We have Kentucky Derby facts for all your trivia buffs out there. Over the years we’ve seen the same questions asked over an over again, and this year we decided to compile and answer the most common questions readers normally have when it comes to one of the most popular derbies in the US. We’ll start first with some straight short answers for your curious mind and then we’ll move to betting-related questions in case you want to place some bets on the “ponies” next week.
Kentucky Derby Trivia Questions
Questions like “Where can I watch?”, “What channel?”, “How many horses?”, “How long is the track?” “What horse won last year?”, etc. are really basic questions that any bettor should have at their disposal. Not so much because its vital or really important to know to win some bets, but because not knowing it can be a regretful decision down the road when an important betting decision between apparent similar choices arise.
- Can I watch the Kentucky Derby on a live stream?: Yes, it’s available at www.KentuckyDerby.com the day of the race.
- What time is the Kentucky Derby?: Coverage for the 145th Kentucky Derby beings at 5:00 PM EST on May 4th on NBC.
- What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?: NBC Sports
- Where is the Kentucky Derby?: It’s held every year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- How many horses in the Kentucky Derby?: 20 three-year-old horses compete each year.
- How long is the Derby Track?: The dirt oval main track is one mile (1.6 km) in circumference and is 79-80 feet wide. The starting gate is 120 feet wide.
- How long is the Kentucky Derby?: The Derby race has a distance of 1.25 miles.
Where Are The Kentucky Derby Horses From?
Horse come from all over the country through a series of qualifying races to get into the Derby. Out of the 15 horses to compete, 14 compete throughout America, but there is one invitation from Europe granted each year. The horses competing in the Derby must be three-year-old thoroughbreds.
How Much Is The Purse/Prize?
It’s unclear how much the purse will be for the 2019 Kentucky Derby. The 2018 Derby had a purse of about $2 million as Justify won the race in 2018 and took close to $2 million in the winner’s purse.
What Are The Best Sites To Bet On The Kentucky Derby Race In 2019?
MyBookie Sportsbook is the best overall sportsbook when it comes to betting, it has the best bonuses regarding every possible big sport you might look for, and has great payouts speeds if you are looking to do quick bets. The other option is Bovada Sportsbook, it has a great interface when it comes to betting and has overall the best odds for your betting pleasure.
Who Are The Most Recognizable Jockeys In The Competition?
The most famous jockeys still racing are Victor Espinoza, John Velaquez, and Mario Gutierrez. Espinoza won the Triple Crown in 2015. Both Velaquez and Gutierrez have also won the Kentucky Derby in the past five years.
Any Recognizable Horse Trainers?
There are several Hall of Fame trainers that are still active today. Steve Asmussen participated in last year’s Derby and is the second-leading trainer of all time by wins. He hasn’t won a Derby yet but has won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes twice. Todd Pletcher is a top trainer in North America who won the Derby in 2010 with Super Saver. He has also had success at Belmont, winning the race two times.
Do You Have To Gamble At The Kentucky Derby?
No, if you decide to go to the race in person or watch from at home – there is no requirement that you must bet on the race. Of course, many choose to do so, both at the track and at online sportsbooks. If you are new to online wagering on horses we have an in-depth guide to Kentucky Derby Betting Online.
Why Does The Kentucky Derby Attract So Many Spectators?
It’s the first race of the Triple Crown and is a big event in early spring. Some spectators come from far and wide to get tickets for the Derby. Fashion is a big deal at the race, with large hats for women and suits and cigars for me. It’s a long day of heavy drinking and betting for many.
How Much Is Bet On The Kentucky Derby?
At racetracks around the country, there was a total of $193.2 million bet on the Kentucky Derby. That doesn’t include the amount bet with local bookies and online sportsbooks, however. On track wagering, hit record highs in 2017 at $32.8 million. The actual amount wagered may be closer to $1 billion.
Is Horse Race Betting A Big Business?
Not as big as it once was in the United States several decades ago, but it is still quite a large business. When the UIGEA passed in 2006, it was exempted from the law, along with fantasy sports. The bill would have never been introduced if it outlawed online betting on horse racing.
About the Author
Joseph Falchetti
Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.
Previous post
HCT World Championship 2019 Taipei Betting Preview, Odds & Tips
Alonzo Solano | April 24, 2019Next post
