The Kentucky Newsletter

The Kentucky Derby: A Timeless Tradition in Horse Racing

The Kentucky Derby, often dubbed "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," is more than just a horse race—it's a cultural phenomenon, a celebration of tradition, and a cornerstone of American horse racing. Held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby is the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, captivating millions with its blend of athletic prowess, pageantry, and history. In this article, we'll dive into the Derby's rich legacy, its enduring traditions, its significance to horse racing, and the unforgettable moments of the 2025 race, including the triumph of its winner, Sovereignty.

A Storied History

The Kentucky Derby was born in 1875, the brainchild of Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of William Clark of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition. Inspired by European racing traditions, Clark traveled to England and France, where he witnessed the Epsom Derby and the Grand Prix de Paris. Determined to bring a similar spectacle to America, he founded the Louisville Jockey Club and established Churchill Downs, named after the landowners John and Henry Churchill. The first Derby, run on May 17, 1875, saw Aristides claim victory before a crowd of 10,000, setting the stage for a legacy that would endure for over a century and a half.

The Derby has been run every year since its inception, an unbroken streak unmatched by other Triple Crown races like the Preakness Stakes or Belmont Stakes. Despite early financial struggles and a gambling-related boycott in the late 19th century, the race flourished under the leadership of Col. Matt Winn, who transformed it into North America's preeminent stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds by the early 20th century. Today, the Derby is a Grade I stakes race, covering 1¼ miles (10 furlongs), with colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds and fillies 121 pounds.

Traditions That Define the Derby

The Kentucky Derby is steeped in traditions that make it a unique spectacle. Known as "The Run for the Roses," the winning horse is draped in a garland of over 400 red roses, a custom rooted in an 1883 socialite party where roses were gifted to ladies. By 1896, the rose garland became a hallmark of victory, and the tradition was immortalized in Dan Fogelberg's 1980 song, Run for the Roses.

Another cherished ritual is the playing of Stephen Foster's "My Old Kentucky Home" by the University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band as the horses parade to the starting gate. Since 1921, this poignant melody has stirred the emotions of the 150,000-plus spectators, who sing along in unison. The "Riders Up!" call from the Paddock Judge signals jockeys to mount their horses, while the bugler's "Call to the Post" heralds the race's imminent start.

Fashion is equally integral to the Derby experience. The event is a showcase of spring style, with women donning extravagant hats and fascinators, a tradition that has become as iconic as the race itself. From the lavish box seats of "Millionaire's Row" to the raucous infield, where general admission fans revel in a festive atmosphere, the Derby is a blend of elegance and exuberance.

No Derby is complete without the Mint Julep, the signature cocktail of bourbon, mint, sugar, and ice, served in collectible glasses. The two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival, culminating in race day, adds to the communal spirit with parades, fireworks, and southern-inspired cuisine.

Relevance to Horse Racing

The Kentucky Derby is the crown jewel of American horse racing, setting the standard for excellence in the sport. As the first leg of the Triple Crown—followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes—it represents the ultimate test for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Only 13 horses have achieved the Triple Crown, with legends like Secretariat (1973) and Justify (2018) etching their names in history.

The Derby's "Road to the Kentucky Derby" point system ensures that only the top 20 horses, determined by their performances in designated prep races, earn a spot in the starting gate. This rigorous qualification process, spanning races in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, underscores the race's global prestige. The $5 million purse, with $3.1 million for the winner, attracts the sport's elite, while the event's massive viewership—17.7 million in 2025—amplifies its cultural and economic impact.

Churchill Downs itself is a hallowed ground, its twin spires an enduring symbol of the sport. The track's innovations, like the 2014 jumbotron and recent upgrades such as the Skye Terrace and Conservatory, enhance the fan experience without compromising tradition. The Derby's ability to balance heritage with modernity ensures its relevance in a rapidly evolving sports landscape.

Memorable Highlights Through the Years

The Kentucky Derby has produced countless unforgettable moments. Secretariat's 1973 victory, clocking a still-unbroken record of 1:59.40, remains the gold standard, with his 31-length Belmont win later that year cementing his legend. The 2009 upset by 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird, who surged from last to first, stunned the racing world. In 2019, Maximum Security's disqualification handed trainer Bill Mott his first Derby win with Country House, sparking debate and drama.

The 2024 race delivered a historic photo finish, with Mystik Dan edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young by a nose—the closest three-horse finish since 1947. These moments, combined with the Derby's ability to draw A-list celebrities, athletes like Simone Biles, and global attention, keep it at the forefront of sports culture.

The 2025 Kentucky Derby: Sovereignty's Triumph

The 151st Kentucky Derby, held on May 3, 2025, was a thrilling spectacle despite challenging conditions. Rain-soaked Churchill Downs welcomed 147,406 fans, who braved a muddy track to witness a 19-horse field vie for glory. The race, branded as the "Run for the Roses presented by Woodford Reserve," lived up to its billing with a dramatic finish.

Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Venezuelan jockey Junior Alvarado, emerged victorious, completing the 1¼-mile race in 2:02.31. Starting from the No. 18 post with 7-1 odds, Sovereignty trailed early as Citizen Bull and Neoequos set a brisk pace. The favorite, Journalism (3-1 odds), surged ahead in the stretch, but Sovereignty's late charge from the outside proved unstoppable, pulling ahead to win by a commanding margin. Journalism finished second, with late entry Baeza (13-1) taking third.

The victory marked several milestones. It was Mott's second Derby win, his first without controversy since 2019's disqualification-aided triumph. For Alvarado, it was a career-defining moment, his first Derby win in his sixth appearance. The Godolphin stable, owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, celebrated its first Derby victory, following a Kentucky Oaks win with Good Cheer the previous day—a rare Oaks-Derby sweep.

Sovereignty's win was not without drama. Alvarado faced a $62,000 fine and a two-day suspension for exceeding the six-strike crop limit, a ruling he appealed. Additionally, the race saw the return of controversial trainer Bob Baffert, whose Citizen Bull finished 15th after a three-year suspension. All 19 horses traced their lineage to Secretariat, a testament to his enduring influence.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Kentucky Derby reaffirmed the event's status as a pinnacle of sport and tradition. Sovereignty's victory, set against a backdrop of mud and roaring crowds, added another chapter to the Derby's storied history. As the racing world looks to the Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2025, questions linger about Sovereignty's Triple Crown prospects, with Mott and Godolphin remaining noncommittal.

For fans, the Derby is more than a race—it's a celebration of heritage, community, and the timeless allure of Thoroughbred racing. Whether you're sipping a Mint Julep, donning a flamboyant hat, or cheering from the infield, the Kentucky Derby remains an experience like no other. As we await the 152nd running on May 2, 2026, the anticipation for the next "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports" is already building.

Stay tuned to The Kentucky Newsletter for updates on the Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby and more from Churchill Downs!