27 Kentucky Derby Fun Facts That Will Surely Fascinate You
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The Kentucky Derby is known to take place every year on the first May of Saturday.
Started by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr, it is a famous event in the US. It was started for the first time in 1875.
The Kentucky Derby is an event full of history and tradition because of its long and sustained run. The Louisville Jockey Club sponsored the first race in 1875, and since then its growing popularity turned it into the longest continuing sporting event in the US.
This race introduced us to some of the most popular horses in America. To know more about the event, keep reading the article.
History Of Kentucky Derby Horse Racing
The Kentucky Derby Horse Racing is an old horse race that takes place annually in Louisville, Kentucky. For the last 147 years, the race has been scheduled on the first Saturday of May almost every year.
2022 marks the 148th year of the Derby horse race. Consequently, there are several fascinating facts about the race's history that you would like to know.
The race has a historical connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition of the US. In 1872, Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr, the grandson of William Clark visited the Epson Derby in England.
After returning to America, he founded the Louisville Jockey Club and built a permanent racing track called the Churchill Downs which served as the track for the race.
Going on its 148th anniversary this year, the Derby holds the record for the longest-running sporting event of US history.
The first-ever Derby winner was a three-year-old chestnut thoroughbred named Aristides. He completed the race in two minutes 37 seconds.
Roses appeared for the first time on the track of Derby in 1896 when Ben Brush was congratulated with a garland of roses. Since 1904, red roses became the official flower of the Derby.
The jockey Calumet Farm has the highest number of wins in the Derby with a total of eight winning titles. Plain Ben Jones is a trainer with the most wins in the race.
An event called the Kentucky Oaks also was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr in 1875. It is an event where three-year-old female horses compete with each other.
Secretariat holds the record of being the fastest horse to win the Derby. He was known to finish the race at 1:59.40 in 1973.
Currently, there are only two horses that finished the race within two minutes.
There are only three fillies that won the Derby in history. They are Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980, and Winning Colors in 1988.
In 1892, only three horses took part making it the shortest race ever.
At present, the Kentucky Derby is a huge event. Spectators bet millions on the race while thousands of people watch the race live but it was not so in the old days.
Rules Of Kentucky Derby Horse Racing
Not only the oldest but Kentucky Derby is also the most-watched horse race in the US and is considered to be an important event. This popular game has some basic rules in place as well.
The race is restricted only to three-year-old male or female racehorses making a thoroughbred eligible for the race only once in their life.
The Derby field is restricted to only 20 racers.
The racehorses have to qualify to run in a derby by being nominated to the triple crown first and then running in a series of qualifying races.
The race takes place on a 1.25 mi (2 km) dirt main track to test the stamina of the horse along with speed.
Since 1946, the race has beeen conducted on the first Saturday of May annually.
The owners choose the names of the racehorses participating in the race but the name has to be approved by the Jockey Club.
Every year, Kentucky Oaks, hosted on the first Friday of May, precedes the Derby held on the next Saturday.
Mint Julep is known to be the official drink of the Derby but it is not a mandatory drink.
The race is often known as the run for the roses since the winner is awarded a garland of roses draped on the back after crossing the finish line.
Famous Horse Riders Of Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is known as one of the most anticipating sporting events in the US. This memorable event has introduced America and the world to some of the sturdiest racehorses of the world. The determination of the horses makes them unforgettable and the game is extremely intriguing.
Defeated by Empire Maker in 2003, Funny Cide was an underdog in the Derby, and many people were rooting for him.
The champion of the 1977 Derby, Silver Charm owned the heart of a champion, and his win launched Bob Baffert as one of the greatest trainers.
In 2002, another horse trained by Baffert called War Emblem emerged as the winner of the derby.
The 1990 Derby champion, Unbridled, was a treat to the eyes. As the horse drew off, his trainer knew he was going to win.
By breaking the east and west coast rivalry since the triple crown, Sunday Silence ensured a glorious victory in the Derby of 1989.
A fan favorite, Smarty Jones pulled through the mud to earn a victory in 2004 and gave lifetime memories to his jockey.
FAQs
Q: What are some fun facts about the Kentucky Derby?
A: Some fascinating facts about the Kentucky Derby are
The Kentucky Derby is known to be the longest-running sporting event in the history of the United States.
The first winner of the Derby was Aristides.
The official flower of the historic race has always been a red rose.
Q: Why do they call it the Kentucky Derby?
A: The Kentucky Derby gets its name from the name of a prestigious racing game of England called the Derby. Its name is based on the track on which the racing takes place.
Q: Has a white horse ever won the Kentucky Derby?
A: No white horse has ever won the KentuckyDerby as of yet. Gray horses or roans have secured the highest number of winner titles in the race.
Q: Who won the Kentucky derby 2021?
A: Although at first it was announced that the rider John Velazquez with his horse Medina Spirit won the Kentucky Derby 2021, later Mandaloun who originally finished in the second place in the race was officially crowned the winning title.
Q: What time is the Kentucky Derby race?
A: The Kentucky Derby Race is telecasted in the evening slot generally. Last year it had a post time of 6:57 pm EDT but the exact time of the 2022 race will be announced later.
Q: How much does the Kentucky Derby winner get?
A: The prize money for the rider who finishes in the first position at the Kentucky Derby makes 1.86 million dollars. Out of the money the winner has to pay a 25% fee to the agent and 5% to the valet who helps to prepare gear for the race.
Q: Who are key people in the Kentucky Derby race?
A: The key people of the Kentucky Derby race are D. Wayne Lukas and Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons. There are also some notable honoraries of the race including Gary Stevens, James Winkfield, Jerry D. Bailey, and Victor Espinoza.
Q: What type of horses are used in the Kentucky Derby race?
A: The Kentucky Derby is a race for three-year-old thoroughbred horses. Both male and female horses can take part in the race.
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Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English
With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature.
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