The Kentucky Derby is one of the most iconic horse racing events in the United States, rich in history, tradition, and fun facts that make for fascinating trivia.
The Kentucky Derby, often referred to as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is more than just a horse race—it’s a celebration of tradition, fashion, and American history. This article offers a detailed look at some of the most intriguing Kentucky Derby trivia questions and answers. Whether you’re preparing for a themed trivia night or simply looking to impress friends with your knowledge, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone.
History of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the United States. Inspired by England’s Epsom Derby, Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. founded the race with the vision of creating a similar spectacle in the U.S.
Key Historical Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1875 | First Kentucky Derby held |
| 1896 | Race distance changed from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles |
| 1925 | Derby first broadcast on the radio |
| 1986 | NBC starts broadcasting the Derby nationwide |
Understanding these milestones helps set the stage for appreciating the rich trivia associated with the event.
Kentucky Derby Trivia Questions and Answers
Here are 101 Kentucky Derby Trivia Questions and Answers, organized by categories with 10 questions each, following your requested format:
Kentucky Derby Basics
Q: In which city is the Kentucky Derby held each year?
A: Louisville, Kentucky
Q: What is the name of the racetrack where the Kentucky Derby takes place?
A: Churchill Downs
Q: In what year was the first Kentucky Derby held?
A: 1875
Q: How long is the Kentucky Derby race?
A: 1¼ miles (10 furlongs)
Q: On what day is the Kentucky Derby traditionally run?
A: The first Saturday in May
Q: What nickname is often used to describe the Kentucky Derby?
A: “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”
Q: What is the maximum number of horses allowed in the Kentucky Derby field?
A: 20
Q: Which age group of horses can compete in the Kentucky Derby?
A: 3-year-olds
Q: What flower is associated with the Kentucky Derby?
A: Rose
Q: What is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby?
A: Mint Julep
Historic Moments
Q: Who was the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby?
A: Aristides
Q: What year did Secretariat win the Kentucky Derby?
A: 1973
Q: What was Secretariat’s winning time in the Kentucky Derby?
A: 1:59.40
Q: What horse won the Kentucky Derby in 2022 after entering as a last-minute replacement?
A: Rich Strike
Q: Who was the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby?
A: Diane Crump
Q: What horse was disqualified in 2019 after initially being declared the winner?
A: Maximum Security
Q: Who was the oldest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby?
A: Bill Shoemaker at age 54
Q: Which horse was the first to win the Derby wire-to-wire since 2002?
A: Authentic (2020)
Q: Who was the first African-American jockey to win the Kentucky Derby?
A: Oliver Lewis
Q: What horse ran the fastest Kentucky Derby in history?
A: Secretariat
Famous Horses
Q: What Triple Crown winner is known for setting track records in all three races?
A: Secretariat
Q: Which horse won the Kentucky Derby in 2015 and went on to win the Triple Crown?
A: American Pharoah
Q: Who was the Kentucky Derby winner in 2018 that also won the Triple Crown?
A: Justify
Q: What horse won the Kentucky Derby in 2004 and was known for a big upset?
A: Smarty Jones
Q: Which horse was known as “Big Red”?
A: Secretariat
Q: What horse won the 1989 Kentucky Derby and was ridden by Pat Day?
A: Sunday Silence
Q: What filly won the Kentucky Derby in 1980?
A: Genuine Risk
Q: Who was the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby?
A: Regret
Q: What was the name of the horse that finished second to Secretariat in 1973?
A: Sham
Q: What horse won the Derby in 1998 and is also the subject of a popular documentary?
A: Real Quiet
Jockeys & Trainers
Q: Who has the most Kentucky Derby wins as a jockey?
A: Eddie Arcaro and Bill Hartack (5 each)
Q: Which jockey won the Kentucky Derby in 2021 on Medina Spirit?
A: John Velazquez
Q: Which trainer holds the record for most Kentucky Derby wins?
A: Bob Baffert
Q: Who was the winning jockey on Justify in 2018?
A: Mike Smith
Q: What jockey rode American Pharoah to Triple Crown victory?
A: Victor Espinoza
Q: Who was the trainer of Secretariat?
A: Lucien Laurin
Q: Which female trainer had a horse in the Kentucky Derby for the first time in 2020?
A: Vicki Oliver
Q: Who was the winning jockey in the 2009 Kentucky Derby riding Mine That Bird?
A: Calvin Borel
Q: How many Kentucky Derby wins does jockey Calvin Borel have?
A: Three
Q: Who trained Rich Strike, the 2022 Derby winner?
A: Eric Reed
Race Day Traditions
Q: What song is traditionally sung before the Kentucky Derby begins?
A: “My Old Kentucky Home”
Q: What is the traditional garnish for a mint julep?
A: Fresh mint leaves
Q: What is the name of the red carpet fashion event held on Derby Day?
A: The Kentucky Derby Red Carpet
Q: What do spectators typically wear to the Kentucky Derby?
A: Fancy hats and spring dresses or suits
Q: What’s the name of the celebrity-filled party held the night before the Derby?
A: The Barnstable Brown Gala
Q: What type of food is commonly served at Derby parties?
A: Southern cuisine (e.g., hot browns, bourbon balls)
Q: What color are the roses in the Derby winner’s blanket?
A: Red
Q: How many mint juleps are sold over the Kentucky Derby weekend?
A: Over 120,000
Q: What is the trophy awarded to the winning owner, jockey, and trainer called?
A: The Kentucky Derby Trophy
Q: What do fans shout as the horses enter the final stretch of the Derby?
A: “And down the stretch they come!”
Triple Crown Connection
Q: What three races make up the Triple Crown?
A: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes
Q: Which horse was the first to win the Triple Crown?
A: Sir Barton
Q: How many horses have won the Triple Crown?
A: 13
Q: What Triple Crown winner was unbeaten in all his starts?
A: Justify
Q: Who is the only Triple Crown winner to sire another Triple Crown winner?
A: Seattle Slew (sired A.P. Indy, but not another TC winner)
Q: What horse won the Derby but lost the other two Triple Crown races in 2003?
A: Funny Cide
Q: Which race is the longest of the Triple Crown?
A: Belmont Stakes
Q: What is the shortest race in the Triple Crown?
A: Preakness Stakes
Q: What is the time gap between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness?
A: Two weeks
Q: Which trainer has the most Triple Crown wins?
A: Bob Baffert
Betting & Odds
Q: What is the term for picking the winner, second, and third place in correct order?
A: Trifecta
Q: What is the betting term for picking the top two finishers in any order?
A: Exacta Box
Q: What was the biggest longshot to win the Kentucky Derby?
A: Donerail (91-1 odds in 1913)
Q: What is a “superfecta” in betting?
A: Picking the top four finishers in exact order
Q: What betting pool allows you to bet on the Derby months in advance?
A: Future Wager
Q: What horse had 80-1 odds and won the Derby in 2022?
A: Rich Strike
Q: What is the minimum bet amount for win/place/show at most Derby windows?
A: $2
Q: What is a “show” bet?
A: Betting a horse to finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
Q: What’s the name for a bet on multiple races involving multiple horses?
A: Parlay or multi-race wager
Q: Who sets the morning line odds for the Kentucky Derby?
A: The track handicapper
Notable Upsets
Q: What horse shocked the racing world by winning in 2009 at 50-1 odds?
A: Mine That Bird
Q: What horse was scratched hours before the race in 2023, causing odds changes?
A: Forte
Q: Which 1999 Derby winner had no major wins prior to the race?
A: Charismatic
Q: What horse was declared the winner in 2019 after a controversial DQ?
A: Country House
Q: Which filly stunned everyone by winning in 1988?
A: Winning Colors
Q: What horse won the Derby in 2002 at 20-1 odds?
A: War Emblem
Q: What was the odds for Giacomo when he won in 2005?
A: 50-1
Q: What longshot winner in 1992 was named after a car part?
A: Lil E. Tee
Q: What 1986 winner had only three prior starts before the Derby?
A: Ferdinand
Q: Which trainer won his first Derby in 2022 with a horse claimed for $30,000?
A: Eric Reed with Rich Strike
Fun Facts & Miscellaneous
Q: What is the purse amount for the Kentucky Derby winner?
A: $1.86 million (as of 2023)
Q: How many fillies have won the Kentucky Derby?
A: Three
Q: What is the name of the infield party area at Churchill Downs?
A: The Infield
Q: What year did the Kentucky Derby first air on television?
A: 1952
Q: What horse won the 100th running of the Derby?
A: Cannonade
Q: What is the fastest final quarter-mile in Derby history?
A: Sham in 1973
Q: Which post position has the most Kentucky Derby winners?
A: Post 5
Q: What is the name of the twin spires at Churchill Downs?
A: The Twin Spires
Q: How many spectators does Churchill Downs hold?
A: Over 150,000
Q: Who owns Churchill Downs?
A: Churchill Downs Incorporated
Recent Winners
Q: Who won the Kentucky Derby in 2023?
A: Mage
Q: Who was the winning jockey in the 2023 Derby?
A: Javier Castellano
Q: What horse finished second in the 2023 Derby?
A: Two Phil’s
Q: Who was the 2022 Derby winner?
A: Rich Strike
Q: What was the winning time in 2022?
A: 2:02.61
Q: Who trained Mage, the 2023 winner?
A: Gustavo Delgado
Q: What horse finished third in the 2023 Derby?
A: Angel of Empire
Q: What was Mage’s starting odds in the 2023 Derby?
A: 15-1
Q: What jockey won both the Derby and Preakness in 2023?
A: Javier Castellano
Q: What was the final purse of the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
A: $3 million
Fun Facts and Lesser-Known Trivia
The Kentucky Derby is full of quirky and unexpected facts that even seasoned fans might not know.
Fascinating Derby Facts
| Fact | Description |
| Roses | The winner is draped in a blanket of 554 red roses |
| Derby Hats | Wearing extravagant hats is a celebrated tradition |
| Mint Juleps | Over 120,000 Mint Juleps are served during Derby weekend |
| Celebrity Sightings | The Derby is known for attracting celebrities and dignitaries |
This table showcases the cultural elements that make the Kentucky Derby more than just a sporting event.
Traditions That Define the Kentucky Derby
The Garland of Roses
One of the most iconic traditions of the Kentucky Derby is the presentation of the garland of roses. This custom began in 1896 and has since become synonymous with victory at Churchill Downs.
The Mint Julep
Served in a silver cup and made with bourbon, mint, and sugar syrup, the Mint Julep is the official drink of the Derby. It represents Southern hospitality and has been a staple since the early 20th century.
Fashion and Hats
Dressing up is part of the fun. Attendees, particularly women, often wear extravagant hats, while men don colorful suits and bowties. This tradition adds flair and elegance to the event.
Notable Kentucky Derby Winners
Some horses have etched their names into the annals of history. Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and American Pharoah are just a few of the Derby winners who went on to win the Triple Crown.
Famous Derby Winners Table
| Horse Name | Year | Triple Crown Winner |
| Secretariat | 1973 | Yes |
| Seattle Slew | 1977 | Yes |
| American Pharoah | 2015 | Yes |
| Justify | 2018 | Yes |
| Aristides | 1875 | No |
These horses are revered not just for their speed, but for their lasting impact on horse racing.
The Business Behind the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is also a major economic engine. It generates hundreds of millions of dollars each year in tourism, betting, and media rights.
Economic Impact
| Category | Estimated Revenue |
| Betting | $150+ million |
| Tourism | $400+ million |
| Merchandise | $20+ million |
These numbers illustrate why the Derby is not just a race but a cultural and economic phenomenon.
How to Host a Kentucky Derby Trivia Night
Hosting a trivia night themed around the Kentucky Derby can be a delightful way to celebrate. Here are some tips:
- Divide guests into teams for friendly competition.
- Use multiple rounds, including history, traditions, and famous winners.
- Serve Mint Juleps and Derby-inspired snacks.
- Award prizes like Derby hats or themed merchandise.
This is a great way to engage both seasoned fans and newcomers to the Derby experience.
Table: Sample Trivia Quiz Round
| Question | Answer |
| What horse won in 2020? | Authentic |
| Who was the first female jockey in the Derby? | Diane Crump |
| What flower is associated with the Derby? | Rose |
| What day is the Derby traditionally held? | First Saturday in May |
Interactive Trivia Game Ideas
Use these fun formats to keep your guests entertained:
- Multiple Choice: Provide 3-4 options for each question.
- True or False: Great for quick rounds.
- Guess the Year: Offer events and ask players to guess the year.
- Visual Round: Show pictures of past winners or famous hats.
Interactive elements can make your trivia night more engaging and enjoyable.
FAQs About the Kentucky Derby Trivia
1. How did the Kentucky Derby get its name?
It was inspired by England’s Epsom Derby and named to reflect that lineage.
2. Are all Kentucky Derby winners male?
No. While male horses dominate, fillies (female horses) have won as well, such as Winning Colors in 1988.
3. Why are roses associated with the Derby?
The red rose became the official flower in 1904 and symbolizes victory.
4. How is the starting lineup determined?
Based on a points system accumulated during the “Road to the Kentucky Derby.”
5. Is betting legal on the Kentucky Derby?
Yes. Legal betting is a major part of the event’s tradition and revenue.
6. What’s the attendance like?
Typically over 150,000 spectators attend in person.
7. Can I watch the Derby online?
Yes, it is broadcast and streamed through major networks like NBC and Peacock.
8. Who is the youngest jockey to win?
Steve Cauthen at age 18 in 1978.
Final Words
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race; it’s a cherished piece of American culture with deep historical roots and beloved traditions. This trivia-rich overview has covered everything from key facts and figures to engaging ways to enjoy and share your Derby knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for Derby Day, hosting a themed event, or simply enjoying the heritage, the Kentucky Derby remains a captivating celebration of speed, style, and spirit.
