Kentucky Derby

For 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the American Triple Crown series. The event has been held every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., since 1875. The Derby is undoubtedly the most renowned horse race in the world, with a distance of 1 1/4 miles.

Horses compete in the Kentucky Derby after qualifying through the Road to the Kentucky Derby, which consists of a series of races. The top four finishers in these stakes races receive Derby qualification points. They are held at racetracks around the country. The horses with the highest qualifying points make up the Derby starters, with two of the 20 places reserved for the best qualifiers from the European and Japanese Road to the Derby qualifying events. The race is about more than just seeing which horse can get past the post first to win, it's also about fashion and having a good time. Around race day, there are a lot of traditions. People dress up for the occasion – don't forget your fascinator – and have a good time in the spring Kentucky sun. If you want to go, make sure to prepare ahead of time because the marathon attracts over 150,000 people, and hotels fill up quickly.