Kentucky Derby Top 10

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse racing events in the world. Held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, it is known as the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” due to the incredibly fast pace of the race. Each year, the best thoroughbred horses and jockeys compete for the highly coveted title of Kentucky Derby champion.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the top 10 horses in the history of the Kentucky Derby. These horses have left a lasting impact on the sport and have etched their names in horse racing history.

1. Secretariat:
Considered by many as the greatest racehorse of all time, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby in 1973 in record-breaking fashion. He completed the race in 1 minute and 59.40 seconds, a record that still stands today.

2. Citation:
Citation won the Kentucky Derby in 1948 and went on to win the Triple Crown, becoming the eighth horse in history to achieve this feat. He had an impressive career, winning 32 out of his 45 races.

3. Seattle Slew:
Seattle Slew won the Kentucky Derby in 1977 and went on to win the Triple Crown. He was the first horse to win the Triple Crown while still undefeated, solidifying his place in horse racing history.

4. California Chrome:
California Chrome captured the hearts of racing fans when he won the Kentucky Derby in 2014. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes and came close to winning the Triple Crown, finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes.

5. Affirmed:
Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby in 1978 and went on to win the Triple Crown. He engaged in a thrilling rivalry with fellow horse Alydar, with the two horses consistently finishing first and second in their races against each other.

6. American Pharoah:
American Pharoah broke a 37-year drought when he won the Kentucky Derby in 2015, becoming the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Triple Crown. He captured the imagination of racing fans with his dominant performances.

7. War Admiral:
War Admiral, the son of legendary racehorse Man o’ War, won the Kentucky Derby in 1937. He went on to win the Triple Crown, earning his place as one of the greats in horse racing history.

8. Justify:
Justify won the Kentucky Derby in 2018 and became the 13th horse to win the Triple Crown. He accomplished this feat just three years after American Pharoah, cementing himself as one of the top horses of recent times.

9. Northern Dancer:
Northern Dancer won the Kentucky Derby in 1964 and holds the record for the fastest time by a Canadian-bred horse in the race. He went on to have a successful breeding career, producing many successful offspring.

10. Gallant Fox:
Gallant Fox won the Kentucky Derby in 1930 and went on to win the Triple Crown. He was the second horse to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of Sir Barton in 1919.

These top 10 horses have provided us with unforgettable moments in the history of the Kentucky Derby. Their incredible speed, agility, and determination have made them legends in the world of horse racing.

3-6 FAQ:

1. Q: How long is the Kentucky Derby race?
A: The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 mile race, which is equivalent to 2.01 kilometers.

2. Q: How many horses participate in the Kentucky Derby?
A: The Kentucky Derby has a maximum field size of 20 horses. However, in some years, the field may have fewer horses due to eligibility criteria.

3. Q: How much is the prize money for the winner of the Kentucky Derby?
A: The prize money for the winner of the Kentucky Derby is currently set at $3 million.

4. Q: How old are the horses that participate in the Kentucky Derby?
A: Horses that participate in the Kentucky Derby are three years old, as it is a race specifically for this age group.

5. Q: How is the order of the horses determined in the Kentucky Derby?
A: The order of the horses is determined by a random draw known as the post position draw. This determines the starting position for each horse in the race.

6. Q: Who holds the record for the most Kentucky Derby wins by a jockey?
A: The record for the most Kentucky Derby wins by a jockey is held by Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack, who have each won the race five times.