Who has won the most Kentucky Derby races? Kentucky Derby trivia facts you should know

If this May marks your first trip to the Kentucky Derby, you probably have a couple of questions. OK, maybe a few more than that.

Luckily, we've covered the Kentucky Derby every year since the first running in 1875, when Aristides crossed the finish line at Churchill Downs.

First-timers and others, though, may have some basic questions about the history of the iconic Louisville race. Here are a few things to know about the race in advance of your trip to Kentucky.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race that takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It's the first leg of the Triple Crown, a series of three races that includes the Preakness Stakes in Maryland and the Belmont Stakes in New York. It's one of the biggest and most attended horse races of the year, with two weeks of festivities in Louisville leading up to the competition.

How long is the Kentucky Derby?

The length of the Kentucky Derby race is a mile and a quarter, or 10 furlongs. Horses usually make it around the track in a little over two minutes, with Secretariat's 1973 pace of 1:59.40 still standing as the fastest time ever.

What is a furlong?

A furlong is a racing term that refers to an eighth of a mile. Who can run in the Kentucky Derby?

The race is open to up to 20 3-year-old horses that have qualified through Churchill Downs' "Road to the Kentucky Derby" points system first implemented for the 2013 running. Prep races taking place from September through April reward horses doing their best running closest to May 1.

What breed are Kentucky Derby horses?

Thoroughbred horses are eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby.

Can a filly run in the Kentucky Derby?

Female horses, known as fillies, have run in and won the Kentucky Derby, though none have tried since the current points system came into effect in 2013, which requires fillies to race against males (known as colts) before the Derby. Among the 40 fillies to run, Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988) were Derby winners.

How much money does the Kentucky Derby winner get?

In 2021, the total purse was $3 million, divided between the race's top five finishers. The winner received $1.86 million, the second-place finisher took home $600,000, third place received $300,000, the fourth-place finisher got $150,000 and the fifth-place finisher was given $90,000.

Who has won the most Kentucky Derby races?

Well, a horse is only eligible to run in the race one time, since only 3-year-old thoroughbreds are invited.

Which trainer has the most Kentucky Derby wins?

That's more like it. Bob Baffert and Ben Jones are currently tied with six Derby wins apiece. Baffert's had seven horses cross the finish line first, but his 2021 win with Medina Spirit, though, was disqualified after the horse was found to have tested positive for betamethasone.

How many horses have won the Triple Crown?

The Equine Heritage Institute estimates there are more than 58 million horses in the world, but only 13 have won the Triple Crown:

Sir Barton (1919)

Gallant Fox (1930)

Omaha (1935)

War Admiral (1937)

Whirlaway (1941) Count Fleet (1943)

Finish line lights illuminate Justify and jockey

Mike Smith as they cross the finish line at Churchill Downs in a driving rain to win the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby and the first leg of the Triple Crown on May 5, 2018. Michael Clevenger and Christopher Granger

Assault (1946) Citation (1948)

Secretariat (1973)

Seattle Slew (1977)

Affirmed (1978)

American Pharoah (2015)

Justify (2018)

What day is the Kentucky Derby held each year?

The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875 and has been staged on the first Saturday in May every year since 1946, with two exceptions. The 1945 Derby was held June 9 because of World War II and the 2020 Kentucky Derby was held September 5 after it was moved over fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

In 2023, the race is scheduled to take place on May 6.

What is the Kentucky Oaks race?

The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbred fillies that takes place on the Friday that precedes the Derby.

In 2023, the Kentucky Oaks will take place on May 5.

What other races are held during Kentucky Derby Week?

The Kentucky Derby and Oaks are the headliners, but they aren't the only races that take place that week in Louisville.

Thursday is referred to as "Thurby" and kicks off the week with several lower stakes races at Churchill Downs. The Oaks is the main attraction Friday, but about a dozen other races usually take place throughout the day. And while the Derby takes most of Saturday's spotlight, several other notable races are held that day as well, including the Old Forester Turf Classic, which generally has a purse of $1 million along with a competitive and talented field.