Kentucky Derby 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The Kentucky Derby is conducted annually on the first Saturday of May, which falls on May 6 this year. We can’t wait to experience the horse racing and historical traditions. On the surface, the Kentucky Derby is merely a horse race; however, it has amassed legions of admirers in its 147 years of existence! As one of the oldest sports in the United States, the Kentucky Derby is known as the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” The spectators don the most elaborate and distinctive attire and indulge in mint juleps. The victors of the race receive a trophy, prize money, and a massive rose garland weighing approximately 40 pounds!

The Background of Kentucky Derby

In 1875, the first Kentucky Derby was conducted at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Not only has the location of the race remained unchanged over the years, but so has the date. The first Saturday of May is traditionally allocated for horse races, and this year’s Kentucky Derby will be held on May 1. The week preceding the primary races is designated for preparing the horses, players, and crowds; this week is known as Kentucky Derby Week.

The thoroughbred horses, who are three years old, qualify for the Kentucky Derby by contending in races across the country. These contests are also known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby, and the top four finishers receive qualifying points for the Derby. The horses with the most qualifying points are entered into the Kentucky Derby, with the top two places reserved for European and Japanese Derby qualifying events.

Kentucky Derby customs are quite eccentric. Many attendees of the event and its associated activities don colourful headwear. There is even a Derby fashion exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum! On this day, individuals also consume approximately 120,000 mint juleps, according to estimates. The attendees chant along and listen to ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ blaring from the event’s speakers. The Kentucky Derby is considered a local holiday, as is its sibling race, the Kentucky Oaks, which takes place the day before the Derby. The Kentucky Oaks is primarily comprised of races between fillies aged three.

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KENTUCKY DERBY ACTIVITIES

Attend the Kentucky Derby.

Each year, thousands of spectators attend the competitions in person. If possible, you should immerse yourself in the race experience by travelling to Kentucky and participating in the local traditions.

Observe the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is televised annually, so there’s no need to agonise if you can’t attend. Gather your friends and family, prepare some refreshments and mint juleps and watch the Kentucky Derby in the comfort of your own home.

The study of history

There is much to learn about the Kentucky Derby and its associated history. In addition to the general fervour surrounding jockeys and their horses, there are numerous traditions to learn about besides mint juleps and headwear.

5 horse facts that will blow your mind

The American Quarter Horse is one of the most popular horse varieties, as both novices and experts prefer it.

Other horse varieties have one less vertebra than the Arabian horse.

You can estimate a horse’s age with some precision by numbering its teeth.

Typically, horses travel in groups because it is safer.

Cats and canines were domesticated 14,000 and 8,500 years ago, respectively, whereas horses were domesticated around 3000 B.C.

KENTUCKY DERBY DATES