The Road to the Kentucky Derby: A Journey to the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports"

The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," is more than just a horse race—it’s a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of tradition, and the ultimate test of speed, stamina, and heart. For horse racing enthusiasts, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is an exhilarating journey that begins months before the first Saturday in May. As your trusted source for all things equestrian, we’re here to guide you through the qualifying process, highlight the key races to watch, and share a little history about this iconic event.

How Horses Qualify: The Kentucky Derby Points System

The Road to the Kentucky Derby is a series of designated races held across the globe, where horses compete to earn points that determine their eligibility for the big race. Introduced in 2013, the points system replaced the previous graded stakes earnings system, creating a more structured and exciting path to the Derby.

The Races: The Road to the Kentucky Derby consists of 36 races, divided into two phases: the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and the Kentucky Derby Championship Series.
Points Distribution: The top four finishers in each race earn points on a sliding scale, with the highest points awarded in the final prep races. For example, the winners of major races like the Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Blue Grass Stakes earn 100 points, virtually guaranteeing their spot in the Derby.
The Top 20: Only the 20 horses with the highest points qualify for the Kentucky Derby, making every race in the series a high-stakes battle.

Key Races to Watch on the Road to the Kentucky Derby

While every race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is important, a few stand out as critical indicators of Derby potential. These races often feature the top contenders and provide a glimpse of who might wear the roses on the first Saturday in May.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (November): While not part of the points system, this race often showcases future Derby contenders. The winner is frequently a horse to watch in the following year’s prep races.
Lecomte Stakes (January): Held at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, this race kicks off the points-earning season and often features promising three-year-olds.
Risen Star Stakes (February): Another Fair Grounds classic, this race offers 50 points to the winner and is a key stepping stone to the Derby.
Fountain of Youth Stakes (March): At Gulfstream Park in Florida, this race is a major prep for the Florida Derby and a chance for horses to prove their mettle.
Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, and Blue Grass Stakes (April): These three races are the crown jewels of the prep season, each offering 100 points to the winner. They often determine the final field for the Kentucky Derby.

A Brief History of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby has a rich history that dates back to 1875, making it the longest-running sporting event in the United States. Inspired by the Epsom Derby in England, Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. founded the race to showcase the talent of American Thoroughbreds. Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

The race is known as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" because it typically takes just over two minutes for the horses to complete the 1 1/4-mile track. But it’s not just the speed that captivates audiences—it’s the pageantry, the mint juleps, the extravagant hats, and the emotional stories of the horses, jockeys, and trainers who dedicate their lives to the sport.

Why the Kentucky Derby Matters

For horse racing fans, the Kentucky Derby is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the sport’s history, its future, and the incredible bond between horse and rider. It’s a day where tradition meets triumph, where the thunder of hooves echoes the heartbeat of generations who have loved this sport.

For the horses, it’s a chance to etch their names into the annals of racing history, joining legends like Secretariat, who set an unmatched record in 1973 with a blistering 1:59.40 finish, or American Pharoah, who used his 2015 Derby win as a springboard to end a 37-year Triple Crown drought. For the trainers, owners, and jockeys, it’s the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and dreams—a moment where late nights, early mornings, and countless hours of preparation are put to the ultimate test. Memorable Derbies, such as the 2009 upset by Mine That Bird, who came from last to first at 50-1 odds, or the 2022 race where Rich Strike hugged the rail to victory at 80-1, remind us why this race captivates the world. The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race; it’s a story of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of greatness.

The Kentucky Derby Collection by Old Smoke

As you gear up for this year’s Derby, don’t forget to check out our latest collection of horse racing apparel. Whether you’re cheering from the stands at Churchill Downs or watching from home, our stylish and functional gear will ensure you look and feel your best as you celebrate the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports."