Everyone is talking about the Kentucky Derby as it is one of the world’s biggest and most awaited horse racing events. Plus, it’s happening real soon. So, it’s a good time to talk about this prestigious event and focus on the not-so-technical side of the derby.
Below we will go through each of the 12 known fun facts about the much-awaited 149th running of the Kentucky Derby that will happen on May 6, 2023, at 9 AM ET at the Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY.
Kentucky Derby is Also Known As “The Run for the Roses”
For those who are avid fans of the Kentucky Derby, they might already know this fun fact about the event. But for those not-so-familiar with the race, the Kentucky Derby is also known as “The Run for the Roses.”
The reason behind this is that the official flower of the Kentucky Derby is a red rose. It all begins when Evander Berry Wall gives out a bouquet of roses to the women at the party. The President and founder of Churchill Downs, Meriwether Lewis Clark, was inspired by this gesture, so he decided to make the flower its official symbol.
Many years later, the organization started the tradition of presenting a lush blanket of 554 roses to the Kentucky Derby winner.
You Can Bet On the Kentucky Derby Online
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the online betting industry has become more prevalent. It makes betting on any sport, including the Kentucky Derby, more convenient and safe. One of the most sought-after online sports betting platforms is Fanduel. They are known to offer the best sports that every bettor can possibly profit from.
But the question is: can you bet the kentucky derby on fanduel? The answer is Yes! Fanduel is now offering horse race betting to their avid bettors. It includes the upcoming Kentucky Derby. So, in this year’s Kentucky Derby race, bet online and experience the difference.
The Entire Derby Race Only Lasts 2 Minutes
The Kentucky Derby is considered the “fastest two minutes in sports.” However, by the record, only two horses surpassed the 2-minute mark. The first horse that won the race under two minutes was Secretariat in 1973, who ran the track for a record, 1 minute and 59 seconds. The second record holder was Monarchos, who won the 2001 Kentucky Derby by 1:59:97.
The Traditional Kentucky Derby Drink is Mint Julep.
Aside from the traditional hat that is a well-known trend of the Kentucky Derby, a beverage is considered the traditional drink of The Run for the Roses. A mint julep is a mixture of Kentucky bourbon, syrup, powdered sugar, ice, and mint. You can make this cocktail at home and watch the Kentucky Derby online.
It Is The First Jewel of the Triple Crown
The Triple Crown is a horse racing series with the Kentucky Derby as the first. The other two Triple Crown races are the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The Triple Crown is the highest honor a 3-year-old thoroughbred can acquire throughout its racing career.
Male Horses Dominated the Race
The majority of the Kentucky Derby winners are male. Fillies only won three times out of the forty who competed throughout the derby’s history. It might be due to how dominant the male horses are or maybe because only a few fillies joined the competition.
Only 3-year-old thoroughbreds Are Allowed to Participate.
All Triple Crown races, including the Kentucky Derby, only allow 3-year-old male or female thoroughbreds to participate in the race. This tradition is simply carried out in England. That said, all horses only have one chance to participate in the Kentucky Derby once in their lives.
The Majority Of Winners in The Kentucky Derby Are Bay or Chestnut Horses.
Racehorses come in different sizes and colors. You will find thoroughbreds that are white, black, gray/roan, palomino, bay, dark bay/brown, and chestnut. Looking back throughout the Kentucky Derby’s history, most winners are in two colors: bay and chestnut.
The most common color of the Kentucky Derby winners is bay, and the second comes the chestnut color.
Post Number 1 is Considered as the Dreaded Rail
Many believe the post position number 1 of the Kentucky Derby is a dreaded rail as it can box in the horse behind his rivals. If this happens, the horse will find it difficult to pull away from the rest of the competitors. It is why many horse owners or trainers avoid this post position as much as possible.
Kentucky Derby is the Longest Running Sporting Event in the US
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest and longest-running major sporting event in the United States. It was inaugurated in 1875, and this year’s Kentucky Derby is the 149th running of this major sporting event.
The Bottomline
Facts surround the Kentucky Derby, and as a fan, you must know about this, like how you know the betting ins and outs of the event. Knowing these fun facts will give you a fresh perspective on the event, and enjoy it even more.
