The highly acclaimed running of the Kentucky Derby / the first of race of the Triple Crown / the Run for the Roses is upon us. The favorites are listed and if you’re interested in checking the odds, head here. If you’re a little more inclined to do some homework first though, read on my friend.
This race always brings out the creme de la creme. The richest of the rich take their seats along Millionaires Row. They then break out their monocles and ten-gallon hats to watch the sport of kings.
Yes, the Derby brings out all demographics to partake in the most exciting two-minutes in sports. And, by all demographics, we mean mostly the rich.
The Prep Season consists of 19 races hosted throughout the United States. The races also contain a set point system for First, Second, Third and Fourth place. 18 of the races deliver a 10-4-2-1 point system for the top horses, while the Breeders Cup Juvenile has a 20-8-4-2. The BC Juvenile is also restricted to two-year-old males and is the richest two-year-old race in North America with a purse of $2 million.
KENTUCKY DERBY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
The Championship Series is when the best really take off from the rest. The field starts to separate as the race point systems increase heavily. Beginning with the Risen Stars Stakes, the first eight races have a 50-20-10-5 point system for the top four finishers. The next seven races graduate to a 100-40-20-10 system. Then for the final race before the Run for the Roses at Lexington, there is a 10-4-2-1 system in place.
QUALIFYING
To qualify your horse for the Kentucky Derby, you need to finish in the top 20. If your horse picked up enough points through the Prep Season and Championship Series to sit within those twenty, you’re in. You are also then automatically eligible for the Triple Crown.
KENTUCKY DERBY WINNINGS
In 2015, the Kentucky Derby winnings were as follows:
1st Place – $1.24 Million
2nd Place – $400,000
3rd Place – $200,000
4th Place – $100,000
5th Place – $60,000
THE HORSES
The Kentucky Derby is a restricted to three-year-old thoroughbreds. Colts and geldings can carry up to 126 pounds, while fillies can carry up to 121 pounds.
Gelding – A castrated horse
Filly – A young female horse. Generally under four years of age.
