Kentucky is renowned for its horse racing season, which typically runs from April to November. The season culminates with the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious horse race in the United States, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Other notable events during the season include the Kentucky Oaks, run on the Friday before the Derby, and the Breeder’s Cup World Championships, held at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington in October or November.
Kentucky Derby Timeline
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it’s held every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is always run on the first Saturday in May, and it’s part of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, along with the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875, and it has been held every year since then, except for 1895, when it was canceled due to a tornado. The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, and it’s run over a distance of 1 1/4 miles. The winner of the Kentucky Derby receives a trophy known as the “Run for the Roses,” and the horse’s owner receives a share of the prize money, which is currently $3 million.
The Kentucky Derby is a major event in Louisville, and it attracts over 150,000 people to the city each year. The race is also a popular betting event, and it’s estimated that over $1 billion is wagered on the Kentucky Derby each year.
| Year | Winner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1875 | Aristides | 2:37.75 |
| 1876 | Vagrant | 2:38.00 |
| 1877 | Baden-Baden | 2:38.25 |
| 1878 | Day Star | 2:37.25 |
| 1879 | Lord Murphy | 2:37.50 |
Churchill Downs Racing Calendar
The heart of horse racing in Kentucky, Churchill Downs, hosts its iconic races throughout the year. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
- Spring Meet: April-June
- Kentucky Derby: First Saturday in May
- Kentucky Oaks: Friday before the Kentucky Derby
- Summer Meet: July-September
- Fall Meet: October-November
Note: Exact dates may vary slightly from year to year.
When Horse Racing Season Heats Up in Kentucky
Kentucky is known for rolling green pastures and the exhilarating sport of horse racing. Delve into when and where to experience the pulse-pounding action at Kentucky’s iconic racecourses:
Keeneland Racecourse Schedule
- Spring Meet: April 7 – 29, 2023
- Fall Meet: October 5 – 28, 2023
Other Notable Kentucky Racecourses:
- Churchill Downs:
- Kentucky Derby: First Saturday in May
- Kentucky Oaks: Friday before the Kentucky Derby
- Ellis Park:
- Summer Meet: July through Labor Day
| Event | Date | Racecourse |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | First Saturday in May | Churchill Downs |
| Kentucky Oaks | Friday before Kentucky Derby | Churchill Downs |
| Keeneland Spring Meet | April 7 – 29 | Keeneland Racecourse |
| Ellis Park Summer Meet | July through Labor Day | Ellis Park |
| Keeneland Fall Meet | October 5 – 28 | Keeneland Racecourse |
Kentucky Derby Season
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it’s held every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is always run on the first Saturday in May, and it’s the centerpiece of a two-week-long festival that includes a number of other horse races, concerts, and parties.
Kentucky Oaks Undercard Races
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade 1 stakes race for 3-year-old fillies that is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby. It’s the fourth leg of the Triple Crown series, and it’s one of the most important races for fillies in the world.
- The La Troienne Stakes (Grade 1)
- The Ashland Stakes (Grade 1)
- The Edgewood Stakes (Grade 2)
- The Eight Belles Stakes (Grade 2)
- The Twinspires.com Spiral Stakes (Grade 3)
The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4-mile race, and the Kentucky Oaks is a 1 1/8-mile race. Both races are run on dirt, and they’re both considered to be very challenging tests for horses.
| Race | Distance | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Derby | 1 1/4 miles | Grade 1 |
| Kentucky Oaks | 1 1/8 miles | Grade 1 |
Well, there you have it, folks! Now you know the ins and outs of Kentucky’s horse racing season. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Bluegrass State to catch all the action or just want to keep up with the latest race news, be sure to keep our site bookmarked. Thanks for reading, and come back again soon!