Kentucky Derby 2021
Saturday, May 1, 2021 − Churchill Downs
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About the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown series for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. Held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on the first Saturday in May, the track has presented the race continuously since 1875. The Derby is run at the distance of 1 1/4 miles and is arguably the most famous horse race in the world.
Horses compete in the Kentucky Derby after qualifying through a series of preparatory races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby. These stakes races are held at racetracks across the country and award Derby qualifying points to the top four finishers. The Derby starters are comprised of the horses with the most qualifying points, with two of the 20 spots reserved for the top qualifiers from the European and Japanese Road to the Derby qualifying events.
The Kentucky Derby has many traditions, including drinking mint juleps, wearing festive hats, and singing "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses enter the track. Its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby, on the first Friday in May. Both Oaks Day and Derby Day are treated as local holidays in Louisville.
The horse who wins the Kentucky Derby receives a blanket of red roses, the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. The race is commonly referred to as the “Run for the Roses.”
The winning horse becomes the only horse eligible to complete that year's Triple Crown, by running in and winning the two other legs of the series. The middle "jewel" is the Preakness Stakes two weeks later at Pimilco Race Course in Baltimore, and the final leg is the Belmont Stakes three weeks after the Preakness at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
Top Kentucky Derby News
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Godolphin's second-teamer Proxy favored in Lexington
Marty McGee Apr 8, 2021 -
Kentucky Derby: Hot Rod Charlie works with Prat aboard
Jay Privman Apr 10, 2021 -
Rock Your World to have at least two works before Kentucky Derby
Steve Andersen Apr 9, 2021 -
Known Agenda satisfies Pletcher with easy workout
Mike Welsch Apr 9, 2021 -
Kentucky Derby: Greatest Honour hits bump in road, out of Derby
Jay Privman Apr 7, 2021
Derby Watch
Comments by Jay Privman and Marty McGee
- designates Keeneland sale graduate
Horse/
Best Beyer
Trainer/
Jockey
McGee
Odds
Trainer:
Brad Cox
Jockey:
Luis Saez
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 4/3, 1st by nk, 97
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Godolphin
Sire:
Tapit
JP: Have to admire his versatility. Has raced at 3 different tracks, on fast and slop, various pace scenarios, never lost.
MM: Champ came through in Blue Grass with another big effort; back home at CD as a deserving Ky. Derby favorite.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Rebel, 3/13, 1st by 4 1/4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, April 10
Owner:
Gary and Mary West
Sire:
Street Sense
JP: Used his sharp speed to set the tone in Rebel; took track from Caddo River, turned him aside, never looked back.
MM: Will join EQ as a consensus Derby favorite with a big effort Sat. as HOF trainer seeks record 7th Ky. Derby win.
Trainer:
Doug O'Neill
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 3/20, 1st by 2, 99
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, William Strauss
Sire:
Oxbow
JP: Seems like he's blooming at just the right time. Trained sensationally into La. Derby, and he ran to those drills.
MM: Further validated the BC Juv., but far more importantly, he's in peak form for 2-time Derby-winning trainer.
Trainer:
John Sadler
Jockey:
Umberto Rispoli
Last Race - Track:
Santa Anita Derby, 4/3, 1st by 4 1/4, 100
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Hronis Racing and Talla Racing
Sire:
Candy Ride
JP: Took the track from other pace rivals, set strong splits, earned big fig. Grand-looking colt has all the tools.
MM: Unbeaten SA Derby winner late to Ky. Derby scene but that's OK; Sadler no longer under a CD jinx (Accelerate).
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Florida Derby, 3/27, 1st by 2 3/4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
St. Elias Stable
Sire:
Curlin
JP: Blinkers a huge difference. Two sharp wins since added, peaking at right time for two-time Derby-winning trainer.
MM: Somehow, some way, you knew his HOF-to-be trainer would have a viable contender; really come into his own.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
John Velazquez
Last Race - Track:
Santa Anita Derby, 4/3, 2nd by 4 1/4, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Zedan Racing Stables
Sire:
Protonico
JP: Reliable for a solid effort every time, never worse than second in five starts. Chased while wide in SA Derby.
MM: Chink in the armor detected in distant runner-up finish in SA Derby; still, his overall record remains pretty solid.
Trainer:
Chad Brown
Jockey:
Javier Castellano
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 4/3, 2nd by nk, 97
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Klaravich Stables
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Gave Essential Quality all he wanted, but had pace scenario he's unlikely to get in Derby. Distance a question, too.
MM: Passed the two-turn test in Blue Grass but amid ideal circumstances; 4-time champion trainer seeks 1st Derby.
Trainer:
Brad Cox
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 3/20, 6th by 11 3/4, 82
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Juddmonte Farms
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Puzzling race in La. Derby after such a terrific performance when blinkers added in Risen Star. Won lone CD start.
MM: Been a looooong time since a Derby winner was 5th or worse in final prep (Needles, '56); asks a lot of him.
Trainer:
Steve Asmussen
Jockey:
Joe Talamo
Last Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 3/20, 2nd by 2, 96
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Winchell Thoroughbreds
Sire:
Tiznow
JP: Hard to fault his consistency this season at FG, turned in another solid performance when second best in La. Derby.
MM: Hung in gamely for second in merry-go-round La. Derby; enough ability and class to encourage going forward.
Trainer:
Brad Cox
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Rebel, 3/13, 5th by 6 3/4, 83
Next Likely Race - Track:
Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, April 10
Owner:
Shortleaf Stable
Sire:
Hard Spun
JP: Was removed from list after flopping in Rebel, but back with chance to atone and earn enough points to get in.
MM: Took a big step backward in Rebel, but he could redeem himself Saturday by rebounding in the Ark. Derby.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Martin Garcia
Last Race - Track:
Rebel, 3/13, 2nd by 4 1/4, 87
Next Likely Race - Track:
Arkansas Derby, 1 1/8m, Oaklawn Park, April 10
Owner:
SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Golconda Stable, Siena Farm, Robert Masterson
Sire:
Pioneerof the Nile
JP: Lightly raced, took big step forward following MSW win, has trained well exiting Rebel in advance of Ark. Derby.
MM: Battled gamely down the stretch to become yet another Derby possibility for Baffert; next should tell the tale.
Trainer:
Mark Casse
Jockey:
John Velazquez
Last Race - Track:
Florida Derby, 3/27, 2nd by 2 3/4, 90
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Live Oak Plantation
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Put away the other speed horses in Fla. Derby and ran on well. Lightly raced, but that was a good try.
MM: Fla. Derby runner-up arrived at CD early this week and will breeze this weekend; lack of experience a minus.
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
Kendrick Carmouche
Last Race - Track:
Wood Memorial, 4/3, 1st by hd, 89
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Calumet Farm
Sire:
Bernardini
JP: Wood upset makes him 3 for 4 since adding binkers, but soft fig an indictment of that field overall.
MM: Shades of '99 Derby winner Charismatic -- ran for claiming, had big final prep, and will be a big price Derby Day.
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
Jose Ortiz
Last Race - Track:
Wood Memorial, 4/3, 2nd by hd, 89
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Repole Stable, Phipps Stable, St. Elias Stable
Sire:
Union Rags
JP: Tough beat by stablemate in Wood, continues to make steady progress, probably be better a few months on.
MM: Got one-upped by Bourbonic as a TAP longshot in heady Wood effort; seems a bit of a reach on overall form.
Trainer:
Mark Casse
Jockey:
Julien Leparoux
Last Race - Track:
Tampa Bay Derby, 3/6, 1st by 3/4, 84
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
D.J. Stable
Sire:
Ironicus
JP: Stayed unbeaten when winning first try going long and on dirt, and took scenic route, but fig came up soft.
MM: His Tampa BSF came back light but he was visually impressive; to breeze at CD this weekend; adds Leparoux.
Trainer:
Wesley Ward
Jockey:
Drayden Van Dyke
Last Race - Track:
Jeff Ruby Steaks, 3/27, 1st by 1, 86
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
M Racing Group
Sire:
Palace Malice
JP: Will have to see how he works on dirt to see if he's second coming of Animal Kingdom, but prior dirt races meh.
MM: Savvy Van Dyke ride got him home over the Tapeta, but his mediocre dirt efforts make him a real longshot.
Trainer:
Salem bin Ghadayer
Jockey:
Mickael Barzalona
Last Race - Track:
UAE Derby, 3/27, 2nd by 5 1/2
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum
Sire:
Flatter
JP: In on points via runner-up effort in UAE Derby, but that race looked a significant cut below, so hard to endorse.
MM: Distant runner-up in the UAE Derby is one of several prospects with a mere 3 starts; be one of the longer shots.
Trainer:
Mike Stidham
Jockey:
John Velazquez
Last Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 3/20, 4th by 3 3/4, 93
Next Likely Race - Track:
Lexington, 1 1/16m, Keeneland, April 10
Owner:
Godolphin
Sire:
Tapit
JP: Blinkers didn't provide expected move forward in La. Derby, just ran evenly throughout. Fits off his best efforts.
MM: Colt who's been shy in the win dept. shortens up Saturday in Lexington in a race to determine his Derby status.
Trainer:
Michael McCarthy
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Blue Grass, 4/3, 3rd by 5 3/4, 88
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
John and Diane Fradkin
Sire:
Twirling Candy
JP: Didn't get favorable pace, yet still kept to task behind two who were one-two throughout. Ten furlongs will suit.
MM: Was no match for top two in Blue Grass while best of the rest; nice colt but perhaps a cut below the top tier.
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
undecided
Last Race - Track:
Jeff Ruby Steaks, 3/27, 2nd by 1, 84
Next Likely Race - Track:
Kentucky Derby, 1 1/4m, Churchill Downs, May 1
Owner:
WinStar Farm and China Horse Club
Sire:
Mshawish
JP: Probably deserved better fate in Jeff Ruby. Had to wait while rival zigged and zagged, then came with furious run.
MM: Will have skeptics aplenty after being 2nd on the synthetic off a narrow maiden win; strong connections though.
Road to the Derby
Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner / Beyer
Saturday,
Sep. 5, 2020
Iroquois
Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Sittin On Go
Beyer:
84
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Sittin On Go 84
Sittin On Go 84
Saturday,
Sep. 26, 2020
American Pharoah
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Get Her Number
Beyer:
84
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Get Her Number 84
Get Her Number 84
Saturday,
Oct. 3, 2020
Breeders' Futurity
Keeneland , 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Essential Quality
Beyer:
88
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Essential Quality 88
Essential Quality 88
Saturday,
Oct. 10, 2020
Champagne
Belmont , 1 mile
Winner:
Jackie's Warrior
Beyer:
100
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Jackie's Warrior 100
Jackie's Warrior 100
Friday,
Nov. 6, 2020
Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Keeneland , 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Essential Quality
Beyer:
95
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Essential Quality 95
Essential Quality 95
Saturday,
Nov. 28, 2020
Kentucky Jockey Club
Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Keepmeinmind
Beyer:
79
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Keepmeinmind 79
Keepmeinmind 79
Saturday,
Dec. 5, 2020
Remsen
Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Brooklyn Strong
Beyer:
93
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Brooklyn Strong 93
Brooklyn Strong 93
Friday,
Dec. 18, 2020
Springboard Mile
Remington Park, 1 mile
Winner:
Senor Buscador *
Beyer:
93
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Senor Buscador * 93
Senor Buscador * 93
Saturday,
Dec. 19, 2020
Los Alamitos Futurity
Los Alamitos Race Course, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Spielberg
Beyer:
81
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Spielberg 81
Spielberg 81
Friday,
Jan. 1, 2021
Jerome
Aqueduct, 1 mile
Winner:
Capo Kane
Beyer:
84
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Capo Kane 84
Capo Kane 84
Saturday,
Jan. 2, 2021
Sham
Santa Anita, 1 mile
Winner:
Life is Good
Beyer:
101
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Life is Good 101
Life is Good 101
Saturday,
Jan. 16, 2021
Lecomte
Fair Grounds, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Midnight Bourbon
Beyer:
91
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Midnight Bourbon 91
Midnight Bourbon 91
Friday,
Jan. 22, 2021
Smarty Jones
Oaklawn, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Caddo River
Beyer:
92
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Caddo River 92
Caddo River 92
Saturday,
Jan. 30, 2021
Holy Bull
Gulfstream, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Greatest Honour
Beyer:
89
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Greatest Honour 89
Greatest Honour 89
Saturday,
Jan. 30, 2021
Robert B. Lewis
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Medina Spirit
Beyer:
91
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Medina Spirit 91
Medina Spirit 91
Saturday,
Feb. 6, 2021
Withers
Aqueduct, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Risk Taking
Beyer:
89
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Risk Taking 89
Risk Taking 89
Saturday,
Feb. 6, 2021
Sam F. Davis
Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Candy Man Rocket
Beyer:
85
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Candy Man Rocket 85
Candy Man Rocket 85
Saturday,
Feb. 13, 2021
El Camino Real Derby
Golden Gate, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Rombauer
Beyer:
84
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Rombauer 84
Rombauer 84
Saturday,
Feb. 13, 2021
Risen Star
Fair Grounds, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Mandaloun
Beyer:
98
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Mandaloun 98
Mandaloun 98
Friday,
Feb. 26, 2021
John Battaglia Memorial
Turfway , 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Hush of a Storm
Beyer:
86
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Hush of a Storm 86
Hush of a Storm 86
Saturday,
Feb. 27, 2021
Fountain of Youth
Gulfstream, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Greatest Honour
Beyer:
89
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Greatest Honour 89
Greatest Honour 89
Saturday,
Feb. 27, 2021
Southwest
Oaklawn, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Essential Quality
Beyer:
96
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Essential Quality 96
Essential Quality 96
Saturday,
Mar. 6, 2021
Gotham
Aqueduct, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Weyburn
Beyer:
95
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Weyburn 95
Weyburn 95
Saturday,
Mar. 6, 2021
Tampa Bay Derby
Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Helium
Beyer:
84
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Helium 84
Helium 84
Saturday,
Mar. 6, 2021
San Felipe
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Life Is Good
Beyer:
107
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Life Is Good 107
Life Is Good 107
Saturday,
Mar. 13, 2021
Rebel
Oaklawn, 1 1/16 miles
Winner:
Concert Tour
Beyer:
94
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Concert Tour 94
Concert Tour 94
Saturday,
Mar. 20, 2021
Louisiana Derby
Fair Grounds, 1 3/16 miles
Winner:
Hot Rod Charlie
Beyer:
99
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Hot Rod Charlie 99
Hot Rod Charlie 99
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
UAE Derby
Meydan, 1 3/16 miles
Winner:
Rebel’s Romance
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Rebel’s Romance
Rebel’s Romance
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
Florida Derby
Gulfstream, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Known Agenda
Beyer:
94
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Known Agenda 94
Known Agenda 94
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Turfway , 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Like the King
Beyer:
86
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Like the King 86
Like the King 86
Saturday,
Apr. 3, 2021
Blue Grass
Keeneland , 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Essential Quality
Beyer:
97
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Essential Quality 97
Essential Quality 97
Saturday,
Apr. 3, 2021
Santa Anita Derby
Santa Anita, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Rock Your World
Beyer:
100
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Rock Your World 100
Rock Your World 100
Saturday,
Apr. 3, 2021
Wood Memorial
Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles
Winner:
Bourbonic
Beyer:
89
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Bourbonic 89
Bourbonic 89
Saturday,
Apr. 10, 2021
Arkansas Derby
Oaklawn, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
European Road to the Derby
Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner
Saturday,
Sep. 26, 2020
Royal Lodge Newmarket, 1 mile (T)
Winner:
Lalania
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Lalania
Lalania
Saturday,
Sep. 26, 2020
Beresford Naas, 1 mile (T)
Winner:
High Definition
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
High Definition
High Definition
Sunday,
Oct. 4, 2020
Prix Jean Luc Legardare Longchamp, 1 mile (T)
Winner:
Sealiway
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Sealiway
Sealiway
Saturday,
Oct. 24, 2020
Vertum Futurity Trophy Newcastle, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Aberama Gold
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Aberama Gold
Aberama Gold
Wednesday,
Mar. 3, 2021
Road to the Derby Condition Kempton, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Highland Avenue
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Highland Avenue
Highland Avenue
Friday,
Mar. 5, 2021
Patton Dundalk, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Thursday,
Apr. 1, 2021
Cardinal Condition Chelmsford, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
30-12-6-3
Japan Road to the Derby
Date
Race / Track / Distance
Winner
Saturday,
Nov. 28, 2020
Cattleya 1 mile, Tokyo
Winner:
Lemon Pop
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
10-4-2-1
Lemon Pop
Lemon Pop
Wednesday,
Dec. 16, 2020
Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun 1 mile, Kawasaki
Winner:
Alain Barows
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Alain Barows
Alain Barows
Sunday,
Feb. 21, 2021
Hyacinth 1 mile, Tokyo
Winner:
La Perouse
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
30-12-6-3
La Perouse
La Perouse
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
Fukuryu Stakes 1 1/8 miles, Nakayama
Winner:
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
40-16-8-4
Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse/
Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
140
$2,210,000
2
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
110
$962,000
3
Like the King
Wesley Ward
Like the King
Wesley Ward
104
$164,500
4
Known Agenda
Todd Pletcher
Known Agenda
Todd Pletcher
102
$461,100
5
Rock Your World
John Sadler
Rock Your World
John Sadler
100
$510.000
6
Bourbonic
Todd Pletcher
Bourbonic
Todd Pletcher
100
$400,000
7
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
74
$290,000
8
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
66
$430,000
9
Weyburn
Jimmy Jerkens
Weyburn
Jimmy Jerkens
60
$215,000
10
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
52
$270,000
11
Concert Tour
Bob Baffert
Concert Tour
Bob Baffert
50
$720,000
12
Highly Motivated
Chad Brown
Highly Motivated
Chad Brown
50
$271,000
13
Helium
Mark Casse
Helium
Mark Casse
50
$255,492
14
Panadol
Salem bin Ghad
Panadol
Salem bin Ghad
40
$240,000
15
Soup and Sandwich
Mark Casse
Soup and Sandwich
Mark Casse
40
$161,000
16
Dynamic One
Todd Pletcher
Dynamic One
Todd Pletcher
40
$140,000
17
Crowded Trade
Chad Brown
Crowded Trade
Chad Brown
40
$135,000
18
Sainthood
Todd Pletcher
Sainthood
Todd Pletcher
40
$47,000
19
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
34
$260,500
20
Proxy
Mike Stidham
Proxy
Mike Stidham
34
$160,000
21
Hidden Stash
Vicki Oliver
Hidden Stash
Vicki Oliver
32
$130,000
22
Dream Shake
Peter Eurton
Dream Shake
Peter Eurton
30
$126,000
23
O Besos
Greg Foley
O Besos
Greg Foley
25
$116,000
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
20
$163,950
New Treasure (IRE)
John Gosden
New Treasure (IRE)
John Gosden
20
$271,245
24
Hozier
Bob Baffert
Hozier
Bob Baffert
20
$200,000
25
Hockey Dad
Doug O'Neill
Hockey Dad
Doug O'Neill
20
$18,800
26
Keepmeinmind
Robertino Diodoro
Keepmeinmind
Robertino Diodoro
18
$409,707
27
Spielberg
Bob Baffert
Spielberg
Bob Baffert
17
$369,500
Jackie's Warrior
Steve Asmussen
Jackie's Warrior
Steve Asmussen
14
$532,500
28
Nova Rags
Bill Mott
Nova Rags
Bill Mott
14
$111,250
Capo Kane
Harold Wyner
Capo Kane
Harold Wyner
12
$115,500
Papetu
Antonio Sano
Papetu
Antonio Sano
11
$68,425
Moonlite Strike
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Moonlite Strike
Saffie Joseph Jr.
11
$45,000
Hard Rye Guy
Ian Wilkes
Hard Rye Guy
Ian Wilkes
11
$14,100
29
Get Her Number
Peter Miller
Get Her Number
Peter Miller
10
$192,667
Risk Taking
Chad Brown
Risk Taking
Chad Brown
10
$137,500
Sittin On Go
Dale Romans
Sittin On Go
Dale Romans
10
$141,800
Takeru Pegasus (JPN)
Yukihiro Kato
Takeru Pegasus (JPN)
Yukihiro Kato
10
$127,121
30
Caddo River
Brad Cox
Caddo River
Brad Cox
10
$120,000
Candy Man Rocket
Bill Mott
Candy Man Rocket
Bill Mott
10
$120,000
Brooklyn Strong
Daniel Velazquez
Brooklyn Strong
Daniel Velazquez
10
$82,500
Big Lake
Steve Asmussen
Big Lake
Steve Asmussen
10
$100,000
Hush of a Storm
Bill Morey
Hush of a Storm
Bill Morey
10
$43,710
Defunded
Bob Baffert
Defunded
Bob Baffert
10
$45,000
31
Super Stock
Steve Asmussen
Super Stock
Steve Asmussen
9
$109,000
Tarantino
Rodolphe Brisset
Tarantino
Rodolphe Brisset
9
$74,650
Roman Centurian
Simon Callaghan
Roman Centurian
Simon Callaghan
9
$38,000
Cowan
Steve Asmussen
Cowan
Steve Asmussen
8
$320,477
Freedom Fighter
Bob Baffert
Freedom Fighter
Bob Baffert
5
$58,000
32
Unbridled Honor
Todd Pletcher
Unbridled Honor
Todd Pletcher
5
$17,500
Reinvesment Risk
Chad Brown
Reinvesment Risk
Chad Brown
4
$120,000
Javanica
Eoin Harty
Javanica
Eoin Harty
4
$75,640
Overtook
Todd Pletcher
Overtook
Todd Pletcher
4
$50,000
Ten for Ten
Shug McGaughey
Ten for Ten
Shug McGaughey
4
$50,000
The Great One
Doug O'Neill
The Great One
Doug O'Neill
4
$46,500
Smiley Sobotka
Dale Romans
Smiley Sobotka
Dale Romans
4
$38,400
Eagle Orb
Rudy Rodriguez
Eagle Orb
Rudy Rodriguez
4
$40,000
Gretzky the Great
Mark Casse
Gretzky the Great
Mark Casse
2
$218,021
Arabian Prince
Dallas Stewart
Arabian Prince
Dallas Stewart
2
$28,063
Waspirant
John Shirreffs
Waspirant
John Shirreffs
2
$26,000
Petruchio
Richard Mandella
Petruchio
Richard Mandella
2
$24,450
Prime Factor
Todd Pletcher
Prime Factor
Todd Pletcher
2
$22,200
Hold the Salsa
Richard Lugovich
Hold the Salsa
Richard Lugovich
2
$19,125
Swill
Brad Cox
Swill
Brad Cox
2
$18,600
Big Thorn
Steve Asmussen
Big Thorn
Steve Asmussen
2
$16,000
Parnelli
John Shirreffs
Parnelli
John Shirreffs
2
$14,000
Govenor’s Party
Daniel Franko
Govenor’s Party
Daniel Franko
2
$12,500
Pickin' Time
Kelly Breen
Pickin' Time
Kelly Breen
1
$157,925
Red Flag
John Shirreffs
Red Flag
John Shirreffs
1
$72,000
Therideofalifetime
Ignacio Correas
Therideofalifetime
Ignacio Correas
1
$39,500
Woodhouse
C.R. Trout
Woodhouse
C.R. Trout
1
$37,500
33
It's My House
James Thomas
It's My House
James Thomas
1
$6,000
Boca Boy
Cheryl Winebaugh
Boca Boy
Cheryl Winebaugh
1
$24,400
Upstriker
Ron Moquett
Upstriker
Ron Moquett
1
$20,000
Santa Cruiser
Keith Desormeaux
Santa Cruiser
Keith Desormeaux
1
$19,500
Civil War
Thomas Albertrani
Civil War
Thomas Albertrani
1
$16,875
Royal Number
Mike Trombetta
Royal Number
Mike Trombetta
1
$15,000
Note: *In light of the Kentucky Derby being postponed from May 2 to Sept. 5, Churchill Downs has announced that additional points-scoring races will be added.
All Top Kentucky Derby News
About the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown series for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds. Held each year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on the first Saturday in May, the track has presented the race continuously since 1875. The Derby is run at the distance of 1 1/4 miles and is arguably the most famous horse race in the world.
Horses compete in the Kentucky Derby after qualifying through a series of preparatory races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby. These stakes races are held at racetracks across the country and award Derby qualifying points to the top four finishers. The Derby starters are comprised of the horses with the most qualifying points, with two of the 20 spots reserved for the top qualifiers from the European and Japanese Road to the Derby qualifying events.
The Kentucky Derby has many traditions, including drinking mint juleps, wearing festive hats, and singing "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses enter the track. Its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, exclusively for 3-year-old fillies, takes place the day before the Kentucky Derby, on the first Friday in May. Both Oaks Day and Derby Day are treated as local holidays in Louisville.
The horse who wins the Kentucky Derby receives a blanket of red roses, the official flower of the Kentucky Derby. The race is commonly referred to as the “Run for the Roses.”
The winning horse becomes the only horse eligible to complete that year's Triple Crown, by running in and winning the two other legs of the series. The middle "jewel" is the Preakness Stakes two weeks later at Pimilco Race Course in Baltimore, and the final leg is the Belmont Stakes three weeks after the Preakness at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y.
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
1
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
140
2
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
110
3
Like the King
Wesley Ward
Like the King
Wesley Ward
104
4
Known Agenda
Todd Pletcher
Known Agenda
Todd Pletcher
102
5
Rock Your World
John Sadler
Rock Your World
John Sadler
100
6
Bourbonic
Todd Pletcher
Bourbonic
Todd Pletcher
100
7
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
74
8
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
66
9
Weyburn
Jimmy Jerkens
Weyburn
Jimmy Jerkens
60
10
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
52
11
Concert Tour
Bob Baffert
Concert Tour
Bob Baffert
50
12
Highly Motivated
Chad Brown
Highly Motivated
Chad Brown
50
13
Helium
Mark Casse
Helium
Mark Casse
50
14
Panadol
Salem bin Ghad
Panadol
Salem bin Ghad
40
15
Soup and Sandwich
Mark Casse
Soup and Sandwich
Mark Casse
40
16
Dynamic One
Todd Pletcher
Dynamic One
Todd Pletcher
40
17
Crowded Trade
Chad Brown
Crowded Trade
Chad Brown
40
18
Sainthood
Todd Pletcher
Sainthood
Todd Pletcher
40
19
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
34
20
Proxy
Mike Stidham
Proxy
Mike Stidham
34
21
Hidden Stash
Vicki Oliver
Hidden Stash
Vicki Oliver
32
22
Dream Shake
Peter Eurton
Dream Shake
Peter Eurton
30
23
O Besos
Greg Foley
O Besos
Greg Foley
25
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
20
New Treasure (IRE)
John Gosden
New Treasure (IRE)
John Gosden
20
Recent Kentucky Derby Winners
Year
Horse/Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Beyer
Kentucky Derby - FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to run?
The Kentucky Derby is open only to 3-year-olds that are nominated to the Triple Crown series, and have earned enough qualifying points.
Q: How do horses earn qualifying points?
Horses earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby through a series of prep races run September – April at multiple tracks across the country. Points available for the races range from 1-100, depending on the quality of the race and where the horse finishes. View the full list of “Road to the Kentucky Derby” qualifying races at left.
Q: How many horses can start in the race?
Currently a maximum of 20 horses can run in the Kentucky Derby. The largest field was 23 horses (1974) for the 100th running of the Kentucky Derby. The smallest field was just 3 horses (1892 and 1905).
Q: Have any fillies won the Kentucky Derby?
Yes, three fillies have won the Kentucky Derby: Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988)
Q: Who has won the most?
Trainer: 6, Ben Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952). 6, Bob Baffert (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020)
Jockey: 5 each, Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952) and Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)
Owner: 8, Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968).
