All About the Upcoming Kentucky Derby 2018

With a purse of $2 million, the Kentucky Derby is one the greatest highlights on the horse racing calendar – drawing a crowd of approximately 155,000 people – and takes place on the 1st Saturday in May, every year.

As the longest continually held sporting event in America, it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”.

The Kentucky Derby is also the 1st race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

Owing to it’s incredibly popularity, the Kentucky Derby offers plenty of exciting betting opportunities, so be sure to sign up with a reputable online sportsbook before it takes place on Saturday 5th May 2018!

The Race

The Kentucky Derby is a top rank, Grade 1 stakes race for 3 year old thoroughbred racehorses, presented by Woodford Reserve. With a race distance of 1 ¼ mile (2.01km), the Kentucky Derby is raced along the dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Contended by 20 horses, the Kentucky Derby has a larger field size than most horse races and 8 horses on average race against one another. In order to qualify for the race, the 20 horses must first compete in the Road to the Kentucky Derby – a series of 35 races which take place at tracks across the country and worldwide.

Top 3 Racers on the Leader Board

Noble Indy

  • Currently in 1st place on the leader board with 110 points
  • It’s going to be incredibly difficult to focus on online slots Canada while Noble Indy is racing!
  • Owner: WinStar Farm LLC and Repole Stable
  • Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC
  • Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
  • Sex: Colt
  • Colour: Bay
  • Birthplace: Kentucky
  • Foal Date: 31March 2015

Bolt D’Oro

  • Currently in 2nd place on the leader board with 64 points
  • Owner: Ruis Racing LLC
  • WinStar Farm LLC
  • Trainer: Mick Ruis
  • Sex: Colt
  • Colour: Bay
  • Birthplace: Kentucky
  • Foal Date: 17 March 2015

Enticed

  • Currently in 3rd place on the leader board with 63 points
  • Owner: Godolphin Racing LLC
  • Breeder: Godolphin
  • Trainer: Kiaran P. McLaughlin
  • Sex: Colt
  • Colour: Dark Bay
  • Birthplace: Kentucky
  • Foal Date: 23 March 2015

Derby Week

While everyone is looking forward to the race itself on Saturday 5th May, there is a week’s worth of events to indulge in leading up to the race. Here is the calendar of events to get you warmed up for the big day.

Saturday, 28th April: Opening Night

  • Live performances and art installations
  • 11 thoroughbred races
  • A night of glitz and glamour and dressing to impress is imperative

Tuesday-Thursday, 1st-3rd May: Dawn at the Downs

  • Watch the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby contenders train
  • Expert commentary is provided
  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet

Tuesday, 1st May: Champions Day

  • Newest event on the Kentucky Derby calendar
  • Autograph session with renowned Jockeys and Trainers
  • Advanced Industry Insider Handicapping Seminar

Thursday, 3rd May: Thurby

  • Horse racing, bourbon, and music – the trifecta of Kentucky pride
  • 11 thoroughbred races including the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes
  • Live local and regional musicians

Friday, 4th May: Kentucky Oaks

  • Most lucrative race for 3 year old fillies
  • $1 million Grade 1 stakes race
  • One of the longest continually held sporting events in American history

Saturday, 5th May: The Kentucky Derby

  • The greatest 2 minutes in sport!