The facts, historical statistics, and Thoroughbred figures of the Kentucky Derby combine to fascinate those who love trivia in any subject, or form.
From start to finish, the Kentucky Derby gives the fan two minutes of thrill in a way not seen elsewhere in the sporting microcosm. The first Kentucky Derby was run in 1895, and the tradition of the event has grown from there. Feast on the biggest, and the most trivial facts.
Facts and Trivia of the Kentucky Derby:
- From 1875 to 1895, the Derby was run at 1-1/2 miles
- In 1895, and to the present, the race was changed in distance to 1-1/4 miles
1. The only jockeys in Derby history to win the race in back-to-back years were Issac Murphy, Jimmy Winkfield, Ron Turcotte, and Eddie Delahoussaye. Can you match the jockeys to their back-to-back years? 1972-1973***1901-1902***1982-1983***1890-1891
2. Can you name their Thoroughbred partners? Riva Ridge and Secretariat; His Eminence and Alan-a-Dale; Gato Del Sol and Sunny's Halo; Riley and Kingman
1. Darley Stud currently has four stallions standing, each of whom has sired a Kentucky Derby champion. This is a historical first for an individual Thoroughbred farm. The stallions are Street Cry, Holy Bull, Elusive Quality, and Quiet American.
2. Can you match these stallions to their sired Kentucky Derby champions? Giacomo, 2005; Street Sense, 2007; Giacomo, 2005; Real Quiet, 1998; Smarty Jones, 2004
- The past three winners of the Kentucky Derby have been bred in Kentucky. In total, 100 of the race's champions have hailed from the breeding barns of the Bluegrass State.
- Florida is the second leading state for number of winners of the Run for the Roses with six.
- Virginia claims four winners.
- California and Tennessee each have three KD champions.
- Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Texas each boast of two champions.
- Ohio has one KD winner.
1. Two KD champions traveled from Canada to win the most famous race in the world. They are Northern Dancer and Sunny's Halo.
2. What years did these champions win the KD? 1964 and 1983
1. Two English-bred Thoroughbreds lended the Brit slant to the Run for the Roses, one in 1917, and one in 1959.
2. Who were these non-USA KD winners? Omar Khayyam and Tomy Lee
Surprisingly, few of the Thoroughbreds who have won the Kentucky Derby have been named that season's Horse of the Year. Do you know these champions, starting from 1973?
- 1973, Secretariat, also Triple Crown winner
- 1977, Seattle Slew, Triple Crown winner
- 1978, Affirmed, Triple Crown winner
- 1985, Spend a Buck
- 1989, Sunday Silence
- 1999, Charismatic
Men and animals come together in coincidence; facts and figures follow.
