What horse races are running today?

How many races are in the Kentucky Derby?

This is the place where owners, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and breeders dream of having winners. There are 16 racedays throughout the season from The Festival™ presented by Magners to the Hunter Chase evening at the end of the season.

What makes the new course different to other horse racing tracks?

On the New Course, the hurdles track has just two flights in the last six furlongs, resulting in more emphasis on stamina; large-field races over two miles often go to hold-up horses, as there can be a tendency to go for home too soon.

What is the track like at the Kentucky Derby?

The track is left handed, undulating with fences that place a premium on sound jumping. The last half mile is uphill, although the lead changes hands on the run-in less frequently than expected. Horses who race prominently often fare well on the chase course, especially in shorter-distance races.

Do all horse races start on a round course?

Be aware that some races over short of a mile –specifically 7f and 7½f – start on the round course and that even in summer most races over 6½f take place on the round all-weather track rather than the straight course and distance of the Prix Maurice De Gheest.

What determines the draw of a horse race?

On the Flat, the main consideration in terms of draw comes over a mile. The stalls are situated on a minor bend, with another turn following soon afterwards. Those whose jockeys wish to lead from a wide stall have a lot of work on.

What is a chase course in horse racing?

Typically for French racecourses, the chase course is on the inside of the main track, which is itself used for both hurdles and Flat races (with the exception of a parallel run down the back straight which hosts four permanent hurdles).

Why do horse races have different start distances?

Race distances are seemingly chosen so as to minimise the effect of the draw. The most common starts are at 1m4f (start of home straight) and 1m1½f (pointing up the short first straight), while the mile start cuts the first corner so as to give runners a furlong and a half or so to get organised.

Is the Kentucky Derby just a horse race?

That’s OK – we’re here to help. The Kentucky Derby is the most-watched horse race of the year in the United States and is widely considered one of the most important sporting events in the country, having grown to become much more than just a horse race since Aristides won the first edition in 1875.

Why is the Kentucky Derby so important?

The Kentucky Derby is the most-watched horse race of the year in the United States and is widely considered one of the most important sporting events in the country, having grown to become much more than just a horse race since Aristides won the first edition in 1875.

Where is the Kentucky Derby horse track located?

Churchill Downs in Louisville – about 70 miles west of the breeding capital in Lexington – is the host track of the Kentucky Derby under its famed Twin Spires that sit atop the racetrack grandstand. Churchill Downs, located on Central Avenue in Louisville, opened in 1875 and held the first Kentucky Derby the same year.

What is the “road to the Kentucky Derby”?

The “Road to the Kentucky Derby” typically begins in September of the previous year and extends through to the final points races in April, just a few weeks before the Kentucky Derby. The races are slotted into one of two categories: Kentucky Derby Prep Season (20 races for this year’s Derby) and Kentucky Derby Championship Series (16 races).

What time do mint juleps go on sale at the Kentucky Derby?

Sip a Mint Julep. Mint Juleps are available as soon as the gates open – 8:00am – and the last call is at post time for the 14th race, approximately 8:10p.m.

How many starts are there in a horse race?

Only three starts are generally used on the Flat. The 5½f furlong and 1m5f starts are both close to the final bend, just as the ground starts to rise. Despite this, there can still be a rush to get into position before the bend. The 1m2f start is at the beginning of the home straight.

Does the draw affect the outcome of a horse race?

It is widely accepted that the draw affects shorter races – 5, 6 and 7 furlongs – more than longer races. If a horse on the outside misses the chance to gain the inside rail or doesn’t react to the break, it has less time to rally.

How does the number of runners affect a horse race?

The number of runners can also impact how the draw will materialise in a race; Smaller fields and the horses will all filter down to the inside rail, while for large races, the horses are likely to be spread across the track, as they will struggle to move from one side of the track to the other.

How does horse racing draw work?

Unlike the National Hunt season, nearly all flat racing events use starting stalls. The draw simply refers to the stall a horse will start the race from. The draw is normally chosen at random on the day the horses are declared to run.

Is the Kentucky Derby just a betting event?

The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race event. It is also considered a hat fashion gala, a betting party, and many more. So, if you wanted your Kentucky Derby 2022 to be something memorable and fun, you might want to check out the checklist compiled below and reimagine your Kentucky Derby this year to be more than just a betting event.

Which horses are not in Pool 2 for the Kentucky Derby?

Another horse not included in pool #2 is Call Me Midnight who upset the field in the Lecomte stakes over the weekend. Epicenter and Pappacap who were included in the pool lost as the top 2 choices in that race. Fans of Pappacap and Epicenter can rest easy however, as the Lecomte has not typically been a great indicator of Kentucky Derby success.

Why is it so hard to bet on the Kentucky Derby?

For bettors one of the challenges with betting the Kentucky Derby successfully is the fact that the horses have a limited series of races leading up to the race and none of them have a race at the classic distance of 10 furlongs.

What happens when a horse wins the Derby?

The prestige of winning the race can often lead to big stallion deals that can create a profitable horse for years after he has retired from the track. Beyond the financials, owning, training, or riding a Derby winner is the fulfillment of a dream that get many into the sport in the first place.

Is there Jockey Advertising at Kentucky Derby tracks?

“Jockey advertising at Kentucky tracks remains rare a decade after ruling”. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018. ^ Isidore, Chris (May 5, 2006). “Kentucky Derby including Yum Brands in its name”. Archived from the original on May 17, 2006. Retrieved May 10, 2010. ^ Sneed, Tierney.

Where is the Kentucky Derby horse race?

The Kentucky Derby /ˈdɜːrbi/ is a horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival.

What are the rules of the Kentucky Derby?

The rules of the Kentucky Derby — as well as the other races that make up the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes — limit participation to horses that are 3 years of age. That comes from the the beginning of English organized horse races like the St. Leger Stakes, the Epsom Derby, and the Two Thousand Guineas Stakes.

What grade is the Kentucky Derby horse race?

The Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, is a top rank, Grade I stakes race for 3 year old Thoroughbred horses.

What are the points splits for the Kentucky Derby prep races?

Europe Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races include points splits of 10-4-2-1, 20-8-4-2 and 30-12-6-3. Note: Schedule dates subject to change.

How many races are in the Kentucky Derby in 2018?

This two-race series has expanded to three races for 2018 and further to four races in 2019 and consists of the Cattleya Sho, Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun (10-4-2-1 points awarded), the Hyacinth (30-12-6-3) and the Fukuryu (40-16-8-4). The horse with the most points is granted automatic entry into the Kentucky Derby.