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Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is without question the best-known race in the United States. The mere mention of the Kentucky Derby brings with it a distinct flavour of legend. The famous race is held annually at Churchill Downs Racecourse in Louisville Kentucky on the first Saturday in May, and it attracts the finest three-year-old thoroughbreds of the season without fail.
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, a three-event cup modelled on the English Triple Crown series. The US Triple Crown is completed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Inaugurated in 1875, the Kentucky Derby is one of the country's longest-established thoroughbred races. It is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds only and runs over a distance of ten furlongs.
With a purse of US$2 million it is no surprise that the 'Derby'- as it is commonly known - is a fierce contest only suitable for the most tenacious equine (and human) athletes. Consequently success in the Kentucky Derby guarantees recognition of one's talents on the international horse racing scenes. Many iconic racing personalities have left their mark on this legendary race; from infamous horses to revered jockeys and trainers.
Secretariat, 1973 winner of the Kentucky Derby - the 1973 Triple Crown Series in fact - , to this day holds the track record for the event. The outstanding thoroughbred, who is considered one of the greatest race horses of all time, finished the ten furlongs in 1:59.40, securing his status as one of the Derby's all-time legends. The title of most successful Kentucky Derby jockey is currently shared by Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack, who racked up five wins each between 1938 and 1952, and 1957 to 1969 respectively. Arcaro rode four of his five winners for trainer Ben A. Jones, who is the most successful Kentucky Derby trainer with six winners under his belt.
The substantial history of the Kentucky Derby has brought forth a great many traditions connected with the race. The Derby Day at Churchill Downs Racecourse could not be complete without a rendition of 'My Old Kentucky Home', the unofficial theme song of the event, or without the consumption of copious Mint Juleps, which have become the official beverage of the meeting.
The Kentucky Derby is a race of many names. As it is one of the most thrilling events of the season, the Kentucky Derby has been dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports" or "the fastest two minutes in sports". It is also known as "the run for the roses", a name derived from the blanket of roses which is traditionally draped over the winner. But no matter by which name you decide to call it - the Kentucky Derby remains one of the great, iconic racing events of our time.
Recent Winners of the Kentucky Derby:
| Year | Winner | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
2010 |
Super Saver |
Calvin Borel |
Todd Pletcher |
2:04.45 |
2009 |
Mine That Bird |
Calvin Borel |
Bennie L. Woolley Jr. |
2:02.66 |
2008 |
Big Brown |
Kent Desormeaux |
Rick Dutrow |
2:01.82 |
2007 |
Street Sense |
Calvin Borel |
Carl Nafzger |
2:02.17 |
2006 |
Barbaro |
Edgar Prado |
Michael R. Matz |
2:01.36 |
2005 |
Giacomo |
Mike E. Smith |
John Shireffs |
2:02.75 |
Kentucky Derby Odds and News
17 Jun 2013: 2013 Queen Anne Stakes Betting Preview
The Queen Anne Stakes is the opening event of the 2013 Royal Ascot Festival and is set to be one of the most exciting races of the meeting with 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom aiming to become the first United States-trained horse to win a Group 1 race during the famous festival.
Animal Kingdom (8/11) winner is a clear favourite in the 2013 Queen Anne Stakes betting market at 
Bet365 followed by Declaration of War (7/1) and Elusive Kate (8/1).
Animal Kingdom is the shortest price favourite of the entire meeting but can any of the other horses in the field cause a Queen Anne Stakes boil over? Our team of racing experts have analysed the form guide facts to come up with the best Queen Anne Stakes bets.
2013 Queen Anne Stakes Form Guide Facts
- The 2012 Queen Anne Stakes was won by the Sir Henry Cecil-trained Frankel who was ridden by Tom Queally.
- Queally will ride John Gosden-trained Gregorian in the 2013 edition of the race.
- Animal Kingdom and Gregorian are both last start winners.
- Chil The Kite and Sovereign Debt have previously won at Ascot.
- Animal Kingdom and Elusive Kate have won at Group 1 level.
- Nine of the last ten runnings of the Queen Anne Stakes have been won by previous Group 1 winners.
- Chil The Kite, Declaration of War, Gabrial, Penitent, Sovereign Debt, Trade Storm, Trumpet Major and Elusive Kate have won over a mile.
- Four-year-olds have won seventeen of the last twenty-one runnings of the Queen Anne Stakes. Animal Kingdom, Libranno, Monsieru Chevalier, Penitent and Trade Storm are the only non-four-year-olds in the field.
2013 Queen Anne Stakes Trifecta Tip
Animal Kingdom (8/11) from Elusive Kate (8/1) and Trumpet Major (33/1)
Although Animal Kingdom has history against him he is, by far, the standout contender in the field and probably the safest bet of the entire 2013 Royal Ascot Festival. The five-year-old is making his European racing debut but his victory in the Dubai World Cup has proven that he is capable of handling travel. The only other question mark is whether the Graham Motion-trained galloper can handle a rain affected surface but that shouldn’t be an issue with conditions expected to be excellent for the opening day of racing.
Elusive Kate will be making her first appearance since her third place finish behind Excelebration in the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last October. The Elusive Quality filly is the only other horse in the field that is proven at Group 1 level and hasn’t missed a placing in her last five races, which have all been at racing’s highest level. She must be included in all trifectas and combined with Animal Kingdom is an excellent exacta play.
The inconsistent Trumpet Major produced a shocker in the Lockinge Stakes but on his day is capable of competing with the very best. He was very impressive in the Group 2 Bet365 Mile and if he can repeat that performance will certainly finish in the top three. At his current odds the Arakan colt is a good each-way bet.
You can find the best 2013 Queen Anne Stakes odds at Bet365.
