Kentucky Derby Important Facts

 

History - Betting Tips - Important Facts

 

• The race is known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" or "The Run for the Roses".

• The racetrack was included as Churchill Downs in 1937.

• In 1875 15 horses competed in the first Derby - a colt named Aristides which had been trained by Ansel Williamson won the first competition.

• In 1892, African-American jockey Alonzo "Lonnie" Clayton, age 15, became the youngest rider to win the Derby.

• In 1915, Regret became the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby.

• In 1917, the English Omar Khayyam became the first foreign-bred horse to win the race.

• In 1952 the first national television coverage of the Kentucky Derby took place.

• In 1954, the purse exceeded $100,000.

• In 2004 was the first time the jockeys were allowed to wear corporate advertising logos on their clothing.

• In 2005 the purse was changed so that horses finishing fifth would receive a share of the purse.

• The latest Derby champion was Street Sense.