The Kentucky Derby is held every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisiville, Kentucky. This is the horse race every owner, trainer, and jockey dream of winning and the one race even people who are not horse racing fans watch and follow. Only 3-year-old thoroughbreds can run in the Derby, so each only has one chance at it in his lifetime. Many dream of the roses, but only one horse will wear them out of the thousands born each year.
2009 Kentucky Derby and Oaks Results and Photos
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
This year the Derby was won by 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird, who rallied from last to win by 6 3/4 lengths on a muddy track over Pioneerof the Nile and Musket Man. Expected favorite I Want Revenge was scratched the morning of the race due to an injury, so Friesan Fire was sent off as the favorite but he had bad racing luck and finished 18th. The day before, heavy favorite Rachel Alexandra romped to a record 20 1/4 length victory in the Kentucky Oaks. Many think she would have won the Derby had she gone there instead, but we will never know.
Kentucky Derby results and photo Kentucky Oaks results and photos Thursday Derby Photos Wednesday Derby Photos Derby undercard stakes results and photos Oaks undercard stakes results and photos
2009 Kentucky Derby Contenders
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Only 20 horses can start in the Kentucky Derby, but 400+ will be nominated for it every year. The top 2-year-olds from the previous season will always be favored at the beginning of the year, but as the prep races are run the list will change as horses improve or drop out for various reasons.
More info:
Entries - 20 horses were entered for 2009. Includes stats, photos, and more Analyzing the Top 2009 Kentucky Derby Contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner Graded stakes earnings - only the top 20 here can get in the Derby when entries are taken Early Triple Crown nominations - 401 horses at $600 each in January Late Triple Crown Nominations - 11 more horses at $6000 each in March
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The Triple Crown Trail
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
Every spring the 3-year-old thoroughbreds start their campaigns hoping to make it to the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May. Racing fans watch and wonder which prep race will yield the Derby winner as the horses compete on the Triple Crown trail at race tracks from coast-to-coast.
More info:
- 2009 Triple Crown Trail - a schedule of all the prep races with results posted weekly
- Derby Prep Races Stats and History - includes all Derby winners from 1950-2008 and where they finished in each prep
- Path to the Kentucky Derby - which preps have produced the most Derby starters and where winners made their final prep
Kentucky Derby Future Wager
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
As if picking a winner on Derby day wasn't hard enough, since 1999 there has been a Future Wager offered so you can try to pick a winner months in advance! Offered in Feb, Mar, and Apr, it has 23 horses plus a field of all other 3-year-olds for 24 betting interests in each pool. If your horse doesn't run in the Derby, you lose. If he wins, you get the odds the Future Wager closed at regardless of his odds on Derby day. Now they even have a Future Exacta!
More info:
Future Wager Pool 3 - horses, final odds, will-pays, and free PPs. Future Wager Pool 2 - horses, final odds, will-pays, and free PPs. Includes Oaks Future. Future Wager Pool 1 - horses, final odds, will-pays, and free PPs Future Wager official site Future Wager rules
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Handicapping
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
This is the most over-analyzed race ever, so there are dozens of angles for picking a winner. It almost seems like you could roll dice to come with a winner and have just about as much luck. Here are some articles and books that may help you with your selections, or may just make you even more confused! Analyzing the Top 2009 Kentucky Derby Contenders - My annual analysis using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. Free Derby contender past performances Handicapping the Derby Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2009 by Jim Mazur Review: Betting the Kentucky Derby by Dean Keppler Theories On Picking The Derby Winner - lots of angles Derby Betting - handicapping tips Why not play the contrarian on Derby Day?
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Derby History
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875 and will have its 135th running this year. Many of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time have won the Derby and it is the race all horsemen dream of winning. Find out more about the rich history of the Run for the Roses.
More info:
Past Derby Winners Past Kentucky Derby articles and photos (1997 - 2008) The Best Derby Winners 10 Fastest Runnings Fillies in the Derby 10 Biggest Longshots Derby Winners and Public Auction Prices - expensive is definitely not better! Best Derby Jockeys Best Derby Trainers African-Americans in the Derby Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments DVD
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Traditions
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
There are many traditions associated with the Kentucky Derby from the blanket of roses to mint juleps. Attending the Derby is more than just watching a race. It is being immersed in a culture that is undeniably unique. Women in fancy hats, celebrities making appearances, dressing up (either fancy or fanatical,) sipping a mint julep, eating burgoo and their trademarked pie, going to the backside for morning workouts, or getting rowdy in the infield are all part of the atmosphere at Churchill Downs.
Derby Traditions:
The Rose Garland The Trophy The Twin Spires The Mint Julep Derby Hats Celebrities at the Derby Collecting Derby Glasses Kentucky Derby Barbie
Derby Traditions:
Kentucky Derby 101
© Cindy Pierson Dulay
An overview of the Kentucky Derby from history to handicapping to how to attend. Perfect for beginners who want to start their education in all things Derby.
More info:
Kentucky Derby 101 Tickets and Seating Louisville Weather Forecasts Derby and Oaks Security Kentucky Derby Links
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