blanket of red roses that is draped over the winner. Others include The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports and The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports.

What’s the deal with the mint julep?

It’s a bourbon-based cocktail with mint, simple syrup, and a bit of water that has become the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. Bourbon is a uniquely American whiskey, and the majority comes from Kentucky, making it all fit together.

What other traditions surround the event?

Besides the roses and mint juleps, it’s common to see elegant outfits with rather ornate hats. (Don’t tell that to some of the spectators in the infield who, as far as I can tell, are most focused on elevating their blood alcohol content.) The consumption of high-calorie fare and the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” are also part of the mix.

Now what?

First, listen to Johnny Cash’s version of “My Old Kentucky Home.”

 

Then, put some money on the race and get yourself a mint julep!