Date

Authors

                                           

Kentucky Derby: America’s Fastest Tradition

Kentucky Derby: America’s Fastest Tradition

Each year on the first Saturday of May, Louisville transforms from a lively mid-sized city into the epicenter of the sports world. The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race; it’s a tradition. 

This year’s derby was a family reunion; all the thoroughbreds in this year’s race are descendants of Secretariat, known worldwide as the GOAT of horse racing. Known as an anomaly in horse genetics, Secretariat has a heart three times the size of an average horse and holds a record that has stood for 52 years. On Saturday, May 3rd, the celebrated stallion Sovereignty claimed victory in one of the most competitive fields in recent Derby History.

But why does this horse racing event garner so much attention? The Kentucky Derby is a cultural touchstone that transcends the boundaries of athletics, similar to the Masters and Wimbledon. It combines racing, fashion, and tradition in a way most American pastimes don’t.

The derby also has stood the test of time, and its legacy dates back to 1875, when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. organized the first race, inspired by England’s Epsom Derby. Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the inaugural Derby was won by Aristides. Since then, the Derby has remained for nearly 150 years, enduring world wars, economic depressions, and even pandemics.

The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel in horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three races is considered the ultimate achievement in thoroughbred racing; only 13 horses have achieved the feat. 

The Kentucky Derby, known as “Run for the Roses,” is 1 1/8 miles (10 furlongs) on the Churchill Downs dirt track. The field is limited to 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds who qualify through a points system based on performance in designated prep races. Due to these age restrictions, horses only receive one chance in their lifetime to compete in this race, adding to its significance and drama.

The Kentucky Derby doesn’t just attract the casual horse racing fans; it generates wagering activity that sets it apart in the American sports landscape. According to ESPN, a staggering record of 210.7 million dollars was bet on the 2024 Kentucky Derby race alone, the largest betting number for a single horse race in American history. 

Novices and experts alike can place a variety of wagers at the Derby. A “Win” bet pays out if your chosen horse finishes in first place. A “Place” bet pays out if your horse finishes in either first or second, and a “Show” bet pays out if your horse finishes in the top three. 

More complex bets include “Exacta,” which  requires picking the first and second-place finishers in exact order; the Trifecta, which involves involves selecting the first,  second, and third-place finishers in exact order; an the “Superfecta”, which challenges bettors to predict the first four finishers in exact order.

What makes the derby betting particularly distinctive is its accessibility to casual fans. While regular horse players analyze past performances and bloodlines, the Derby welcomes those who want a chance at a quick penny. When 80-1 underdog Rich Strike stunned the racing world in 2022, a $2 win bet returned $163.60. This democratization of gambling, where $2 gives anyone a chance to participate, creates a communal betting experience that other sports events don’t typically replicate.

Despite being one of America’s oldest sporting traditions, the Kentucky Derby often doesn’t receive the same recognition as other major U.S. sporting events. Knowledge about this race varies widely among community members. 9th grader Ronan Gerlach describes it as “ an exciting event,” 11th grader Tristan Strand admits, “I don’t know anything about [the Kentucky Derby].” 12th Grader Luke Liston’s exposure is limited to social media: “I actually saw a TikTok about it, but that’s about it.” 

In an age where sporting events increasingly cater to diminishing attention spans, the Kentucky Derby stays true to its roots. It sticks to its fancy traditions and love for great horses, making a  show that links today’s Americans to our history. It celebrates the strength and beauty that makes these “most exciting two minutes in sports” a lasting American tradition. 

Parting Words from Graduating Editors - Natalie Brenner

Parting Words from Graduating Editors - Natalie Brenner

Tennis Stars Face off in the 2025 French Open

Tennis Stars Face off in the 2025 French Open