Kentucky Derby 2019
There's nothing quite like Kentucky Derby betting, and with the 2019 Run for the Roses quickly approaching (Sat, May 4), this year's field is particularly wide-open. Let's meet the Kentucky Derby contenders, talk Kentucky Derby Future betting and examine the scope of the famed first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, which is always followed by The Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
With 20 horses signed on to contest the Derby barring late scratches, bettors put themselves in the proverbial catbird's seat to take advantage of healthy odds. Even in the case of bona fide superstars such as American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2019), both colts entered the starting gate in Louisville at around 5/2 (+250).
Kentucky Derby Past Champions
The Kentucky Derby has been running since 1875, with over a hundred winners over the years. The race is held on the first Saturday of May, capping a two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. It's a grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds at a distance of one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds and fillies 121 pounds.
Last year the race was won by Country House, in a time of 2:03:93. We've compiled a list of all previous winners for you below:
| Year |
Horse |
Jockey |
|
2020
|
TBA
|
TBA |
|
2019
|
Country House
|
Flavien Prat |
|
2018
|
Justify |
Mike E. Smith |
|
2017
|
Always Dreaming |
John Velazquez |
|
2016
|
Nyquist |
Mario Gutierrez |
|
2015
|
American Pharoah |
Victor Espinoza |
|
2014
|
California Chrome |
Victor Espinoza |
|
2013
|
Orb |
Joel Rosario |
|
2012
|
I'll Have Another |
Mario Gutierrez |
|
2011
|
Animal Kingdom |
John Velazquez |
|
2010
|
Super Saver
|
Calvin Borel |
|
2009
|
Mine That Bird
|
Calvin Borel |
|
2008
|
Big Brown
|
Kent Desormeaux |
|
2007
|
Street Sense
|
Calvin Borel |
|
2006
|
Barbaro
|
Edgar Prado |
|
2005
|
Giacomo
|
Mike E. Smith |
|
2004
|
Smartly Jones
|
Stewart Elliot |
|
2003
|
Funny Cide
|
Jose A. Santos |
|
2002
|
War Emblem
|
Victor Espinoza |
|
2001
|
Monarchos
|
Jorge F. Chavez |
|
2000
|
Fusaichi Pegasus
|
Kent Desormeaux |
Kentucky Derby Records
There have been numerous records set over the years, including speed records, winning margins, among many more.
Speed record:
- Mile and a Quarter: 1:592⁄5 – Secretariat (1973)
- Mile and a Half: 2:341⁄2 – Spokane (1889)
Margin of Victory:
- 8 lengths – Old Rosebud (1914), Johnstown (1939), Whirlaway (1941), Assault (1946)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 5 – Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952)
- 5 – Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 6 – Ben A. Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952)
Most wins by an owner:
- 8 – Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968)
Longest shot to win the Derby:
- 91 to 1 – Donerail (1913)
