Springtime is in full bloom, and the calendar is ready to be flipped to May which can only mean one thing: the Kentucky Derby is just around the corner! One of the world’s most famous horse races is gearing to kick off May 5 but before it does, get up to speed with these fun facts about Kentucky’s top sporting event.
- Now in its 144th year, The Kentucky Derby is one of the world’s oldest sports championships.
- Its inaugural race took place in 1875. Other major championships that began shortly after include Wimbledon (1877) and the Stanley Cup (1893).
- In its 144 years, the Derby has never been postponed due to rain or other inclement weather.
- An estimated 10,000 spectators watched the first race at Churchill Downs racetrack. Today, nearly 170,000 gather for the event.
- The race was originally 1.5 miles. In 1896, it was shortened to 1.25 miles and has not changed since.
- The track itself is one mile long.
- 1931 marked the first year that the Kentucky Derby was held on the first Saturday in May. Prior to that, the date had never been predetermined.
- The Kentucky Derby is the first “prong” in horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown. The Preakness and Belmont Stakes complete the Triple Crown.
- Only 12 horses have won the Triple Crown throughout history. American Pharaoh was the last thoroughbred to achieve the feat, doing so in 2015.
- In order to compete in the race, thoroughbreds must be under three years old.
- 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat holds the record for fastest time at the Kentucky Derby at 1:59 and 2/5 seconds. He went on to garner even faster finishes at both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.
- Also known as the “Run for the Roses,” the Kentucky Derby makes a tradition out of draping a blanket of roses over the winning horse.
- Mint Juleps are the traditional drink of the Derby. An estimated 120,000 are served during both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day prior.
- Elegant hats have become synonymous with the Derby, a tradition rooted in the race originally serving as an opportunity for high-class citizens to show off their fashion.
- The Kentucky Derby was originally founded to emulate England’s Epsom Derby. As a result, four notable members of the British Royal family have made appearances at Churchill Downs: The Earl of Derby in 1930, the Duke of Windsor in 1951, Princess Margaret in 1974 and most recently, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in 2007.
- In addition to royalty, elite U.S. figures have also attended, including seven former presidents.
- Harry Truman, Lyndon B. Johnson, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H. W. Bush have all attended either before or after they were elected President.
- Richard Nixon was the only sitting president to attend.