History of the Kentucky Derby
June 10, 2008
The 2008 Kentucky Derby is right around the corner. There are many fun facts about the 134-year history of this race that you might be interested in knowing. These facts will just add to the anticipation and excitement that go along with “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports”. Larry Cook unveils all of his fun facts about the History of the Kentucky Derby.
Did You Know?
1.) The Kentucky Derby is called the “Run for the Roses” because of the garland of 554 roses draped over the winner.
2.) The 2004 Kentucky Derby marked the first time that jockeys could display corporate advertising logos on their clothing.
3.) The fewest starters in the Kentucky Derby is 3 (1892 and 1905) and the most is 23 (1974), which also marked the 100th running of this prestigious race. The average to date is 12.71 horses.
4.) The smallest win price in Kentucky Derby history is $2.80 on a $2 wager. This amount was paid on Citation in 1948 and Count Fleet in 1943. The largest is $184.90 paid to Donerail in 1913.
5.) Since 1900, the Kentucky Derby post positions with the fewest wins are No. 17 and No. 19 each with zero. The second fewest are No. 18 and No. 20 where each position has one lifetime win. No horse has won from gate 20 since 1929.
6.) Of the 38 fillies that have entered in Kentucky Derby history, only 3 have won. Winning Colors in 1988, Genuine Risk in 1980 and Regret in 1915.
7.) Just recently in 2005, the purse distribution for the Kentucky Derby was changed so that horses finishing fifth would receive a share of the $2 million purse. Previously, only the first four finishers got a share.
8.) Of the 133 winners of the Kentucky Derby, 100 of were bred in Kentucky. Only four were bred outside of the United States.
9.) Most Kentucky Derby winners have raced at least 3 prep races. In 2007, Street Sense was the first to win the Derby with just 2 prep races since Sunny’s Halo in 1983.
10.) She’s an avid racing fan, but last year marked the first time that Britain’s Queen Elizabeth attended the Kentucky Derby.
11.) Last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Street Sense, has been retired to stud duty after a career earnings of $4,383,200. Today he stands on Jonabell Farm near Lexington, KY with a stud fee of $75,000.
12.) From the start of the Kentucky Derby in 1875 the race was ran at 1 ½ miles up until 1895. In 1896 they decided to shorten it to 1 ¼ miles or 10 furlongs.