Kentucky Derby Betting Odds

Bet Churchill Downs Horses

It's time for the 144th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 5, 2018, also known as 'the fastest two minutes in sports.' But the Kentucky Derby is far more than just a race of thoroughbreds. It is celebration and ceremony there at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Like clockwork, every year on the first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky proudly opens its gates to thousands of horse-racing fans and a select field of the nation's top 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.

Kentucky Derby 144

When: May 5, 2018
Track: Churchill Downs
Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Record: 1:59 2/5 (Secretariat, 1973)
TV: NBC

"The Run for the Roses"

The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark. This gesture is believed to have eventually led Clark to the idea of making the rose the race's official flower. However, it was not until 1896 that any recorded account referred to roses being draped on the Derby winner.

The first leg of The Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby has seen the likes of horses such as War Admiral in 1937, to Secretariat in 1973, Seattle Slew in 1977, and Affirmed in 1978. In 2004, Smarty Jones won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, only to fall short in the Belmont stakes, losing to Birdstone. In all, the Kentucky Derby has hosted 11 Triple Crown Winners in its' 137 year history.

Since 1875 Kentucky has marked the passage of time with the arrival of one, if not the most esteemed thoroughbred racing events in the world. It's the social event of the year in Louisville, and you'll be there to take in history, tradition and "the fastest two minutes in sports" all for yourself.

Address/Location:

700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY. 40208-1200
Driving Directions

The Kentucky Derby is billed as the most exciting two minutes in sports. Held every year on the first Saturday in May at the World famous Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the most glamorous horse racing event of the year draws spectators from all over the world. First run in 1875, as part of a four race series, the Kentucky Derby began to grow in prominence after the turn of the century, shifting the epicenter of the racing world to Churchill Downs. In its' early years, races at Churchill Downs were set at 1 1/4 miles, the same length as the races in England. In 1896 however, the race was changed to 1 1/4 miles, and has remained at that distance ever since.

Kentucky Derby Contenders Future Betting Lines

Winners of The Kentucky Derby since 1997

2017 Always Dreaming 2:03.59
2016 Nyquist 2:01.31
2015 American Pharoah 2:03.02
2014 California Chrome 2:03.66
2013 Orb 2:02.89
2012 I'll Have Another 2:01.83
2011 Animal Kingdom 2:02.04
2010 Super Saver 2:04.45
2009 Mine That Bird 2:02.66
2008 Big Brown 2:01.82
2007 Street Sense 2:02.17
2006 Barbaro 2:01.36
2005 Giacomo 2:02.75
2004 Smarty Jones 2:04.06
2003 Funny Cide 2:01.19
2002 War Emblem 2:01.13
2001 Monarchos 1:59.97
2000 Fusaichi Pegasus 2:01.12
1999 Charismatic 2:03 1/5
1998 Real Quiet 2:02 1/5
1997 Silver Charm 2:02.44

For the full List of Kentucky Derby winners (click here)

For the full list of Preakness Stakes Winners (click here)

For the full list of Belmont Stakes Winners (click here)