Historically, horses who earn at least 40 points tend to make the field for the Kentucky Derby, so simply finishing second in a 100 point race has the potential to securely place a horse into the starting gate.
How much does it cost to put a horse in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby has an entry fee and a starting fee, they are $25,000 each per The Downey Profile. To be eligible for the Kentucky Derby, horses have to be nominated. Early nomination fees are $600, and late nomination fees are $6,000.
Can a horse run the Kentucky Derby twice?
A horse cannot run in the Kentucky Derby twice. The reason a horse can’t run in the Kentucky Derby twice is that the race is limited to three-year-old horses only.
Can a 4 year old horse run in the Kentucky Derby?
Yes. The age limit for the Kentucky Derby is set by the governing body of the Kentucky Derby. Only 3-year-olds are eligible for any of the triple crown races. The inexperience of the horses and not having an extensive racing record creates added excitement to the competitions.
What qualifies a horse to run in the Kentucky Derby?
The Horse Should Be 3-Year Old The horses in the Kentucky derby should be three years old to qualify. It is why the Kentucky Derby is known to be a once-in-a-lifetime event for horses. After that, they won’t be able to qualify in the Derby anymore.
How much does a stallion horse cost?
Price Range: From about $4,000 to several million dollars. A black stallion named Totilas was sold for approximately 11 million Euros to a German trainer. A premium performance breed, the Dutch Warmblood is a big, impressive horse with a good temperament.
Can only male horses race in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is restricted to 3-year-old racehorses, male or female, so a Thoroughbred is eligible for the race only once in their lives. Horses must be nominated to the Triple Crown and then qualify for the Kentucky Derby through a series of races that award points to the top four finishers.
Are all Kentucky Derby horses female?
Yes, three female horses won the Kentucky Derby. The most recent was Winning Colors in 1988. Genuine Risk won it in 1980, and Regret was the first female Kentucky Derby winner; she performed her feat in 1915.
Are Kentucky Derby horses male and female?
Female horses, or fillies, have run in and won the Kentucky Derby, though none have tried since the current points system came into effect. It requires fillies to race against males before the Kentucky Derby. Among the 40 ladies to run, Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988) were Derby winners.
At what age are thoroughbreds fastest?
The running performance of Thoroughbred racehorses has been reported to peak when they are between 4 and 5 years old. However, changes in their racing speed by month or season have not been reported.
What is a 3 year old horse called?
There are no special age-related terms for young horses older than yearlings. When young horses reach breeding maturity, the terms change: a filly over three (four in horse racing) is called a mare, and a colt over three is called a stallion.
How old do horses have to be to ride?
Most breeds of horses are broken to ride when they are between two and three years old. It is important to wait until this age because the joints need to develop enough to support the weight of the rider. Horses that are broken too early can wind up having joint problems and soundness issues as they age.
How does a horse get points?
You get a point for each horse you beat up to 9 points. If there are three horses in a class, first place gets 3 points, second place gets 2 points, and third place gets 1 point. If there is just one horse in a class, that rider gets one point, unless they are disqualified.
How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby, which is a larger field size than most horse races; where on average 8 horses race against one another.
How are jockeys chosen for Kentucky Derby?
With the condition book in hand, the jockey agent begins his work. He will study the book looking for races to get his jockey mounts. He then starts making calls to trainers and owners, asking about available rides, if they agree then the jockey is booked for that horse.
How Horses Qualify for the Kentucky Derby: A Beginner’s Guide
It’s getting hot on the way to this year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, but if you’re unfamiliar with horse racing, you might have some questions about how it all works. We’re here to assist you, so you don’t have to worry. Scroll down to get a quick summary of the process of qualifying for the Run for the Roses competition. Three-year-old Thoroughbreds are the target audience. When you hear someone say that winning the Kentucky Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, they are not exaggerating.
Consider the following scenario: All of this year’s Derby candidates were born in the year 2019.
That implies that any given Thoroughbred born in 2019 has a one in a thousand chance of qualifying for the Kentucky Derby in 2022, and a one in 19,295 chance of winning the Kentucky Derby.
What: Preparation Races To be eligible for the Kentucky Derby, you must first compete in and win several prep events.
When: Between September and April.
Do you want the complete schedule?
Where: All across the world Given that horse racing is an international activity, there is no reason why Kentucky Derby qualifications should be restricted to the United States alone.
Preparation races are held in the following states in the United States: Racing takes place in Kentucky (at Lexington’sKeeneland Race Course, Louisville’sChurchill Downs, and Turfway Parkin Florence), Florida (at Hallandale Beach’sGulfstream ParkandTampa Bay Downsin Oldsmar), California (at Arcadia’sSanta Anita Park, Cypress’sLos Alamitos Race Course, and Berkeley’sGolden Gate Fields), New York (at Belmont Parkin Elmont (Sunland Park, which is in, well, Sunland Park).
Why?
When a horse wins a major race, such as one of these Kentucky Derby preps, one of two things occurs: It’s not only that they go down in history – ask any racing nerd who won the biggest prep race at their favorite track 20 years ago and they’ll almost certainly have an answer for you – but that they also take home a lot of money.
How: Acquire the Points Points are earned by horses in order to be eligible for the Kentucky Derby.
In September, the earliest prep races award the fewest points (ten to the winner, four to second, two to third, and one to the horse that finishes fourth), but the races held in late March and early April award the most points (100 to the winner, 40 to the second-place finisher, 20 to third, and 10 to fourth.) Would you want to see the entire list?
Make no doubt about it: These are significant points.
How Does It Work
About the Kentucky Derby® and the Road to the Kentucky Derby® On Saturday, May 7, 2022, the 148th running of the $3 million guaranteed Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) will take place in Louisville, Kentucky, and for the eighth consecutive year, a tiered point system in select races will determine who will represent America in the world’s greatest horse race. Every year, 20 horses are given the opportunity to compete in the Kentucky Derby, which is held in Louisville, Kentucky.
- At the conclusion of each race, points are awarded to the top four finishers.
- Churchill Downs established the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby” in order to enable a prospective entry in the Kentucky Derby for a horse located in Japan, as well as the “European Road to the Kentucky Derby,” which extended an invitation to European riders as well as Japanese horsemen.
- See the Kentucky Oaks Road to the Kentucky Derby Schedule for 2022.
- In addition to being the home of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN), which is based in Louisville, the historic racetrack also manages Trackside at Churchill Downs, which provides year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track.
How Does a Horse Qualify for the Kentucky Derby? — The Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association
You might be interested in learning more about what it takes for a horse to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. The yearly Thoroughbred foal crop in the United States averages roughly 20,000 Thoroughbred foals each year, which means that just twenty horses, or less than 0.001 percent of each foal crop, will have the opportunity to run in this year’s Run for the Roses.
The Road to the Derby—Qualifying
So, how do they get to the starting gate in the first place? They decide to go “The Road!” When Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby announced a major reform of the Kentucky Derby qualification method in 2012, the world took notice. Previously, horses were qualified for the event depending on the amount of money they earned from winning stakes races. The new system, which made its debut in the 2013 Derby, consisted of a point system that was connected with designated stakes races held over the preceding year.
The Road to the Derby—Point Gathering
The Road to the Kentucky Derby series consists of designated stakes events (held from September to April) in which the top four finishers in each race are awarded points toward the Kentucky Derby. Increasing the number of points available for each race on the Kentucky Derby Road as the race draws closer to its conclusion.
An overall number of thirty-five races are held at thirteen different racetrack sites in seven different states across the US (Arkansas, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, New York, and Oklahoma).
The Road to the Derby—Calculating
The top two-year-olds have the option to begin collecting points as early as September (the previous year) before the Kentucky Derby, which takes place in May. From now until the Kentucky Derby, the point values will be kept on a scale of 10-4-2-1, with 10 being the highest and 4 being the lowest.
- 10 points are awarded to the winner, 4 points are awarded to the runner-up, 2 points are awarded to the third place finisher, and 1 point is awarded to the fourth place finisher.
The Road to the Derby—Bonus Points
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is the most prestigious stakes event on the two-year-old racehorse calendar, and it is held in conjunction with the Breeders’ Cup. Because of its status, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile earns twice as many points as the other races:
- The winner receives 20 points
- The runner-up receives 8 points
- The third-place finisher receives 4 points
- And the fourth-place finisher receives 2 points.
The Road to the Derby—Points Numbers Rise
From the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Racecourse in mid-February until the end of the season, point values increase dramatically on a scale of one to ten. This additional point value is available in six races:
- 50 points are awarded to the winner, 20 points are awarded to the runner-up, 10 points are awarded to the third place finisher, and 5 points are awarded to the fourth place finisher.
After winning a race and earning fifty points, the winner of each race is almost guaranteed a position in the Kentucky Derby’s starting gate.
The Road to the Derby—Points Double
The point values climb for the final time towards the end of March, doubling to an even greater scale, before decreasing again.
- The winner receives 100 points
- The runner-up receives 40 points
- The third-place finisher receives 20 points
- And the fourth-place finisher receives 10 points.
The next eight races, which will take place through mid-April, will serve as the final preparation races for horses preparing for the Kentucky Derby. When it comes to the First Saturday in May, these victors are sometimes referred to as the “anticipated favorites.” The Kentucky Derby field has always consisted of horses that have earned at least 40 points, therefore finishing second in a 100-point event has the potential to guarantee a horse’s spot in the race’s starting gate. At Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, the UAE Derby, which is one of eight one-hundred point races available, has the same point scale as the seven other events available in the United States.
The Road to the Derby—Wild Card Wins
In addition to serving as a “wild card” race before the Kentucky Derby, the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland awards points on a 20-8-4-2 system. It gives horses that are on the verge of entering the Derby field the opportunity to rack up some valuable points in the final days before the race. Horses are given three weeks to prepare for the Kentucky Derby following the conclusion of their final event.
The Road to the Derby—Global Invite
The Kentucky Derby, which is a globally accessible event, kicks off The Road to the Breeders’ Cup in both Europe and Japan with a series of seven qualifying races in Europe and a series of four qualifying races in Japan. The invitation to compete in the Kentucky Derby is issued to the person who accumulates the most points on each Road. If the highest-scoring player refuses the invitation, the next-highest-scoring player gets invited. Through the top four highest point scorers, this pattern is repeated.
He finished in sixth place. As of this writing, no Kentucky Derby contender has emerged through the European Road to the Derby. Check out the whole prep race schedule by clicking on the link below. In our most recent piece, you may learn about the current prospects for the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
Road to the Kentucky Derby – Wikipedia
The Kentucky Derby Road to the Kentucky Derbyis a points system that allows horses to qualify for a starting gate position in the Kentucky Derby race. Hundreds of stakes races for 2- and 3-year-old Thoroughbreds are held each year; the number and specific races have fluctuated slightly throughout the course of the years. The point system took the place of an earlier qualification method that considered earnings from all graded stakes races across the world. There are 20 spots open in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby, which takes place on May 4.
If the winner of the Japan Road refuses the offer, their spot is offered to the Japanese horse that is next in the standings behind them.
If none of the top four finishers accepts the offer, this starting gate space will be given to qualifiers on the normal Road to the Kentucky Derby.
The top finishers on the primary Road to the Kentucky Derby will be offered the remaining 18 starting gate slots (or an additional 20 if the European and Japanese offers are turned down) in the starting gate.
It is possible for up to 24 horses to compete in this event, with the worst four point earners being noted as “also eligible.” If any of the top 20 horses is scratched after entries have been accepted but before betting begins, the next ranked horse on the also eligible list will be eligible to compete in place of that horse in the race.
In the case of a tie, the horses will share the points they would have won jointly if one of them had defeated the other evenly between themselves.
Points gained on theRoad to the Kentucky Oaks are not transferable to the Derby.
History
According to the official website ofChurchill Downs, theRoad to the Kentucky Derbypoint system was established in 2012 to offer a “clear, realistic, and intelligible road” to the first leg of horse racing’sTriple Crown, which is the Kentucky Derby. Before the adjustments were implemented, Churchill Downs conducted a poll in which the results revealed that 83 percent of respondents did not understand how horses were selected as starters for the Kentucky Derby. The former method was based on earnings from allgraded stakes races, which effectively accorded similar weight to earnings from juvenile races, sprints, and even turf races as it did to earnings from conventional Derby prep races.
- Sprint events are entirely ignored by the new method, which places a significant emphasis on later races, hence placing a premium on current results in comparison to earlier races.
- Kentucky Derby Prep Season and Kentucky Derby Championship Series are the two stages of the series, with the Kentucky Derby Prep Season being the first part and the Kentucky Derby Championship Series being the second phase.
- Since 2016, points have been awarded to the first four finishers in each race on a scale of 10-4-2-1, with one exception: the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, which has been awarded points on a scale of 20-8-4-2 since 2016.
- The first leg consists of small prep races, which are normally graded II on a scale of 50-20-10-5.
Among them are the Florida Derby(G1) at Gulfstream Park, the Santa Anita Derby(G1) at Santa Anita Park, the Arkansas Derby(G1) at Oaklawn Park, theLouisiana Derby(G2) at Fair Ground Race Course, the Blue Grass Stakes(currently G2) at Keeneland Race Course, and the Wood Memorial Stakes(currently G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack.
With the inclusion of the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby(beginning in 2017) and European Road to the Kentucky Derby(beginning in 2018) series, the series has grown from its initial 36 events in 2013 to 46 races in 2018 after being expanded from 36 races in 2013.
Examples include horses born in 2010 being eligible for the Kentucky Derby in 2013, and the nomination cost was $600, which had to be paid by January 26, 2013, to be considered.
Additionally, owners of qualified horses were required to pay $25,000 to join the Derby by May 1, 2013, and an extra $25,000 to start their horses in the race. An unnominated qualified horse might be supplemented to the Derby for a sum of $200,000 if it was not nominated in either January or March.
2013 season
The 2013 season included of 36 races, which was the most ever (19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 17 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season).
2014 season
In total, 36 races were held during the 2013 season (19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 17 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season).
- Racing schedule modifications: Two new races (Iroquois Stakes and Jerome Stakes) were added, while four others (Royal Lodge Stakes, CashCall Futurity, Sam F. Davis Stakes, Derby Trial Stakes) were deleted. Changes to the point system: The number of points awarded for the wild card has been reduced from 20–8–4–2 to 10–4–2–1.
2015 season
Thirty-five events were held during the 2015 season (19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season).
- Race modifications: One new race (the Los Alamitos Futurity) has been added.
2016 season
There were 35 races in all during the 2016 season (19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season).
- Changes to the points system: The points for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile have been increased from 10–4–2–1 to 20–8–4–2.
2017 season
There were 37 races in all during the 2017 season (19 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season, 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season, and 2 races for the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby).
- Race modifications include the addition of one race (the Sam F. Davis Stakes) and the removal of another (the Grey Stakes)
- Changes to the rules: Added a separate Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, which will consist of two races: the Cattleya Sho (points awarded: 40–16–8–4) for 2-year-olds in 2016, and the Hyacinth Stakes (points awarded: 50–20–10–5) for 3-year-olds in early 2017, both of which will be held in Japan. Each of the 20 starting slots in the Kentucky Derby will be awarded to the winner of this series. The winner of this series will receive one of these positions. If the first-place finisher rejects or is unable to compete in the Kentucky Derby, a berth in the Kentucky Derby will be given to the second-place finisher, and so on. If the second-place finisher rejects or is unable to participate, a berth in the Kentucky Derby will be awarded to the third-place finisher, who will then compete in the Kentucky Derby. There will be no invitations to the Derby sent to anybody other than the top three point scorers.
2018 season
There were 46 races in all during the 2018 season (20 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season, 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season, 7 races for the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, and 3 races for the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby).
- Changes to the races: One new event (Springboard Mile) has been added to the main series. The Japan series has been expanded by one race (the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun)
- Changes to the point system: Along with the Lexington Stakes, the Spiral Stakes has been relegated to the “Wild Card” division. The points for these races will be granted on a 20-8-4-2 basis, which means that the Spiral will receive less points and the Lexington will receive more. Compared to the previous season, the Hyacinth Stakes (30-12-6-3 basis) and Cattleya Sho (10-4-2-1 basis) on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby had lower point values than in the previous season. Changes to the rules: Introducing the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, which operates on a similar model to the Japan Road. It consists of seven races, four of which are held on turf and three of which are held on synthetic grounds. Four races were held in Great Britain (Royal Lodge Stakes / Racing Post Trophy / Conditions Stakes / Burradon Stakes), two in Ireland (Beresford Stakes / Patton Stakes), and one in France (Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère)
- A total of ten races were held worldwide.
2019 season
There were 46 races in the 2019 racing season (35 races in North America and Dubai on the main Road, 7 races for the European Road and 4 races for the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby).
- Changes to races: One event (the Cardinal Stakes) has been added to the European series, while one race has been deleted (Burradon Stakes). The Fukuryu Stakes has been added to the Japan series as an additional race. Two races from the main series (the Delta Jackpot Stakes and the San Felipe Stakes) have been eliminated. Changes to the point system: The Fukuryu Stakes will be given on a 40-16-8-4 basis on the Japan Road. The awarding of Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushunpoints will be done on a 20-8-4-2 basis, which is an increase over the previous year’s awarding. A two-division race (points granted on a 37.5-15-7.5-3.75 basis) was created as a result of the cancellation of the San Felipe Stakes, and the Rebel Stakes points were assigned at 75% of the original points worth.
2020 season
Originally, the 2020 season was scheduled to have 46 races (35 events in North America and Dubai on the main Road, 7 races on the European Road, and 4 races on the Japan Road), with only minor modifications from the previous season. The season, on the other hand, was severely affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, which forced the cancellation or rescheduling of the majority of the key pre-season events.
- In 2019, the San Felipe Stakeswas reinstated following a one-year hiatus prompted by inquiries into the deaths of horses at Santa Anita Park during the previous season. TheRisen Star Stakeswas divided into two categories, with each division being awarded points based on a 50-20-10-5 point system. All of the main-road races, including theSunland Derby, UAE Derby, Wood Memorial Stakes, and Lexington Stakes, were canceled, while the Cardinal Stakes was postponed for the European road. There will be two classes in the Arkansas Derby, which has been rescheduled for May 2. Seasonal shifts that last longer: Because of the pandemic, the Blue Grass Stakes and the Santa Anita Derby were were pushed to a longer season. In addition, several races were added to the extended season, including the Pegasus Stakes, the Indiana Derby, the Los Alamitos Derby, and the Ohio Derby, which were all awarded on a 20-8-4-2 points format, and the Matt Winn Stakes, the Ellis Park Derby, the Shared Belief Stakes, and the Peter Pan Stakes, which were all awarded on a 50-20-10-5 points format. The Pegasus Stakes, the Indiana Derby, the Los Al The series has also expanded to include high-profile events such as The Haskell Invitational Stakes and The Travers Stakes, which are given on a 100-40-20-10 points structure, as well as the Belmont Stakes, which is rewarded on a 150-60-30-15 points basis. In addition, the Japan road has introduced the Unicorn Stakes and the Japan Dirt Derby, which are both awarded on a 40-16-8-4 points structure.
2021 season
The Kentucky Derby Road to the Kentucky Derby Championship Season in 2021 consisted of 36 races, including 20 races for the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and 16 races for the Kentucky Derby Championship Season.
- Changes to the race format: The race structure has remained the same as in 2019, with the exception of the inclusion of the John Battaglia Memorial Stakesto the prep season, which will be awarded using a 10-4-2-1 points formula.
- Changes to the scoring system: The Jeff Ruby Steaks was elevated to the championship season, with points granted in a 100-40-20-10 format
- In accordance with the new rules, horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby while taking the medicine Furosemide will not be eligible to collect points.
2022 season
The 2022 road consists of 37 races, 21 races for theKentucky Derby Prep Seasonand 16 races for theKentucky Derby Championship Season.
- Changes to the races: TheGun Runner Stakes has been added to the Kentucky Derby Prep Season, bringing the total number of races in the season to four.
- Among the rule changes are the following: No points will be awarded to any horse trained by any individual who has been suspended from racing in the Kentucky Derby in 2022, or to any trainer who is directly or indirectly employed by a suspended trainer, supervised by a suspended trainer, or advised by a suspended trainer
See also
- The Breeders’ Cup Challenge
- The Road to the Kentucky Oaks
- And more.
References
- In 2016, Churchill Downs and the Japan Racing Association partnered to create the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Road” (PDF). Retrieved from kentuckyderby.com on September 12, 2016. In 2017, Churchill Downs and the Japan Racing Association partnered to create the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Road” (PDF). Accessed September 1, 2017
- Abcd.com. A new point system for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks has been implemented at Churchill Downs
- Abcd In 2013, the road to the Kentucky Derby will be less complicated
- Ryan Goldberg and Ryan Goldberg (3 May 2013). In the words of the song, “The Road to Louisville is Now Paved With Points.” The New York Times is a newspaper published in New York City. abcThe New Road To The Kentucky Derby
- AbcThe New Road To The Kentucky Derby
- AbcThe Steve Haskin is the author of this work. Retrieved on 4 December 2017 from cs.bloodhorse.com: “Bolt d’Oro Taking the Right Path.” “Bernier: Kentucky Derby speed analysis | Daily Racing Form”, Daily Racing Form, 4 December 2017, retrieved 4 December 2017. Churchill Downs alters the ‘Road Map’ for the 2014 Kentucky Derby
- Ab The Road to the Kentucky Derby in 2013–14
- A look back at the Road to the Kentucky Derby point standings from March 16, 2013 to April 19, 2014
- A look forward to the Kentucky Derby points standings from April 19, 2014 to March 16, 2013
- A look forward to the Kentucky Derby points standings from April 19, 2014 to March 16, 2013. A look back at the Road to the Kentucky Derby point standings from March 16, 2013. A look forward to the Kentucky Derby points standings from April 19, 2014. A look forward to the Kentucky Derby points standings from April 19, 2014. A look forward to the Kentucky Derby It’s official: the Rebel Stakes will be split into two divisions in 2019
- “Churchill Downs Unveils Points Schedule For Road to 2020 Kentucky Derby, Oaks”.Paulick Report. Retrieved 6 October2019
- “Popular Risen Star Stakes Split into Divisions
- ” “Maryland, New Mexico Close Tracks, Simulcast Facilities
- ” “Keeneland cancels spring meet due to coronavirus pandemic
- ” “Dubai World Cup Cance BloodHorse.com. retrieved on May 4, 2020
- Race 9 at Keeneland will take place on July 11
- Santa Anita will host 29 stakes races, including four Grade 1 races
- The New Lasix Rule Will Have an Impact on the Kentucky Derby Road to 2021
- “2021/22 Kentucky Derby Prep Races.” Churchill Downs Inc. is scheduled to open in September 2021. 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby: Points will not be awarded to horses trained by individuals who have been suspended from racing. Retrieved on September 17, 2021. The Churchill Downs Media Office is located in the Grandstand. The Paulick Report was published on September 10, 2021, and was made available on September 17, 2021.
External links
- The official website of Churchill Downs
- The Road to the Kentucky Derby Point System
- And more.
Analysis
In order to qualify for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, a horse must be the quickest 3-year-old horse in the world at the time of application. Instead, any Derby contender must qualify against the strongest competition by participating in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” which is a series of sanctioned prep races held at tracks all around the country and the world leading up to the Derby. Points are awarded to the top four finishers in each prep race, and the top 20 horses in the final standings earn the right to start in the Run for the Roses.
- 3-year-olds that have not previously been nominated for the Triple Crown can be added to the field if there are enough defections from qualifying horses.
- The final field for the race on Saturday will be determined on Tuesday.
- To qualify, instead of a torrent of high-earning sprinters flooding the field, candidates must traverse three unique periods of qualifying: the preseason, the championship series, and two wild-card events.
- That triggered a sequence of developments that were unique to the year 2020.
- The top four finishers received qualification points for the Kentucky Derby on a scale of 150-60-30-15 points.
- The Preakness Stakes, which has been rescheduled for October 3, will now serve as the last leg of the Triple Crown.
- Tiz the Law, the Kentucky Derby favorite this year, leads the field with 372 points, which he has earned through victories in the Florida Derby, the Belmont Stakes, and the Travers Stakes, among other races.
- This year, with 200 points, Authentic once again took the top spot.
- Country Grammer (50 points), Shivaree (40 points), and Anneau d’Or (32 points) have already withdrawn from consideration for the Kentucky Derby, allowing horses with lower point totals to enter the race.
- When a horse based in Japan wins the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby (four races), he is automatically invited to the Kentucky Derby, and the European Road to the Kentucky Derby (seven races) opens the door for the horse that finishes first in Europe in this series.
All horses on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby likewise chose not to compete, leaving all 20 eligible Derby berths available to thoroughbreds from the United States. More information may be found at:
How to Qualify for the Kentucky Derby & Triple Crown
Being the first horse to win the Triple CrownTM is widely regarded as the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing achievement. Each day, only one racing horse has a chance to achieve the feat by winning the Kentucky Derby®. It’s a straightforward process. Is there no winner at Churchill Downs®? There will be no attempt at the honor. In order to maintain the elite aspect of the Triple Crown, qualifying to participate in the Kentucky Derby is a difficult endeavor. Owners must enter their horses in a series of races referred to as the Road to the Derby in order to even be considered for a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
The Road to the Kentucky Derby
As soon as a horse reaches the age of three, he or she becomes eligible to compete in the Road to the Derby stakes events. With a total of 35 races on the program, there will be plenty of opportunities for a thoroughbred to gain points toward entry into the competition. This year’s Prep Season and Championship Series are separated by a chasm that separates them from last year’s Championship Series. A total of 19 races are held during the Prep Season, with a reduced number of points granted to the top three finishers than during the regular season.
- The stakes of the points granted are significantly larger, making these races far more essential for qualification.
- The horses that have amassed the most number of points at the conclusion of the Road to the Derby are then offered a seat in the Kentucky Derby’s field of 20 horses.
- If there is a tie in points, the earnings in non-restricted stakes races will be used as a tiebreaker to determine the winner.
- Whoever wins the Kentucky Derby will then go on to compete in the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, the final two races in the Triple Crown series, which will be held in May.
The Greatest Controversy in Horse Racing
However, despite the fact that the Triple Crown is exciting and each race provides a surge of adrenaline to those who watch, there is a significant deal of controversy surrounding the series. As you can see, the Triple Crown races are not the only ones available. A horse competing in the Derby does not necessarily qualify to compete in the Preakness and/or Belmont Stakes as well. The result is that, even if you already have a Derby winner who competed only a few weeks ago, a completely new horse may enter the competition and win the Belmont or Preakness.
- The Derby was won by California Chrome.
- Chrome, on the other hand, was exhausted by the time the Belmont came along since he had run in two long races with a competitive field the previous two weeks.
- California Chrome didn’t stand a chance after the horses were let out of the starting gate.
- At the Belmont, California Chrome was denied his chance at Triple Crown glory, and Tonalist was awarded the money.
It was quite divisive at the time. It is, however, inherent in this year’s Triple Crown. It was never intended to be simple! A total of 13 horses have won the Triple Crown series in its history, with Justify becoming the latest to join this exclusive club this summer.
Be a Part of the 2020 Kentucky Derby
There is a significant deal of debate surrounding the Triple Crown, despite the fact that it is an exciting series with each race providing a surge of adrenaline to those who are watching. It’s important to note that the Triple Crown races are not restricted to the Triple Crown. A horse competing in the Derby does not necessarily qualify to compete in the Preakness and/or the Belmont Stakes. The result is that, even if you already have a Derby winner who ran only a few weeks ago, a completely new horse may enter and compete in the Belmont or Preakness races.
- The Kentucky Derby was won by California Chrome.
- At the time of the Belmont, Chrome, who had run in two long races with a competitive field the previous two weeks, was exhausted.
- He entered a field full of them.
- Tonalist, who was bred for endurance racing and was in excellent condition, blasted Chrome away and won the race.
- A lot of people were against it.
- There were no plans for it to be straightforward!
How do horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
- The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports is coming up, and you’ve got a promising young colt or filly that you believe will be quick enough. What comes next? Horse racing officials created the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” in 2012 to make the process of qualifying for the Run for the Roses easier for horse owners and trainers. You receive points for placing in crucial races leading up to the Kentucky Derby
- The more victories you accumulate, the greater your chances of landing a berth at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. For example, let’s assume you believe you have the next American Pharoah and you want to enter him in the Kentucky Derby this year. You’ll have to win in order to get there, and you’ll have to win big against the finest competitors. Referred to as:How many fillies have taken home the Kentucky Derby trophy? The Road to the Kentucky Derby is divided into two sections: the Kentucky Derby Prep Season, which begins in September and runs through February, and the Kentucky Derby Championship Series, which is a series of races featuring the best of the best that runs from March until mid-April, just a few weeks before the big race at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby Prep Season is divided into two sections: the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. The prizes, as well as the number of points available, are smaller in the preseason races. The winners of such races receive 10 points, second-place finishers receive 4 points, third-place finishers receive 2 points, and the horse that finishes fourth receives 1 point for his or her efforts. The championship series, on the other hand, is when things become exciting. The number of points awarded varies from race to race, although many competitions provide up to 100 points for first place, 40 points for second, 20 points for third, and 10 points for fourth. Others operate on a 50-20-10-5 system, and a handful operate on a 20-8-4-2 basis. The Arkansas Derby, the Wood Memorial, the Blue Grass Stakes, and the majority of other major races that take place in March on a yearly basis are among the most notable races in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. The history of the Kentucky Derby is as follows: What is the total number of horses who have won the Triple Crown? The horses with the greatest amount of points at the conclusion of those races are invited to run in the Kentucky Derby, with the four horses who finish after those 18 gaining “also eligible” status in the event that a top qualifier withdraws from the race. One spot in the Kentucky Derby is also reserved for the winner of the Japan Road to the Derby, which is a separate series of races across the Pacific Ocean, and another spot is reserved for the winner of the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, which is also a separate series of races across the European continent. If the owners of such horses decide not to enter them in the Derby or if those horses are unable to race, as was the case in 2018, those two spots are made available to other horses that ran on the American route, such as the winner of the 2018 Derby. You’ll also require some financial resources. It is necessary to submit a nomination fee of $600 by January (late entrants will be assessed a price of $6,000 instead). Then there’s a $25,000 entrance fee that must be paid before May, followed by another $25,000 charge to actually begin the race itself. After all, no one promised that this would be cheap or simple. However, if your horse is as wonderful as you believe it to be, it will be well worth the effort once you are in the winners’ enclosure. Lucas Aulbach can be reached at 502-582-4649 or [email protected]
- He can also be found on Twitter at @LucasAulbachCJ. Subscribing today will help to ensure that good local journalism continues:
Kentucky Derby 2022
Best Beyer/Horse Racing Trainer/Jockey Kenny McPeek is a musician from the United Kingdom. Corey Lanerie is a professional basketball player. 5-1 Kenny McPeek is the trainer. Corey Lanerie is the rider. Track: Risen Star, 2/19, FG, 2nd by 2 3/4 seconds, 94. Last Race: Next Likely Race – Track: Kentucky Derby or Blue Grass, Fair Grounds on March 26th, or Keeneland on March 27th 4/9 Lucky Seven is the proprietor. Stable Sire:Runhappy JP: After meeting some traffic troubles, he had a strong start to his third-year season, finishing runner-up in Risen Star.
“I performed admirably and overcome obstacles.
In the case of Joel Rosario, the term “in the case of” refers to the fact that he is a person who has a job that requires him to travel.
Joel Rosario is the horse’s jockey.
Winchell Thoroughbreds is the owner of this horse.
JP: I was able to get away with smaller fractions in Risen Star than I did in Lecomte, which resulted in an easy score.
MM: Risen Star has a dominant score, without a sure, but one has to wonder how it will all function when he is shoved into the front row.
Kennedy Jr., Brian Lynch, John F.
is an 8-1 fighter.
Irad Ortiz Jr.
SAM F.
Upcoming Race – Track: Tampa Bay Derby (1 1/16m) at Tampa Bay Downs on 3/12 (Tampa Bay Downs).
Cooper are the owners of this horse.
JP: Set/pressured a fast pace, shrugged off early opponents, and pulled away in a stunning three-year-old debut performance.
MM: He could hardly have been more remarkable in his seasonal debut; he was assessed well, but let’s see how he performs when he’s not on the field.
Irad Ortiz Jr.
Todd Pletcher is the trainer.
is the rider.
qu 4/9 WinStar Farm and Twin Creeks Racing are the owners of this horse.
I believe he is a top-tier prospect.
Chad Brown is an American football player who was born in the state of California.
Chad Brown is the trainer.
Risen Star, 2/19, FG, 3 1/4 seconds behind in 3rd place, 93 points.
Sire:Upstart The poor start cost him position, and the slow pace gave him no favors, but he rebounded to finish with a positive attitude.
MM: Considering how he dug himself into a hole, this is a fantastic Risen Star effort; Blue Grass is already looming large for him.
Luis Saez’s full name is Luis Saez.
Luis Saez is the rider.
In the near future, there will be a race on the following tracks: Fountain of Youth (1 1/16m), Gulfstream (3/5).
JP: He had a really easy go of it in Tampa, but I really enjoyed the way he looked while doing it.
“Go to Tampa for a useful race” has been a staple of the TAP 3yo strategy for a long time; let’s see what he’s got in comparison to the competition.
is the son of Saffie Joseph Sr.
12-1 Saffie Joseph Jr.
Tyler Gaffalione is the rider.
Sire:Race DayJP: He enjoys Gulfstream, where he has gone 3 for 3 since being bred there by Holy Bull.
MM: The GP surface undoubtedly benefited his style in the Holy Bull; the Florida Derby will be a case of all eggs in one basket.
Jose Ortiz is a 15-year-old baseball player from San Jose, California.
Jose Ortiz is the rider.
Klaravich Stables is the proprietor.
JP: He’s only raced a few times and has completed the tasks assigned to him thus far, but he beat a suspicious field in Withers.
Kenny McPeek is a musician from the United Kingdom.
(15-1) is a football player from the United States.
Brian Hernandez Jr.
KEE was first by 4 1/4 lengths in the Breeders’ Futurity on 10/9 at Keeneland.
Lucky Seven Stable is the proprietor.
MM: He’s keeping up with his training, and McPeek is encouraging him along the way; the Fountain of Youth should provide some insight.
Tyler Gaffalione20-1 is a member of the Tyler Gaffalione20-1 sports team.
Tyler Gaffalione is the rider.
Next likely race will be held at Oaklawn Park on February 26, and the winner will be 7 3/4 lengths ahead of the field.
This time, sire, not this time.
In Rebel, he is put through his paces for the first time.
Brad Cox is a professional baseball player.
Brad Cox is the trainer.
Last Race: FG allowance, 2/19, 1st by 3, 87Next Likely Race: Louisiana Derby, 1 3/16m, Fair Grounds, 3/26Last Race: FG allowance, 2/19, 1st by 3, 87 Gold Square is the proprietor.
JP: Barn has a great deal of respect for him.
When it comes to horses, the newly minted Derby-winning trainer has a live one here; the colt performed everything right in his allowance race.
The name Juan Hernandez means “Juan Hernandez” in Spanish.
Juan Hernandez is the rider.
Racing in San Felipe (1 1/16m) and Santa Anita (3/5m) in the near future is a possibility.
JP: Made his way onto the list with a quick San Vicente victory, but I’m not convinced he’ll be able to maintain his momentum over the next two turns.
John Ortiz is a baseball player from the United States.
30-1 John Ortiz is the trainer.
In the last race, the track was southwest and the conditions were OP, 2nd by 1 1/2 lengths, 86.
Sire: Race DayJP: After experiencing early difficulties, he was forced to make a lengthy run in the Southwest but remained on task.
MM: Colt has been an overachiever, and I’m wondering if he’s reached his limit yet.
Dallas Stewart is an American actor and singer.
Jon Court is the rider.
Race to Watch: Track: Rebel, 1 1/16m, Oaklawn Park, February 26th Willis Horton Racing is the company’s owner.
Although he believed he had a fantasy vacation in the Southwest, he was unable to capitalize on it.
MM: He’s hoping to accumulate enough points to be eligible for the Kentucky Derby and return to CD, where he had a strong showing last fall.
James Graham is a British actor and director.
James Graham is the rider.
Last Race – On the horizon comes the Louisiana Derby, which will take place at Fair Grounds on March 26th.
JP: I’ve got a fantastic pace setup to pull off an upset in Lecomte; I’m bypassing Risen Star and looking forward to the La.
MM: It’s possible that La.
Todd Pletcher is a writer and director.
Luis Saez is the rider.
On the horizon comes the Louisiana Derby, which will take place at Fair Grounds on March 26th.
Stable is the proprietor.
At this point in the game, he appears to be a notch or two below average.
Derby is a strong possibility, while alternative options will be investigated.
Javier Castellano is a Spanish football player.
Javi Castellano is the jockey for this race.
In the near future, there will be a race on the following tracks: Fountain of Youth (1 1/16m), Gulfstream (3/5).
This time, sire, not this time.
Had every right to toss it, as I kept discovering.
Kelly Breen is an American actress and singer who is best known for her role in the film The Great Gatsby.
50-1 Kelly Breen is the trainer.
Last Race – Track:GP allowance, 2/4, 1st by 5 3/4 seconds, 92 points In the near future, there will be a race on the following tracks: Fountain of Youth (1 1/16m), Gulfstream (3/5).
This time, sire, not this time.
The next start will decide whether or not he can maintain his effectiveness throughout two turns.
Todd Pletcher is a writer and director.
Javi Castellano is the jockey for this race.
Boasts triumph over the CD surface, according to JP.
It’s been a long time since he showed signs of promise in Iroquois; there’s still plenty of time to discover whether he’s Derby-worthy.
50-1 Eddie Barker is the trainer.
Davis (Tam) won the last race on the track by 3 3/4 lengths.
Irish Smith Stable is the property’s owner.
JP: I think Davis did well considering it was his first start in more than three months and he only had roughly two turns. MM: This New York-bred horse is being trained in Tampa this winter solely for commercial purposes; the TB Derby will be a litmus test for the trainer.
2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby Point Standings
Tapit —Delightful Quality
Hot Rod Charlie
Oxbow —Indian Miss
- Roadrunner Racing, Boat Racing, LLC, and Strauss Bros Racing are owned by Edward A. Cox Jr.
Super Stock
Dialed In —Super Girlie
- Pedro Gonzalez is a Spanish-speaking actor and singer who is best known for his role in the film The Great Gatsby. P. J. Gonzalez, Erv Woolsey, and Keith Asmussen are among the authors of this article.
Like the King
Palace Malice —Like a Queen
Known Agenda
Curlin —Byrama
Rock Your World
Candy Ride —Charm the Maker
- Ron McAnally is a political commentator. Deborah McAnally, Hronis Racing LLC, and Talla, David Michael are among the participants in the race.
Bourbonic
Bernardini —Dancing Afleet
Medina Spirit
Protonico —Mongolian Changa
Midnight Bourbon
Tiznow —Catch the Moon
- Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
- Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
- Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC
Mandaloun
Into Mischief —Brooch
Helium
Ironicus —Thundering Emilia
- Inc. Teneri Farms, Inc. Bernardo Alvarez Calderon
- D. J. Stable LLC
- Bernardo Alvarez Calderon
Highly Motivated
Into Mischief —Strong Incentive
Sainthood
Mshawish —Lemon Hero
- Edward TaylorSpringland Farm
- CHC INC. and WinStar Farm LLC
- Edward TaylorSpringland Farm
Dynamic One
Union Rags —Beat the Drums
- Among the stables are Phipps, Repole, and St. Elias, as well as Phipps Stable.
Soup and Sandwich
Into Mischief —Souper Scoop
Hidden Stash
Constitution —Making Mark Money
O Besos
Orb —Snuggs and Kisses
- L. Barrett is a writer who lives in New York City. Bernard
- Bernard, L. Barrett, Tagg Team Racing, and West Point Thoroughbreds
King Fury
Curlin —Taris
- Heider Family Stables, LLC
- Fern Circle Stables and Three Chimneys Farm, LLC
- Heider Family Stables, LLC
- And Three Chimneys Farm, LLC
Keepmeinmind
Laoban —Inclination
- Southern Equine Stables, LLC
- Cypress Creek Equine, Bennewith, Arnold, and Spendthrift Farm LLC
- Southern Equine Stables, LLC
Brooklyn Strong
Wicked Strong —Riviera Chic
- Cheryl Prudhomme is a successful businesswoman. Dr. Michael Gallivan
- Mark Schwartz
- Dr. Michael Gallivan
Defunded
Dialed In —Wind Caper
- Athens Woods, LLC
- Watson, Karl, Pegram, Michael E., and Weitman, Paul
- Athens Woods, LLC
Big Lake
American Pharoah —Resistivity
Hush of a Storm
Creative Cause —Hush Now
- The Berkshire Stud
- The Joseph P. Morey, Jr. Revocable Trust
- The Berkshire Stud
Tarantino
Pioneerof the Nile —Without Delay
- Fred W. Hertrich III is an American businessman and philanthropist. John D. Fielding
- SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC, and Masterson, Robert E
- Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC, and Masterson, Robert E
Roman Centurian
Empire Maker —Spare Change
- Don Alberto Corporation, Don Alberto Stable, and Qatar Racing Limited are all members of the Don Alberto family.
Cowan
Kantharos —Tempers Flair
- Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc.
- Heiligbrodt, L. William
- Heiligbrodt, Corinne
- Madaket Stables LLC
- And Spendthrift Farm LLC
- Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc.
Freedom Fighter
Violence —Canadian Ballet
- Mr. and Mrs. Troy Reed
- SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC, and Masterson, Robert E
- Madaket Stables LLC, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm LLC
- Madaket Stables LLC
- Madaket
Overtook
Curlin —Got Lucky
- Hill ‘N’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc.Philip J. Steinberg
- Repole Stable, St. Elias Stable, Tabor, Michael B., Magnier, Mrs. John, and Smith, Derrick
- Hill ‘N’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc.Philip J. Steinberg
- Hill
Starrininmydreams
Super Saver —Boy Crazy
- Dallas StewartWinStar Farm, LLC
- Stewart Racing Stable and WinStar Farm LLC
- WinStar Farm, LLC
The Great One
Nyquist —Little Ms Protocol
- Coteau Grove Farms, ERJ Racing, LLC, Train Wreck Al Racing Stables, Brennan, Niall, J., Fritz, Tom, and Strauss, William
- ERJ Racing, LLC, Train Wreck Al Racing Stables, Brennan, Niall, J., Fritz, Tom, and Strauss, William
Smiley Sobotka
Brody’s Cause —Dance Thewayyouare
- Track West Racing Inc.
- Albaugh Family Stables LLC
- Track West Racing Inc.
Gretzky the Great
Nyquist —Pearl Turn
- Anderson Farms Ontario Inc., Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Gary Barber are among the companies involved in the project.
Petruchio
Into Mischief —Satirical
- Bass Stables, LLC
- Bass II, Perry R., and Bass, Ramona S.
- Bass Stables, LLC
Arabian Prince
Mshawish —Jolene
- M. Taylor, J. Taylor, BGT LLC, and G. E. Saufley are among those who have contributed to this work. Louis Brooks Ranch LP, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Sandbrook, William are among the companies involved.
Parnelli
Quality Road —Sip Sip
Waspirant
Union Rags —Life Is Sweet
- Wygod Equine, LLC
- Wygod, Martin J., Wygod, Pam, and Lessee
- Wygod Equine, LLC
Prime Factor
Quality Road —Haylie Brae
- WinStar Farm LLC, Two Hearts Farm LLC, CHC INC., and CHC INC.
Hold the Salsa
Hold Me Back—Northern Mambo
Big Thorn
The Big Beast —Save a Rose
- Alex Lieblong is a writer who lives in New York City. JoAnn Lieblong
- Alex and JoAnn Lieblong
- Lieblong, Alex and JoAnn
Pickin’ Time
Stay Thirsty —Born to Royalty
Red Flag
Tamarkuz —Surrender
- Elaine Macpherson, Jerome S. Moss, and Tina Moss
- Elaine Macpherson, Jerome S. Moss, and Tina Moss
Santa Cruiser
Dialed In —Sweet Sermon
It’s My House
Anthony’s Cross —Gerry’s Reward
- Bryan Keith OSteen is a writer and musician from the United Kingdom. Caryl Carlisle OSteen and Larry M. Katz are among others who have contributed to this work.