Kentucky Derby

Publication date: 08 Jul 2025

About the Kentucky Derby Horse Race

The Kentucky Derby is one of the three major horse races in the United States held annually in the city of Louisville on the first Saturday in May since 1875. The distance of the Kentucky Derby is 1.25 miles (about 2 km). In fact, the race itself lasts for 2 minutes. Every year, 150,000 people come to Churchill Downs Racetrack to watch the spectacle.

The Louisville Derby kicks off the season of the famous Triple Crown racing series, which also includes the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, New York.

Official Kentucky Derby website 

2026 Kentucky Derby

In 2026, the Kentucky Derby, America’s premier horse race and the first leg of the Triple Crown, will be held on Saturday, May 2. The venue remains unchanged: the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.

This will be the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Derby, which is rightly called “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Horses will compete over the classic 1¼ mile distance, and the race will attract thousands of spectators in the stands and millions in front of their screens.

The Derby is not only a race, but also a whole week of events: starting April 30, Louisville hosts parades, parties, and exhibitions. On Friday, May 1, the traditional Kentucky Oaks race for fillies will take place. And the culmination of the festivities is the race on Saturday, which will begin late in the afternoon.

The Kentucky Derby is all about sports, tradition, fashion, and a big party atmosphere. Bets, hats, cocktails, and excitement will all be back for spectators in the spring of 2026.

Traditions and atmosphere

One of the most striking features of the Kentucky Derby is the style of the spectators. Elegant suits and hats of the ladies are an integral part of the holiday. In addition, we must not forget about the traditional mint julep cocktail, which has become a symbol of this event.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby horse race will be a spectacular event that will be remembered by all who participate and those who watch this historic race.

History of the horse race

On 17 May 1875, the first Kentucky Derby horse race was held in front of 10,000 spectators, featuring 15 horses. The winner was the colt Aristides along with jockey Oliver Lewis. The first race was a success, but despite this, the track ran into financial difficulties.

In time, owners began to send their thoroughbred horses for the other two races.

In 1919, Sir Barton became the first horse to win all three Triple Crown races.

The year 1925 is remembered for the Kentucky Derby radio show broadcast live on WHAS and WGN radio stations in Chicago.

In 1949, the first television broadcast of the Kentucky Derby took place.

The fastest time of the race is 1:59 seconds, a record that was set by the horse Secretariat in 1973.

The most famous tradition of the event is the fashionable ladies’ hat show. This custom was adopted by American women from British fashionistas.

Previous horse race results

2027 Kentucky Derby

The 153rd Kentucky Derby is tentatively scheduled to take place on May 1, 2027.

Keep an eye on the dates of horse races and other events in our Sports Events Calendar.