Quick answer
The Kentucky Derby is America's most famous horse race. It's run on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, over a mile and a quarter for three-year-old thoroughbreds. Nicknamed the Run for the Roses, it's also the first leg of the US Triple Crown, which only a handful of horses have ever won.
At a glance
Key takeaways
- The Kentucky Derby is run on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- It's a mile and a quarter on dirt, open only to three-year-old thoroughbreds.
- The Derby is the first leg of the US Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
- Fields of up to 20 runners mean favourites lose more often than in smaller races.
- KhelKing lists the race under Horse Racing when it's available.
When and where is the Kentucky Derby run?
On the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The winner is draped in a blanket of roses, which gives the race its nickname. It's a mile and a quarter on dirt for three-year-olds, and it opens the US Triple Crown.
What makes the race distinctive?
Four things set the Derby apart from most races you'll see listed.
- Only three-year-olds can run, so each horse gets one chance.
- The distance is a mile and a quarter on dirt.
- The field is large, often up to 20 runners, so the start is crowded.
- It opens the US Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
Which betting markets are common?
Four markets, from simplest to hardest to land.
- Win: your horse must finish first. On an exchange you can also lay a horse to lose.
- Place or each-way: your horse must finish in the paid places.
- Forecast or exacta: the first two finishers in order.
- Tricast or trifecta: the first three in order.
What should you consider before betting?
A big field means more traffic and more luck in running, so favourites lose more often than in smaller races. Check the draw, recent form in prep races and dirt experience. When the race is listed, it's under Horse Racing on KhelKing. The horse racing page covers the big meetings.
Still wondering?
Frequently asked questions
01When is the Kentucky Derby held?
On the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs.
02How long is it?
A mile and a quarter on dirt.
03What is the Triple Crown?
Winning the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes in the same year.
04Can I bet on it on KhelKing?
Yes, when the race is listed under Horse Racing.
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Written by
KhelKing Sports Desk
Football, tennis, racing and kabaddi
The sports desk covers everything on the exchange that isn't cricket: Premier League and World Cup football, ATP and WTA tennis, horse racing and kabaddi.
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