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
-
No decision yet on Essential Quality's next race
Mary Rampellini Feb 28, 2021 -
Greatest Honour has Florida Derby as next target
Mike Welsch Feb 28, 2021 -
Life Is Good works six furlongs in San Felipe Stakes prep
Jay Privman Feb 28, 2021 -
Capo Kane cuts back to one-turn mile in Gotham Stakes
David Grening Feb 28, 2021 -
Essential Quality takes Southwest Stakes, remains unbeaten
Mary Rampellini Feb 27, 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:
Breeders' Cup Juvenile, 11/6, 1st by 3/4, 95
Next Likely Race - Track:
Southwest, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, Feb. 27
Owner:
Godolphin
Sire:
Tapit
JP: To be the champ you have to beat the champ. Race goes through this colt, who makes 3yo debut Saturday.
MM: Hard-closing gray was perfect at 2; status as the Derby Watch topper will get tested in rescheduled Southwest.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Mike Smith
Last Race - Track:
Sham Stakes, 1/2, 1st by 3/4, 101
Next Likely Race - Track:
San Felipe, 1 1/16m, Santa Anita, March 6
Owner:
China Horse Club & WinStar Farm
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Likely the most gifted individual of this group. Recent works indicate he's learning to ration his natural speed.
MM: Seems he's the most highly regarded of the four Bob Baffert charges on this list; HOF trainer loaded yet again.
Trainer:
Shug McGaughey
Jockey:
Jose Ortiz
Last Race - Track:
Holy Bull, 1/30, 1st by 5 3/4, 89
Next Likely Race - Track:
Fountain of Youth, 1 1/16m, Gulfstream Park, Feb. 27
Owner:
Courtlandt Farms
Sire:
Tapit
JP: Like the steady progress he's made. Similar schedule so far to Orb, and that worked out well for McGaughey.
MM: Methodical progression is the Shug M.O.; so far, so good for a colt who acts like he can run all day and night.
Trainer:
Brad Cox
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Risen Star, 2/13, 1st by 1 1/4, 98
Next Likely Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, March 20
Owner:
Juddmonte Farms
Sire:
Into Mischief
JP: Thought he raised his game with addition of blinkers. Finished like additional distance will more than suit.
MM: Rebounded smartly in the Risen Star to join Cox stablemate Essential Quality among the division elite.
Trainer:
Brad Cox
Jockey:
Florent Geroux
Last Race - Track:
Smarty Jones, 1/22, 1st by 10 1/4, 92
Next Likely Race - Track:
Rebel Stakes, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, March 13
Owner:
Shortleaf Stable
Sire:
Hard Spun
JP: Crushed rivals in first try around two turns, improving. Part of strong lineup for Eclipse winner Cox.
MM: His Smarty Jones romp under the John Ed yellow and brown portends big support down the Arkansas trail.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
San Vicente, 2/6, 1st by 1/2, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Rebel Stakes, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, March 13
Owner:
Gary and Mary West
Sire:
Street Sense
JP: Set to go two turns after two sprints. Same pattern so far as Nadal in '20: MSW, San Vicente three weeks later.
MM: Classic pedigree and promising first two starts suggest he'll get a distance; Wests seeking Derby redemption.
Trainer:
Doug O'Neill
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Robert Lewis, 1/30, 3rd by nk, 91
Next Likely Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, March 20
Owner:
Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, William Strauss
Sire:
Oxbow
JP: Seems to improve with racing, so looking for him to take a step forward after solid comeback in Lewis.
MM: Colt has been steady and game in rounding into a divisional player for his two-time Derby-winning trainer.
Trainer:
Robertino Diodoro
Jockey:
David Cohen
Last Race - Track:
Kentucky Jockey Club, 11/28, 1st by 3/4, 80
Next Likely Race - Track:
Rebel Stakes, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, March 13
Owner:
Spendthrift Farm, Cypress Creek LLC, Arnold Bennewith
Sire:
Laoban
JP: Brutal weather compromised ability to train recently. Next start will show how much he's progressed since Nov.
MM: Won the KJC as a maiden (and favorite), enticing Spendthrift to buy in; eager to see his first race as a 3yo.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
John Velazquez
Last Race - Track:
Robert Lewis, 1/30, 1st by nk, 91
Next Likely Race - Track:
San Felipe, 1 1/16m, Santa Anita, March 6
Owner:
Zedan Racing Stables
Sire:
Protonico
JP: Tenacious victory in Lewis, but wondering how much that took out of him, as his Feb. 20 work was disappointing.
MM: $35k 2yo buy has done little wrong when competing in small SoCal lineups; another live one for Derby Bob.
Trainer:
Chad Brown
Jockey:
Eric Cancel
Last Race - Track:
Withers, 2/6, 1st by 3 3/4, 89
Next Likely Race - Track:
Wood Memorial, 1 1/8m, Aqueduct, April 3
Owner:
Klaravich Stables
Sire:
Medaglia d'Oro
JP: Has found best form going 2 turns on dirt plus blinkers. Didn't beat a lot in Withers but 1 1/4m will be no problem.
MM: The fact Chad left him in NY as opposed to taking him to Fla. is somewhat curious; nonetheless, he's a stayer.
Trainer:
Steve Asmussen
Jockey:
Joel Rosario
Last Race - Track:
Breeders' Cup Juvenile, 11/6, 4th by 3 1/4, 90
Next Likely Race - Track:
Southwest, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, Feb. 27
Owner:
J. Kirk and Judy Robison
Sire:
Maclean's Music
JP: Not sure how far he wants to run, but talented. Turned in huge effort considering race shape in BC Juvenile.
MM: Sure looks like a flashy 2yo whose classmates have caught up with him; things to prove in the Southwest.
Trainer:
Mike Stidham
Jockey:
John Velazquez
Last Race - Track:
Risen Star, 2/13, 2nd by 1 1/4, 97
Next Likely Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, March 20
Owner:
Godolphin
Sire:
Tapit
JP: Beyers continue improving; acts like he wants extra distance. Worthy Godolphin understudy to Essential Quality.
MM: Consistent colt gave valiant chase to Mandaloun in Risen Star; will try it again in La. Derby five weeks hence.
Trainer:
Michael McCarthy
Jockey:
Kyle Frey
Last Race - Track:
El Camino Real Derby, 2/13, 1st by nk, 84
Next Likely Race - Track:
Santa Anita Derby, 1 1/8m, Santa Anita, April 3
Owner:
John and Diane Fradkin
Sire:
Twirling Candy
JP: Considering the way he finished ECR, SA Derby over track he likes and potentially with pace seems a good spot.
MM: Needed every bit of the Golden Gate stretch to win at odds-on; curious to see how he'll fare back home at SA.
Trainer:
Bill Mott
Jockey:
Junior Alvarado
Last Race - Track:
Sam F. Davis, 2/6, 1st by 1, 85
Next Likely Race - Track:
Tampa Bay Derby, 1 1/16m, Tampa Bay, March 6
Owner:
Frank Fletcher
Sire:
Candy Ride
JP: Stretched out successfully, beat moderate competition in Davis. Will need to step it up in coming weeks.
MM: Don't know what he beat in the Davis at Tampa and whether he'll get a distance; still, he's one with talent.
Trainer:
Mike Maker
Jockey:
Kendrick Carmouche
Last Race - Track:
Breeders' Cup Juv. Turf, 11/6, 1st by 3, 90
Next Likely Race - Track:
Fountain of Youth, 1 1/16m, Gulfstream Park, Feb. 27
Owner:
Three Diamonds Farm
Sire:
Declaration of War
JP: Won off-the-turf race last summer at Sar, so certainly BC Juv. Turf winner deserves a shot on dirt now.
MM: Can't blame connections for wanting to dip their toes in the Derby waters; FOY attempt should be revealing.
Trainer:
Bob Baffert
Jockey:
Manny Franco
Last Race - Track:
San Vicente, 2/6, 2nd by 1/2, 94
Next Likely Race - Track:
Gotham, 1m, Aqueduct, March 6
Owner:
SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm
Sire:
Violence
JP: Terrific effort off the bench vs. stablemate Concert Tour, who had advantages with post draw and recent start.
MM: Not too sure about his sprinter/miler pedigree, but yes, that was a nice comeback; one more for Team Baffert.
Trainer:
Steve Asmussen
Jockey:
Joe Talamo
Last Race - Track:
Risen Star, 2/13, 3rd by 1 3/4, 96
Next Likely Race - Track:
Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, March 20
Owner:
Winchell Thoroughbreds
Sire:
Tiznow
JP: Couldn't quite hold off top two, but it was a solid performance. Definitely better at 3 than 2, and he was good at 2.
MM: Continued resolutely after Mandaloun and Proxy went past while validating his stature among the NOLA crew.
Trainer:
Todd Pletcher
Jockey:
Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Last Race - Track:
Holy Bull, 1/30, 3rd by 9 1/2, 73
Next Likely Race - Track:
Fountain of Youth, 1 1/16m, Gulfstream Park, Feb. 27
Owner:
WinStar Farm and China Horse Club
Sire:
Quality Road
JP: Had a tall order, going from debut maiden sprint win to Holy Bull, in which he was wide. FOY is pivotal.
MM: Redemption is the obvious goal for the only TAP rep on this roster following his defeat as the Holy Bull favorite.
Trainer:
Simon Callaghan
Jockey:
Juan Hernandez
Last Race - Track:
Robert Lewis, 1/30, 2nd by nk, 91
Next Likely Race - Track:
San Felipe, 1 1/16m, Santa Anita, March 6
Owner:
Don Alberto Stable and Qatar Racing
Sire:
Empire Maker
JP: Race shape helped, but like how he made extended run in the Lewis. Bred to handle anything thrown at him.
MM: $550k yearling purchase with classic bloodlines has rounded into contending form; San Felipe should tell a lot.
Trainer:
Todd Fincher
Jockey:
Luis Quinonez
Last Race - Track:
Risen Star, 2/13, 5th by 7 1/2, 87
Next Likely Race - Track:
Rebel or SA Derby, OP 3/13 or SA 4/3
Owner:
J.R. Peacock Jr.
Sire:
Mineshaft
JP: Not giving up on him. Race shape was against him; was only one in field to make decent impact from well back.
MM: Big kick he showed in 2yo finale wasn't as effective vs. better; fending off the others on Derby Watch bubble.
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
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Saturday,
Mar. 6, 2021
Tampa Bay Derby
Tampa Bay Downs , 1 1/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Saturday,
Mar. 6, 2021
San Felipe
Santa Anita, 1 1/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Saturday,
Mar. 13, 2021
Rebel
Oaklawn, 1 1/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
50-20-10-5
Saturday,
Mar. 20, 2021
Louisiana Derby
Fair Grounds, 1 3/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
UAE Derby
Meydan, 1 3/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
Florida Derby
Gulfstream, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Mar. 27, 2021
Jeff Ruby Steaks
Turfway , 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Apr. 3, 2021
Blue Grass
Keeneland , 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Apr. 3, 2021
Santa Anita Derby
Santa Anita, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Apr. 3, 2021
Wood Memorial
Aqueduct, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Apr. 10, 2021
Arkansas Derby
Oaklawn, 1 1/8 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
100-40-20-10
Saturday,
Apr. 10, 2021
Lexington
Keeneland , 1 1/16 miles
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
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
Monday,
Mar. 1, 2021
Patton Dundalk, 1 mile (S)
Winner:
Beyer:
Points (1-2-3-4):
20-8-4-2
Thursday,
Mar. 4, 2021
Road to the Derby Condition Kempton, 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
All Top Kentucky Derby News
Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Rank
Horse/Trainer
Horse/
Trainer
Horse
Trainer
Points
Non-Restricted Stakes Earnings
1
Greatest Honour
Shug McGaughey
Greatest Honour
Shug McGaughey
60
$295,740
2
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
52
$260,000
3
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
40
$1,730,000
4
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
26
$230,000
5
Proxy
Mike Stidham
Proxy
Mike Stidham
24
$120,000
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
20
$163,950
6
Keepmeinmind
Robertino Diodoro
Keepmeinmind
Robertino Diodoro
18
$379,040
7
Spielberg
Bob Baffert
Spielberg
Bob Baffert
17
$362,000
8
Jackie's Warrior
Steve Asmussen
Jackie's Warrior
Steve Asmussen
14
$532,500
9
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
14
$180,500
10
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
14
$80,000
11
Capo Kane
Harold Wyner
Capo Kane
Harold Wyner
12
$112,500
12
Papetu
Antonio Sano
Papetu
Antonio Sano
11
$68,425
13
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
10
$352,000
14
Get Her Number
Peter Miller
Get Her Number
Peter Miller
10
$186,000
15
Sittin On Go
Dale Romans
Sittin On Go
Dale Romans
10
$141,800
16
Risk Taking
Chad Brown
Risk Taking
Chad Brown
10
$137,500
17
Candy Man Rocket
Bill Mott
Candy Man Rocket
Bill Mott
10
$120,000
18
Caddo River
Brad Cox
Caddo River
Brad Cox
10
$90,000
19
Brooklyn Strong
Daniel Velazquez
Brooklyn Strong
Daniel Velazquez
10
$82,500
20
Life Is Good
Bob Baffert
Life Is Good
Bob Baffert
10
$60,000
21
Hush of a Storm
Bill Morey
Hush of a Storm
Bill Morey
10
$43,710
22
Tarantino
Rodolphe Brisset
Tarantino
Rodolphe Brisset
9
$72,650
23
Cowan
Steve Asmussen
Cowan
Steve Asmussen
8
$320,477
24
O Besos
Greg Foley
O Besos
Greg Foley
5
$16,000
Reinvesment Risk
Chad Brown
Reinvesment Risk
Chad Brown
4
$120,000
25
Nova Rags
Bill Mott
Nova Rags
Bill Mott
4
$76,000
Javanica
Eoin Harty
Javanica
Eoin Harty
4
$75,640
26
Super Stock
Steve Asmussen
Super Stock
Steve Asmussen
4
$59,000
27
Overtook
Todd Pletcher
Overtook
Todd Pletcher
4
$50,000
Ten for Ten
Shug McGaughey
Ten for Ten
Shug McGaughey
4
$50,000
28
The Great One
Doug O'Neill
The Great One
Doug O'Neill
4
$40,500
Eagle Orb
Rudy Rodriguez
Eagle Orb
Rudy Rodriguez
4
$40,000
29
Smiley Sobotka
Dale Romans
Smiley Sobotka
Dale Romans
4
$38,400
30
Roman Centurian
Simon Callaghan
Roman Centurian
Simon Callaghan
4
$20,000
31
Like the King
Wesley Ward
Like the King
Wesley Ward
4
$18,800
32
Gretzky the Great
Mark Casse
Gretzky the Great
Mark Casse
2
$218,021
33
Arabian Prince
Dallas Stewart
Arabian Prince
Dallas Stewart
2
$28,063
34
Waspirant
John Shirreffs
Waspirant
John Shirreffs
2
$26,000
35
Petruchio
Richard Mandella
Petruchio
Richard Mandella
2
$24,450
36
Known Agenda
Todd Pletcher
Known Agenda
Todd Pletcher
2
$24,000
37
Prime Factor
Todd Pletcher
Prime Factor
Todd Pletcher
2
$22,200
38
Hidden Stash
Vicki Oliver
Hidden Stash
Vicki Oliver
2
$20,000
39
Hold the Salsa
Richard Lugovich
Hold the Salsa
Richard Lugovich
2
$19,125
Swill
Brad Cox
Swill
Brad Cox
2
$18,600
40
Big Thorn
Steve Asmussen
Big Thorn
Steve Asmussen
2
$16,000
41
Parnelli
John Shirreffs
Parnelli
John Shirreffs
2
$14,000
Govenor’s Party
Daniel Franko
Govenor’s Party
Daniel Franko
2
$12,000
42
Pickin' Time
Kelly Breen
Pickin' Time
Kelly Breen
1
$157,925
43
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
Boca Boy
Cheryl Winebaugh
Boca Boy
Cheryl Winebaugh
1
$24,400
Upstriker
Ron Moquett
Upstriker
Ron Moquett
1
$20,000
44
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
45
Moonlite Strike
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Moonlite Strike
Saffie Joseph Jr.
1
$7,500
It's My House
James Thomas
It's My House
James Thomas
1
$6,000
Hard Rye Guy
Ian Wilkes
Hard Rye Guy
Ian Wilkes
1
$4,700
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.
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
Greatest Honour
Shug McGaughey
Greatest Honour
Shug McGaughey
60
2
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
Mandaloun
Brad Cox
52
3
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
Essential Quality
Brad Cox
40
4
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
Midnight Bourbon
Steve Asmussen
26
5
Proxy
Mike Stidham
Proxy
Mike Stidham
24
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
Drain the Clock
Saffie Joseph Jr.
20
6
Keepmeinmind
Robertino Diodoro
Keepmeinmind
Robertino Diodoro
18
7
Spielberg
Bob Baffert
Spielberg
Bob Baffert
17
8
Jackie's Warrior
Steve Asmussen
Jackie's Warrior
Steve Asmussen
14
9
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
Rombauer
Michael McCarthy
14
10
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
Medina Spirit
Bob Baffert
14
11
Capo Kane
Harold Wyner
Capo Kane
Harold Wyner
12
12
Papetu
Antonio Sano
Papetu
Antonio Sano
11
13
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
Hot Rod Charlie
Doug O'Neill
10
14
Get Her Number
Peter Miller
Get Her Number
Peter Miller
10
15
Sittin On Go
Dale Romans
Sittin On Go
Dale Romans
10
16
Risk Taking
Chad Brown
Risk Taking
Chad Brown
10
17
Candy Man Rocket
Bill Mott
Candy Man Rocket
Bill Mott
10
18
Caddo River
Brad Cox
Caddo River
Brad Cox
10
19
Brooklyn Strong
Daniel Velazquez
Brooklyn Strong
Daniel Velazquez
10
20
Life Is Good
Bob Baffert
Life Is Good
Bob Baffert
10
21
Hush of a Storm
Bill Morey
Hush of a Storm
Bill Morey
10
22
Tarantino
Rodolphe Brisset
Tarantino
Rodolphe Brisset
9
23
Cowan
Steve Asmussen
Cowan
Steve Asmussen
8
24
O Besos
Greg Foley
O Besos
Greg Foley
5
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).
