2022 “Official Art of the Kentucky Derby” by Kentucky artist Aimee Griffith

America’s Greatest Race

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.

The Race

The Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, is a top rank, Grade I stakes race for 3 year old Thoroughbred horses. The race distance is one and one-quarter miles long, and it is run on the dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Colts and geldings in the race carry 126 pounds (57 kg), and fillies in the race carry 121 pounds (55 kg).

20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby, which is a larger field size than most horse races; where on average 8 horses race against one another. The 20 horses racing in the Kentucky Derby must first travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, which is a series of 35 races taking place at tracks across the country and the world. Points are awarded to the top 4 horses that finish in each of those 35 races, and the 20 horses with the most points earn a spot in the starting gate in the Kentucky Derby race. The Kentucky Derby winning purse is $2 million.

The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May every year, and typically draws a crowd of 155,000 people. It is the longest continually held sporting event in America, and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. Often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby receives this nickname from the approximate length of time it takes the winner to run from the starting gate to the finish line. The Kentucky Derby is the first race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, where it is followed by the Preakness Stakes race and the Belmont Stakes race.

Years of Iconic American Style

The Kentucky Derby has been synonymous with style and glamour from the beginning. Today, it’s one of the only places in the world where 170,000 people still dress to the hilt for a sporting event and where men’s fashion is just as important as women’s. Anyone who’s been to the Derby will tell you that when all of the outfits come together on the first Saturday in May, the excitement is palpable.

Before you get started putting together your winning ensemble for the first Saturday in May, take a look at Derby Fashion Through the Decades.

From fantastic hats and colorful spring dresses to dashing bow ties and seersucker suits, Derby’s display of American style and tradition simply doesn’t exist anywhere else. So whether you’re coming to the track or attending a Derby party, it’s time to start thinking about your Derby outfit because the 148th year of iconic style is right around the corner.

Her Fashion

His Fashion

Woodford Reserve Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Woodford Reserve®
• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
• 3 Fresh Mint Leaves
• Crushed Ice

Preparation

Express the essential oils in the mint and rub them inside the glass.  To the same glass, add simple syrup, bourbon and crushed ice.  Stir. Garnish with more ice and fresh mint.

Mocktail Ingredients

• .5 oz. Mint Simple Syrup
• Top with Unsweetened Tea

Preparation

Build this drink in a tall glass with ice. Mix the ingredients in your glass with ice then stir.  Garnish with mint is available.

Betting for All Levels

If you’re into numbers and attempting to decipher whose speed, pace and class figures indicate a winner…these guides will set you up for success!

 

KENTUCKY DERBY WEEK

 

OFFICIAL DERBY EVENTS

Make the Kentucky Derby even more unforgettable.
Attend an Official Derby Event