National Kentucky Derby Day

The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Run for the Roses” or “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is a celebrated annual horse race held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This iconic event, first run in 1875, is the oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States and marks the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.

Quick Facts

When is it?: The first Saturday of May each year.
Tagged as: Horse Racing, Sports, Tradition.
What’s the hashtag?: #KentuckyDerby.
When was it founded?: 1875.
Who founded it?: Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr.

History of National Kentucky Derby Day

The Kentucky Derby was inspired by England’s Epsom Derby and France’s Grand Prix de Paris. Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. established the race after visiting these prestigious European events. The inaugural race took place on May 17, 1875, with Aristides winning the 1.5-mile course. In 1896, the race distance was shortened to its current 1.25 miles. Over time, traditions like the garland of roses for the winner and mint juleps for attendees became synonymous with the event.

Timeline

1875: First Kentucky Derby held; Aristides wins.
1896: Race distance shortened to 1.25 miles.
1925: “Run for the Roses” phrase coined.
1931: Fixed to the first Saturday in May.
1973: Secretariat sets record time of 1:59.40.
2020: Postponed to September due to COVID-19.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	May 3	Saturday
2026	May 2	Saturday
2027	May 1	Saturday
2028	May 6	Saturday
2029	May 5	Saturday
2030	May 4	Saturday

Observed

National Kentucky Derby Day is celebrated with grand festivities at Churchill Downs and across the U.S. Attendees dress in elegant attire with extravagant hats, enjoy mint juleps, and cheer for their favorite horses during this thrilling two-minute race.

Fun Facts About National Kentucky Derby Day

Secretariat holds the fastest time record since 1973.
The garland of roses presented to winners weighs about 40 pounds.
Approximately 120,000 mint juleps are served during Derby weekend.
The event attracts over 150,000 spectators annually.

Quiz

What year was the first Kentucky Derby held?
What is the traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby?
What is the nickname of this event?
Which horse set the fastest time in Kentucky Derby history?
How many fillies have won the race?

(Answers: 1. 1875; 2. Mint Julep; 3. “The Run for the Roses”; 4. Secretariat; 5. Three)

FAQs

Where is it held? Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
How long is the race? The track is 1.25 miles long.
Can horses compete more than once? No, only three-year-old horses are eligible.