Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby History

The Kentucky Derby is one of the oldest horse races in the world. The race is a 1.25-mile long, Grade I stakes horse race for three-year-old thoroughbreds on a dirt track. It is held annually at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The Kentucky Derby, run on the first Saturday in May of every year, is the first leg of the elusive Triple Crown races. It is followed by the Preakness Stakes two weeks later in Baltimore, Maryland, and the Belmont Stakes, 3 weeks after the Preakness in Elmont, New York.

Meriweather Clark founded the Kentucky Derby, which was first held in 1875. Since then, the Derby has become a day of luxury and fashion that many celebrities often attend.

Top 7 Facts for Kentucky Derby in 2026

• The 152nd running of the legendary race will mark the debut of the first phase of the Conservatory Project, a massive renovation at Churchill Downs that replaces temporary infield structures with permanent, climate-controlled suites and luxury viewing areas.
• The 2026 festivities will see the return of Sunday racing to the official Derby Week schedule for the first time in over fifteen years, branded as the family-friendly Sunday Funday event featuring live races and specialized brunch offerings.
• Kentucky-based artist Grayson Reynolds has been selected to design the official Mint Julep Glass and the Art of the Kentucky Derby for the 152nd edition, featuring a wraparound design that lists every champion from the inaugural winner in 1875 through the most recent victor.
• The event will feature a record-setting $5 million purse, with the winner of the Run for the Roses slated to take home a $3.1 million share of the total prize money.
• Early interest is centering on high-performing three-year-olds on the qualification trail, such as the promising colt Strategic Risk, who has already secured significant points through key prep races.
• The infield experience is being fundamentally transformed with the introduction of the Infield General Admission Project, which adds permanent structures like the Pagoda Club to provide better visibility of the winner's circle for general admission guests.
• Spectators at the 152nd Kentucky Oaks, held the day before the main event, will participate in the traditional Pink Out to raise awareness for women's health while the winning filly is draped in the iconic Lilies for the Fillies garland.

In the News and Trending for Kentucky Derby

Top things to do for the Kentucky Derby

• Tune in to watch the Derby live on the first weekend of May. It is usually broadcast on many sports networks around the world.
• Attend the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky. Be careful though, tickets are very expensive and must be purchased far in advance for the event.
• Enjoy a good movie about horses and horse racing. Some of our picks are: The Cup (2011), The First Saturday in May (2007), Racing Stripes (2005), Seabiscuit (2003), The Derby Stallion (2005), Secretariat (2010) and Dreamer (2005).
• Book a horse back riding class at a local stable. Try to get a feel for what it would be like to race that fast.
• Plan a Triple Crown Party. Be sure to send out invitations for the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont. Pick favorite horses and see who wins the home derby.