Kentucky Derby facts for kids
| Grade I race | |
 
"The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports"
"The Run for the Roses" |
|
| Location | Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | May 17, 1875 |
| Race type | Thoroughbred |
| Sponsor | Woodford Reserve (Brown–Forman) |
| Race information | |
| Distance | 1+1⁄4 miles (10 furlongs; 2 km) |
| Record | 1:59.4, Secretariat (1973) more |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Track | Left-handed |
| Qualification | 3-year-old |
| Weight | Colt/Gelding: 126 lbs (57.2 kg) Filly: 121 lb (55 kg) |
| Purse | US$5 million 1st: $3.1 million |
The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race held every year in Louisville, Kentucky. It takes place at a special track called Churchill Downs. This race is for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses.
Horses run a distance of about 2 kilometers (1 and 1/4 miles). Male horses (colts and geldings) carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg). Female horses (fillies) carry a bit less, 121 pounds (54.9 kg).
The Derby happens on the first Saturday in May. It is the first of three big races known as the Triple Crown. Before the race, there's a two-week celebration called the Kentucky Derby Festival.
The Derby is often called "The Run for the Roses." This is because the winning horse gets a beautiful blanket of red roses. The race is also known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." This name comes from how fast the race is, usually lasting around two minutes.
The first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875. Unlike other old races, the Derby and its sister race, the Kentucky Oaks, have been run every single year. They were only moved to a different date twice. Once was during World War II in 1945. The other time was in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Kentucky Derby is the most watched and most attended horse race in the United States. The 151st race happened on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Contents
History of the Kentucky Derby
In 1872, a man named Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. visited England and France. He saw famous horse races there, like The Derby in England and the Grand Prix de Paris in France. He was inspired to create a similar big race in Kentucky.
When he returned home, Clark started the Louisville Jockey Club. Their goal was to build a top-notch horse racing track. This track became known as Churchill Downs. It was named after John and Henry Churchill, who owned the land. The name became official in 1937.
First Race and Early Years
The very first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875. About 10,000 people came to watch. Fifteen three-year-old horses competed.
The first winner was a horse named Aristides. He was ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis and trained by Ansel Williamson. At first, the race was longer, about 2.4 kilometers (1 and 1/2 miles). In 1896, it changed to its current length of 2 kilometers (1 and 1/4 miles).
The track faced money problems for a while. But in 1902, a group led by Col. Matt Winn took over. Under Winn's leadership, Churchill Downs became very successful. The Kentucky Derby grew into the most important race for three-year-old horses in North America.
The Triple Crown Begins
Horse owners started sending their Derby winners to two other big races. These were the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore and the Belmont Stakes in New York. Winning all three races became known as the "Triple Crown."
In 1919, Sir Barton was the first horse to win all three races. But the term "Triple Crown" wasn't used until 1930. That year, when Gallant Fox won all three, a sportswriter named Charles Hatton started using the phrase. People became very excited about the idea of a "superhorse" that could win all three.
Since 1931, the Kentucky Derby has always been the first race of the Triple Crown. It's followed by the Preakness Stakes and then the Belmont Stakes. This order helps keep a clear schedule for these important races.
Derby on Air and TV
The Kentucky Derby was first broadcast live on radio on May 16, 1925. This was on stations WHAS and WGN. The first time it was shown on television was on May 7, 1949. This was a local broadcast in Louisville.
On May 3, 1952, the race was shown on national television for the first time. In 1954, the prize money for the winner went over $100,000 for the first time.
Famous Moments and Changes
In 1973, a legendary horse named Secretariat set the fastest Derby time ever: 1 minute and 59.4 seconds. He was the first horse to finish the race in under two minutes. He also did something amazing: he ran each part of the race faster than the last!
In 1970, Diane Crump made history as the first female jockey to ride in the Derby. In 2001, Monarchos became only the third horse to finish the race in under two minutes.
The prize money for the Derby has grown a lot. In 1996, it was $1 million. In 2005, it doubled to $2 million. In 2019, it increased to $3 million. And in January 2024, the prize money for the Kentucky Derby was raised to an amazing $5 million!
In 2020, the Derby was moved from May to September because of the worldwide health crisis. This was only the second time in history the race had been postponed.
A horse named Rich Strike won the 2022 Derby with very long odds, meaning almost no one expected him to win! It was a huge surprise.
Who Attends the Derby?
Millions of people around the world bet on the Kentucky Derby. In 2017, over 158,000 people watched the race in person at Churchill Downs. This was one of the biggest crowds ever.
The race also attracts many famous people and even royalty. For example, Queen Elizabeth II visited Churchill Downs for the Derby in 2007.
Sponsors of the Race
Since 2004, jockeys have been allowed to wear company logos on their clothes. This helps bring in more money for the race.
Different companies have sponsored the Derby over the years. Since 2018, Woodford Reserve has been the main sponsor. The Swiss watchmaker Longines is the official timekeeper for the race.
Kentucky Derby Traditions
The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race; it's also famous for its unique traditions. These traditions make the Derby a special event.
Food and Drink
The traditional drink of the Derby is the mint julep. This is a cold drink made with bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup. Many people drink it from special souvenir glasses that list all the past Derby winners.
Another popular food served at the Derby is burgoo. This is a thick stew made with different meats like beef, chicken, and pork, along with vegetables.
Where People Watch
The "infield" is a large area inside the track. Tickets here are cheaper, but it's hard to see the race itself. Instead, people go to the infield to party and have fun.
On the other hand, "Millionaire's Row" is where the expensive seats are. This is where rich and famous people watch the race. Women often wear very fancy outfits and large, elaborate hats.
Music and Roses
Before the race starts, a bugler plays a special tune called the "Call to the Post." Then, as the horses parade by, the University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band plays Stephen Foster's song "My Old Kentucky Home." This tradition started in 1921.
The Derby is known as "The Run for the Roses" because the winning horse gets a blanket of 554 red roses. This tradition started in 1883 when someone gave roses to ladies at a party after the Derby. The founder of Churchill Downs liked the idea and made the rose the official flower of the race.
The Governor of Kentucky and the head of Churchill Downs give the rose garland and the Kentucky Derby Trophy to the winner.
Riders Up!
"Riders Up!" is a traditional command given by the Paddock Judge. It tells the jockeys to get on their horses before the race. Since 2012, a special guest called the grand marshal says this phrase.
- Grand Marshals
- 2025: Simone Biles
- 2024: Martha Stewart
- 2023: Patrick Mahomes
- 2022: Jack Harlow
- 2021: D. Wayne Lukas
- 2020: No grand marshal due to COVID-19 pandemic
- 2019: Baker Mayfield
- 2018: Laila Ali
- 2017: Jeff Bridges
- 2016: Sean Payton
- 2015: Teddy Bridgewater
- 2014: Julius Erving
- 2013: Charlie Strong
- 2012: John Calipari
National Anthem Performers
Many famous singers have performed the national anthem at the Kentucky Derby.
- 2025: Grace Potter
- 2024: Wynonna Judd
- 2023: Carly Pearce
- 2022: Brittney Spencer
- 2021: Tori Kelly
- 2019: Jennifer Nettles
- 2018: Pentatonix
- 2017: Harry Connick Jr.
- 2016: Lady Antebellum
- 2015: Josh Groban
- 2014: Jo Dee Messina
- 2013: Martina McBride
- 2012: Mary J. Blige
- 2011: Jordin Sparks
- 2010: Rascal Flatts
- 2009: LeAnn Rimes
Kentucky Derby Festival
The Kentucky Derby Festival is a big celebration that happens in the weeks before the race. It includes many events. One of the most popular is Thunder Over Louisville. This is a huge airshow and fireworks display that kicks off the festival.
Kentucky Derby Records
The Kentucky Derby has a long history with many amazing records set by horses, jockeys, and trainers.
Horse Records
- Fastest Time: Secretariat holds the record for the fastest Derby time. He finished in 1 minute, 59.4 seconds in 1973.
- Biggest Win: Four horses have won by the largest margin of 8 lengths. These were Old Rosebud (1914), Johnstown (1939), Whirlaway (1941), and Assault (1946).
- Longest Odds: The horse with the highest odds to win was Donerail in 1913, at 91 to 1. This means for every $1 you bet, you would win $91. Rich Strike had the second-highest odds in 2022, winning at 80 to 1.
- No Two-Year-Old Races: Only three horses have won the Derby without racing as a two-year-old: Apollo (1882), Justify (2018), and Mage (2023).
Jockey Records
Many jockeys have won the Kentucky Derby. Some have won multiple times.
- Most Wins: Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack share the record with 5 wins each.
- Back-to-Back Wins: Six jockeys have won the Derby in two years in a row. These include Isaac Murphy (1890–91) and Ron Turcotte (1972–73), who rode Secretariat.
- Three Wins in Four Years: Calvin Borel is the only jockey to win three times in a short four-year period (2007, 2009, 2010).
| Jockey | Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Arcaro | 5 | 1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952 |
| Bill Hartack | 5 | 1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969 |
| Bill Shoemaker | 4 | 1955, 1959, 1965, 1986 |
| Isaac Murphy | 3 | 1884, 1890, 1891 |
| Earl Sande | 3 | 1923, 1925, 1930 |
| Ángel Cordero Jr. | 3 | 1974, 1976, 1985 |
| Gary Stevens | 3 | 1988, 1995, 1997 |
| Kent Desormeaux | 3 | 1998, 2000, 2008 |
| Calvin Borel | 3 | 2007, 2009, 2010 |
| Victor Espinoza | 3 | 2002, 2014, 2015 |
| John Velazquez | 3 | 2011, 2017, 2020 |
Trainer Records
Many trainers have also won the Kentucky Derby multiple times.
- Most Wins: Ben Jones and Bob Baffert share the record with 6 wins each.
- Back-to-Back Wins: Six trainers have won the Derby in two years in a row. These include Lucien Laurin (1972–73), who trained Secretariat.
| Trainer | Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Jones | 6 | 1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952 |
| Bob Baffert | 6 | 1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020 |
| Herbert J. Thompson | 4 | 1921, 1926, 1932, 1933 |
| D. Wayne Lukas | 4 | 1988, 1995, 1996, 1999 |
| James Fitzsimmons | 3 | 1930, 1935, 1939 |
| Max Hirsch | 3 | 1936, 1946, 1950 |
Owner Records
Seventeen owners have won the Kentucky Derby multiple times.
- Most Wins: Calumet Farm holds the record with 8 wins.
| Owner | Wins | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Calumet Farm | 8 | 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968 |
| Edward R. Bradley | 4 | 1921, 1926, 1932, 1933 |
| Belair Stud | 3 | 1930, 1935, 1939 |
"Oaks/Derby Double"
The Kentucky Oaks is a race for female horses (fillies) held the day before the Derby. Winning both the Oaks and the Derby in the same year is called an "Oaks/Derby Double." Eight jockeys, three trainers, and four owners have achieved this special feat.
| Year | Kentucky Oaks Winner | Kentucky Derby Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Thorpedo Anna | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenneth G. McPeek | different |
| 2018 | Monomoy Girl | Justify | different | different | Head of Plains Partners/Monomoy Stables |
| 2009 | Rachel Alexandra | Mine That Bird | Calvin Borel | different | different |
| 1993 | Dispute | Sea Hero | Jerry Bailey | different | different |
| 1966 | Native Street | Kauai King | Don Brumfield | different | different |
| 1952 | Real Delight | Hill Gail | Eddie Arcaro | Ben Jones | Calumet Farm |
| 1950 | Ari's Mona | Middleground | Bill Boland | different | different |
| 1949 | Wistful | Ponder | different | Ben Jones | different |
| 1933* | Barn Swallow | Brokers Tip | Don Meade | Herbert J. Thompson | Edward R. Bradley |
| 1884* | Modesty | Buchanan | Isaac Murphy | different | different |
- Until the 1950s, the Oaks was held several days or weeks after the Derby.
Kentucky Derby Winners List
Here is a list of some of the past winners of the Kentucky Derby. Horses that won the Triple Crown are shown in bold and highlighted in gold.
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Distance (miles) |
Track condition |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sovereignty | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott | Godolphin | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:02.31 |
| 2024 | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Kenneth G. McPeek | Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing (Brent Gasaway), Daniel Hamby III, Valley View Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.34 |
| 2023 | Mage | Javier Castellano | Gustavo Delgado | OGMA Investments, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing, CMNWLTH | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.57 |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon | Eric Reed | RED TR-Racing | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.61 |
| 2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux | Brad Cox | Juddmonte | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.02 |
| 2020 | Authentic  |
John Velazquez | Bob Baffert | Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables, Starlight Racing | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:00.61 |
| 2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat | Bill Mott | Mrs. J.V. Shields Jr., E. J. M. McFadden Jr., LNJ Foxwoods | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:03.93 |
| 2018 | Justify  |
Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, WinStar Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:04.20 |
| 2017 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | MeB Racing, Brooklyn Boyz, Teresa Viola, St. Elias, Siena Farm, West Point Thoroughbreds | 1+1⁄4 | Wet Fast (sealed) | 2:03.59 |
| 2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O'Neill | Reddam Racing | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.31 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah |
Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.02 |
| 2014 | California Chrome |
Victor Espinoza | Art Sherman | Steve Coburn & Perry Martin | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.66 |
| 2013 | Orb | Joel Rosario | Claude McGaughey III | Stuart S. Janney III, Phipps Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:02.89 |
| 2012 | I'll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O'Neill | Reddam Racing | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.83 |
| 2011 | Animal Kingdom | John Velazquez | Graham Motion | Team Valor International | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.04 |
| 2010 | Super Saver | Calvin Borel | Todd Pletcher | WinStar Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:04.45 |
| 2009 | Mine That Bird | Calvin Borel | Bennie Woolley Jr. | Double Eagle Ranch, Buena Suerte Equine | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:02.66 |
| 2008 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux | Rick Dutrow Jr. | IEAH Stables, Paul Pompa Jr. | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.82 |
| 2007 | Street Sense | Calvin Borel | Carl Nafzger | Jim Tafel | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.17 |
| 2006 | Barbaro | Edgar Prado | Michael Matz | Lael Stables | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.36 |
| 2005 | Giacomo | Mike Smith | John Shirreffs | Jerry & Ann Moss | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.75 |
| 2004 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliott | John Servis | Someday Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:04.06 |
| 2003 | Funny Cide | José Santos | Barclay Tagg | Sackatoga Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.19 |
| 2002 | War Emblem | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | The Thoroughbred Corp. | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.13 |
| 2001 | Monarchos | Jorge Chavez | John Ward Jr. | John Oxley | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 1:59.97 |
| 2000 | Fusaichi Pegasus | Kent Desormeaux | Neil Drysdale | Fusao Sekiguchi | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.0 |
| 1999 | Charismatic |
Chris Antley | D. Wayne Lukas | Bob & Beverly Lewis | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.2 |
| 1998 | Real Quiet | Kent Desormeaux | Bob Baffert | Michael E. Pegram | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1997 | Silver Charm |
Gary Stevens | Bob Baffert | Bob & Beverly Lewis | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.4 |
| 1996 | Grindstone | Jerry Bailey | D. Wayne Lukas | Overbrook Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.0 |
| 1995 | Thunder Gulch | Gary Stevens | D. Wayne Lukas | Michael Tabor | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.2 |
| 1994 | Go for Gin | Chris McCarron | Nick Zito | Bill Condren, Joe Cornacchia | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:03.6 |
| 1993 | Sea Hero | Jerry Bailey | MacKenzie Miller | Rokeby Stables | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.4 |
| 1992 | Lil E. Tee | Pat Day | Lynn Whiting | Cal Partee | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.0 |
| 1991 | Strike the Gold | Chris Antley | Nick Zito | Bill Condren, Joe Cornacchia, B. Giles Brophy | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.0 |
| 1990 | Unbridled | Craig Perret | Carl Nafzger | Frances A. Genter Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:02.0 |
| 1989 | Sunday Silence |
Pat Valenzuela | Charlie Whittingham | H-G-W Partners | 1+1⁄4 | Muddy | 2:05.0 |
| 1988 | Winning Colors  |
Gary Stevens | D. Wayne Lukas | Eugene Klein | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1987 | Alysheba |
Chris McCarron | Jack Van Berg | Dorothy & Pamela Scharbauer | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.4 |
| 1986 | Ferdinand | Bill Shoemaker | Charlie Whittingham | Elizabeth Keck | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.8 |
| 1985 | Spend A Buck | Ángel Cordero Jr. | Cam Gambolati | Hunter Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:00.2 |
| 1984 | Swale | Laffit Pincay Jr. | Woody Stephens | Claiborne Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.4 |
| 1983 | Sunny's Halo | Eddie Delahoussaye | David Cross Jr. | D.J. Foster Racing Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1982 | Gato Del Sol | Eddie Delahoussaye | Edwin Gregson | Arthur B. Hancock III, Leone J. Peters | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.4 |
| 1981 | Pleasant Colony | Jorge Velásquez | John Campo | Buckland Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.0 |
| 1980 | Genuine Risk |
Jacinto Vásquez | LeRoy Jolley | Diana M. Firestone | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.0 |
| 1979 | Spectacular Bid |
Ronnie Franklin | Bud Delp | Hawksworth Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.4 |
| 1978 | Affirmed |
Steve Cauthen | Laz Barrera | Harbor View Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.2 |
| 1977 | Seattle Slew |
Jean Cruguet | Billy Turner Jr. | Karen Taylor | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1976 | Bold Forbes | Ángel Cordero Jr. | Laz Barrera | E. Rodriguez Tizol | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.6 |
| 1975 | Foolish Pleasure |
Jacinto Vásquez | LeRoy Jolley | John Greer | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.0 |
| 1974 | Cannonade | Ángel Cordero Jr. | Woody Stephens | John Olin | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.0 |
| 1973 | Secretariat |
Ron Turcotte | Lucien Laurin | Meadow Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 1:59.4 |
| 1972 | Riva Ridge |
Ron Turcotte | Lucien Laurin | Meadow Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.8 |
| 1971 | Canonero II | Gustavo Ávila | Juan Arias | Edgar Caibett | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.2 |
| 1970 | Dust Commander | Mike Manganello | Don Combs | Robert Lehmann | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:03.4 |
| 1969 | Majestic Prince |
Bill Hartack | Johnny Longden | Frank McMahon | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.8 |
| 1968 | Forward Pass | Ismael Valenzuela | Henry Forrest | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1967 | Proud Clarion | Bobby Ussery | Loyd Gentry Jr. | Darby Dan Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:00.6 |
| 1966 | Kauai King | Don Brumfield | Henry Forrest | Ford Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.0 |
| 1965 | Lucky Debonair | Bill Shoemaker | Frank Catrone | Ada Rice | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.2 |
| 1964 | Northern Dancer |
Bill Hartack | Horatio Luro | Windfields Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:00.0 |
| 1963 | Chateaugay | Braulio Baeza | James P. Conway | Darby Dan Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.8 |
| 1962 | Decidedly | Bill Hartack | Horatio Luro | El Peco Ranch | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:00.4 |
| 1961 | Carry Back |
Johnny Sellers | Jack Price | Katherine Price | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:04.0 |
| 1960 | Venetian Way | Bill Hartack | Victor Sovinski | Sunny Blue Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:02.4 |
| 1959 | Tomy Lee | Bill Shoemaker | Frank Childs | Fred & Juliette Turner Jr. | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1958 | Tim Tam |
Ismael Valenzuela | Jimmy Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Muddy | 2:05.0 |
| 1957 | Iron Liege | Bill Hartack | Jimmy Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.2 |
| 1956 | Needles |
David Erb | Hugh Fontaine | D & H Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.4 |
| 1955 | Swaps |
Bill Shoemaker | Mesh Tenney | Rex Ellsworth | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.8 |
| 1954 | Determine | Raymond York | William Molter | Andy Crevolin | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.0 |
| 1953 | Dark Star | Henry Moreno | Eddie Hayward | Cain Hoy Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.0 |
| 1952 | Hill Gail | Eddie Arcaro | Ben Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.6 |
| 1951 | Count Turf | Conn McCreary | Sol Rutchick | Jack Amiel | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:02.6 |
| 1950 | Middleground | William Boland | Max Hirsch | King Ranch | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.6 |
| 1949 | Ponder | Steve Brooks | Ben Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.2 |
| 1948 | Citation |
Eddie Arcaro | Ben Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:05.4 |
| 1947 | Jet Pilot | Eric Guerin | Tom Smith | Maine Chance Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Slow | 2:06.8 |
| 1946 | Assault |
Warren Mehrtens | Max Hirsch | King Ranch | 1+1⁄4 | Slow | 2:06.6 |
| 1945 | Hoop Jr. | Eddie Arcaro | Ivan Parke | Fred Hooper | 1+1⁄4 | Muddy | 2:07.0 |
| 1944 | Pensive | Conn McCreary | Ben Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:04.2 |
| 1943 | Count Fleet |
Johnny Longden | Don Cameron | Fannie Hertz | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.0 |
| 1942 | Shut Out | Wayne Wright | John Gaver Sr. | Greentree Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.4 |
| 1941 | Whirlaway |
Eddie Arcaro | Ben Jones | Calumet Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.4 |
| 1940 | Gallahadion | Carroll Bierman | Roy Waldron | Milky Way Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:05.0 |
| 1939 | Johnstown |
James Stout | Jim Fitzsimmons | Belair Stud | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.4 |
| 1938 | Lawrin | Eddie Arcaro | Ben Jones | Woolford Farm | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.8 |
| 1937 | War Admiral |
Charley Kurtsinger | George Conway | Glen Riddle Farms | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.2 |
| 1936 | Bold Venture | Ira Hanford | Max Hirsch | Morton Schwartz | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.6 |
| 1935 | Omaha |
Willie Saunders | Jim Fitzsimmons | Belair Stud | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:05.0 |
| 1934 | Cavalcade |
Mack Garner | Bob Smith | Brookmeade Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.0 |
| 1933 | Brokers Tip | Don Meade | Herbert J. Thompson | Edward R. Bradley | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:06.8 |
| 1932 | Burgoo King | Eugene James | Herbert J. Thompson | Edward R. Bradley | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:05.2 |
| 1931 | Twenty Grand |
Charley Kurtsinger | James Rowe Jr. | Greentree Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:01.8 |
| 1930 | Gallant Fox |
Earl Sande | Jim Fitzsimmons | Belair Stud | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:07.6 |
| 1929 | Clyde Van Dusen | Linus McAtee | Clyde Van Dusen | Herbert Gardner | 1+1⁄4 | Muddy | 2:10.8 |
| 1928 | Reigh Count |
Chick Lang | Bert Michell | Fannie Hertz | 1+1⁄4 | Heavy | 2:10.4 |
| 1927 | Whiskery | Linus McAtee | Fred Hopkins | Harry Payne Whitney | 1+1⁄4 | Slow | 2:06.0 |
| 1926 | Bubbling Over | Albert Johnson | Herbert J. Thompson | Edward R. Bradley (Idle Hour Stock Farm) | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.8 |
| 1925 | Flying Ebony | Earl Sande | William Duke | Gifford Cochran | 1+1⁄4 | Sloppy | 2:07.6 |
| 1924 | Black Gold |
John Mooney | Hanley Webb | Rosa Hoots | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:05.2 |
| 1923 | Zev |
Earl Sande | David Leary | Rancocas Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:05.4 |
| 1922 | Morvich | Albert Johnson | Fred Burlew | Ben Block | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.6 |
| 1921 | Behave Yourself | Charles Thompson | Herbert J. Thompson | Edward R. Bradley | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.2 |
| 1920 | Paul Jones | Ted Rice | William Garth | Ral Parr | 1+1⁄4 | Slow | 2:09.0 |
| 1919 | Sir Barton |
Johnny Loftus | H. Guy Bedwell | J. K. L. Ross | 1+1⁄4 | Heavy | 2:09.8 |
| 1918 | Exterminator |
Willie Knapp | Henry McDaniel | Willis Sharpe Kilmer | 1+1⁄4 | Muddy | 2:10.8 |
| 1917 | Omar Khayyam | Charles Borel | Charles T. Patterson | C.K.G. Billings, Frederick Johnson | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.6 |
| 1916 | George Smith | Johnny Loftus | Hollie Hughes | John Sanford | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.0 |
| 1915 | Regret |
Joe Notter | James Rowe Sr. | Harry Payne Whitney | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:05.4 |
| 1914 | Old Rosebud |
John McCabe | Frank Weir | Hamilton Applegate | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:03.40 |
| 1913 | Donerail | Roscoe Goose | Thomas P. Hayes | Thomas P. Hayes | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:04.8 |
| 1912 | Worth | Carroll Shilling | Frank Taylor | Harry Hallenbeck | 1+1⁄4 | Muddy | 2:09.4 |
| 1911 | Meridian | George Archibald | Albert Ewing | Richard F. Carman | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:05.0 |
| 1910 | Donau | Frederick Herbert | George Ham | William Gerst | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:06.4 |
| 1909 | Wintergreen | Vincent Powers | Charles Mack | Jerome B. Respess | 1+1⁄4 | Slow | 2:08.2 |
| 1908 | Stone Street | Arthur Pickens | John Hall | C. E. & J. W. Hamilton | 1+1⁄4 | Heavy | 2:15.2 |
| 1907 | Pink Star | Andy Minder | William H. Fizer | J. Hal Woodford | 1+1⁄4 | Heavy | 2:12.6 |
| 1906 | Sir Huon | Roscoe Troxler | Peter Coyne | Bashford Manor Stable | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:08.8 |
| 1905 | Agile | Jack Martin | Robert Tucker | Samuel S. Brown | 1+1⁄4 | Heavy | 2:10.75 |
| 1904 | Elwood | Shorty Prior | Charles Durnell | Laska Durnell | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:08.5 |
| 1903 | Judge Himes | Harold Booker | John P. Mayberry | Charles R. Ellison | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:09.0 |
| 1902 | Alan-a-Dale | Jimmy Winkfield | Thomas Clay McDowell | Thomas Clay McDowell | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:08.75 |
| 1901 | His Eminence | Jimmy Winkfield | Frank B. Van Meter | Frank B. Van Meter | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:07.75 |
| 1900 | Lieut. Gibson | Jimmy Boland | Charles Hughes | Charles H. Smith | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:06.25 |
| 1899 | Manuel | Fred Taral | Robert Walden | A. H. & D. H. Morris | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:12.0 |
| 1898 | Plaudit | Willie Simms | John E. Madden | John E. Madden | 1+1⁄4 | Good | 2:09.0 |
| 1897 | Typhoon II | Buttons Garner | Julius C. Cahn | Julius C. Cahn | 1+1⁄4 | Heavy | 2:12.5 |
| 1896 | Ben Brush |
Willie Simms | Hardy Campbell | Mike F. Dwyer | 1+1⁄4 | Fast | 2:07.75 |
| 1895 | Halma | James Perkins | Byron McClelland | Byron McClelland | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:37.5 |
| 1894 | Chant | Frank Goodale | Eugene Leigh | Eugene Leigh, Robert Rose | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:41.0 |
| 1893 | Lookout | Eddie Kunze | William McDaniel | J.E. Cushin, J. Orth | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:39.25 |
| 1892 | Azra | Alonzo Clayton | John Morris | Bashford Manor Stable | 1+1⁄2 | Heavy | 2:41.5 |
| 1891 | Kingman | Isaac Murphy | Dudley Allen | Jacobin Stable | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:52.25 |
| 1890 | Riley | Isaac Murphy | Edward Corrigan | Edward Corrigan | 1+1⁄2 | Muddy | 2:45.0 |
| 1889 | Spokane | Thomas Kiley | John Rodegap | Noah Armstrong | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:34.5 |
| 1888 | Macbeth II | George Covington | John Campbell | Chicago Stable | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:38.25 |
| 1887 | Montrose | Isaac Lewis | John McGinty | Labold Brothers | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:39.25 |
| 1886 | Ben Ali | Paul Duffy | Jim Murphy | James B. Haggin | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:36.5 |
| 1885 | Joe Cotton | Erskine Henderson | Abraham Perry | James T. Williams | 1+1⁄2 | Good | 2:37.25 |
| 1884 | Buchanan | Isaac Murphy | William Bird | William Cottrill, Sam S. Brown | 1+1⁄2 | Good | 2:40.25 |
| 1883 | Leonatus | William Donohue | Raleigh Colston Sr. | Jack P. Chinn, George Morgan | 1+1⁄2 | Heavy | 2:43.0 |
| 1882 | Apollo | Babe Hurd | Green B. Morris | Green B. Morris, James D. Patton | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:40.25 |
| 1881 | Hindoo |
Jim McLaughlin | James Rowe Sr. | Dwyer Brothers | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:40.0 |
| 1880 | Fonso | George Lewis | Tice Hutsell | J.S. Shawhan | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:37.50 |
| 1879 | Lord Murphy | Charlie Shauer | George Rice | George W. Darden & Co. | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:37.00 |
| 1878 | Day Star | Jimmy Carter | Lee Paul | Thomas J. Nichols | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:37.25 |
| 1877 | Baden-Baden | Billy Walker | Ed Brown | Daniel Swigert | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:38.0 |
| 1876 | Vagrant | Robert Swim | James Williams | William Astor Jr. | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:38.25 |
| 1875 | Aristides | Oliver Lewis | Ansel Williamson | Hal Price McGrath | 1+1⁄2 | Fast | 2:37.75 |
- Notes
Means the winner was a female horse.
Means the horse was named the best American horse that year.
Means the horse was later added to the National Racing Hall of Fame.
See also
In Spanish: Derby de Kentucky para niños
