1. It’s the longest-running sporting event in the U.S. The Kentucky Derby has been held every year since 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It has never missed a year, even during wars and economic downturns.

2. Only three-year-old horses can compete. Every horse in the Derby is exactly three years old. That means out of the 17,000 Thoroughbreds born in 2023, the top 20 get one shot to win it.

3. The race is only about two minutes long. Despite all the buildup, the Derby itself typically lasts around two minutes. That’s where the phrase “the most exciting two minutes in sports” comes from.

4. The winning horse is covered in roses. The champion is draped in a blanket of 554 red roses, earning the race its nickname: “The Run for the Roses.”

5. Mint juleps are the official drink. The traditional Derby cocktail is the mint julep, made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice. More than 100,000 are served at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.

6. Big hats are part of the tradition. Derby fashion is almost as famous as the race itself. Over-the-top hats and bold outfits have become a signature part of the experience.

7. The Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby kicks off the Triple Crown series, followed by the Preakness Stakes (Baltimore - May 16, 2016) and the Belmont Stakes (New York City - June 6, 2016).

8. Winning the Triple Crown is incredibly rare. Only 13 horses in history have won all three Triple Crown races. The most recent was Justify in 2018.

9. The crowd is massive. On Derby Day, attendance at Churchill Downs can exceed 150,000 people, making it one of the largest sporting events in the country.

10. It’s as much about the experience as the race. From the pageantry to the traditions, the Derby is less about just watching a race and more about being part of something bigger.