Don't understand the Kentucky Derby? No sweat. Our graphics explain
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- The Kentucky Derby, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, is a premier horse racing event known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," attracting both dedicated fans and casual viewers.
- This year's race offers a $5 million purse, divided among the top five finishers, marking a $2 million increase from previous years and maintaining the same prize amount as in 2024 and 2025.
- Despite past controversies such as horse doping accusations in 2021 and the deaths of two horses in 2023, the Derby's popularity endures, bolstered by its rich history and legendary figures like Secretariat, the Triple Crown winner of 1973.
- The race features 20 horses competing over a 1¼ mile track, with starting gate positions determined by points earned in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series; positions 5 and 10 are statistically the most successful.
- This year’s favorite is Renegade, with Commandment and Further Ado also considered top contenders.
