As far as live horse racing track competitions go, the Kentucky Derby is the crown jewel of live horse races. Since the official race is almost here, we want to share some Kentucky Derby facts so that you can impress your friends over a refreshing Mint Julep.
10 Kentucky Derby Facts
The Kentucky Derby has never, ever been canceled
Since its inaugural race in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has stood as a resilient symbol of American tradition. Even in the face of two World Wars, the Great Depression, and even the COVID-19 pandemic, the race has never been canceled. Rain, mud, economic turmoil, or global uncertainty — nothing has been able to stop “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” The event is a reminder that some traditions are simply too beloved to be broken.
Only the Best of the Best Compete
Every year, the road to the Derby — known as the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series — narrows the field from thousands of hopefuls to just 20 elite thoroughbreds. Considering how many foals are born into the racing world each year, this is an astonishingly exclusive group. Making it to the Derby starting gate is a lifetime achievement for any horse, trainer, and owner, representing years of breeding, training, and heart-pounding victories just to earn a spot.
Hats Are Serious Business
The Kentucky Derby isn't just a sporting event — it’s a fashion extravaganza that rivals any runway show. The founder, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., was determined to create an atmosphere of high society and European flair. As a result, hats became part of the culture, symbolizing status, style, and good luck. Today, women and men alike plan their Derby outfits months in advance, often wearing elaborate custom-designed headpieces that turn Churchill Downs into a colorful, swirling sea of feathers, flowers, and grandeur.
Fillies Rarely Win
While female horses, known as fillies, are allowed to race in the Derby, it’s incredibly rare for them to claim victory against their male counterparts. In the race’s long and storied history, only three fillies — Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980), and Winning Colors (1988) — have crossed the finish line first. Their triumphs remain iconic moments in Derby lore, but year after year, the field remains largely dominated by colts, making a filly win one of the most thrilling and celebrated upsets in horse racing.
The Derby Is a Two-Week Party
Many people think the Derby is just one spectacular day, but in truth, the celebration begins weeks beforehand. The Kentucky Derby Festival, which stretches over two weeks, includes more than 70 events, from Thunder Over Louisville (one of the largest fireworks displays in North America) to marathons, steamboat races, hot-air balloon glows, concerts, and galas. For locals and visitors alike, Derby season is more than a race — it’s an entire cultural season filled with joy, tradition, and pageantry.
Triple Crown Winners Are Rare Legends
Winning the Derby is an enormous achievement, but winning the Triple Crown — the Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes — is the ultimate dream. These three races are held within a grueling five-week span, demanding supreme endurance, speed, and heart from a young thoroughbred. As of 2024, only 13 horses have managed to achieve this incredible feat. Horses like Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify are forever etched in sporting history, their legacies celebrated long after their final race.
It’s Expensive to Enter
Owning a Derby horse is not for the faint of wallet. By the time owners have paid nominations, entry fees, and starting fees, the total investment to enter a single horse tops $50,000 — and that doesn’t even account for the millions spent on yearling auctions, trainers, stabling, veterinary care, and transport. The Derby is as much a showcase of financial commitment and long-term strategy as it is of speed and athleticism, and only those willing to invest heavily have a shot at the roses.
Mint Juleps Are a Must
No Kentucky Derby experience is complete without a frosty Mint Julep in hand. This refreshing cocktail — made from bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice — has been the Derby’s official drink since 1938. Every year, more than 120,000 Mint Juleps are consumed at Churchill Downs over Derby weekend, served in commemorative glasses that many attendees take home as prized souvenirs. Some even splurge on the premium $1,000 Mint Juleps made with rare bourbons and served in gold-plated cups.
Winners Take Home Millions
While the prestige of winning the Kentucky Derby is priceless, the purse is pretty impressive too. In recent years, the total Derby purse has surpassed $3 million, with the winner’s share close to $1.86 million. That doesn’t include the lucrative stud fees that await a winning colt or filly — top Derby-winning horses can command millions of dollars for each breeding season, making the financial stakes in the sport nearly as thrilling as the race itself.
Betting Reaches Astronomical Levels
Each year, the betting action surrounding the Derby reaches jaw-dropping heights. In 2024, total wagering on Derby Day soared past $210 million, setting a new record. Handicapping the race — analyzing horses' speed figures, breeding, past performances, and trainers — is practically a sport of its own. From seasoned gamblers placing six-figure bets to first-timers hoping for beginner’s luck, the thrill of risking a dollar to win a fortune is a beloved Derby tradition.
Bonus: Celebrities Love It Too
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just for horse lovers — it’s a magnet for celebrities, athletes, and musicians. Every year, stars like Drake, Tom Brady, Martha Stewart, and Patrick Mahomes make their way to Louisville, dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate. Whether they’re lounging in Millionaires Row or parading down the red carpet, the A-list crowd helps make the Derby an unforgettable mix of high fashion, high society, and high-stakes fun.
Ready to place your bets, toast with a Mint Julep, and experience the magic of the Derby firsthand?
We’ll see you at the track — hat on, spirits high, and ready for the fastest two minutes in sports!
