The thunder of hooves, the roar of the crowd, the flash of colorful silks—the Kentucky Derby is an unparalleled spectacle in the world of sports. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the race is a culmination of dreams for owners, trainers, and jockeys. But a critical question for both seasoned fans and newcomers is about the size of the competition. So, how many horses are racing in the Kentucky Derby? The answer is both simple and wonderfully complex, shaping the very nature of this legendary event.
The Kentucky Derby has a maximum field size of 20 horses. This number sets it apart from almost every other horse race in North America, creating a crowded, chaotic, and utterly thrilling contest that demands a unique combination of skill, strategy, and sheer luck from its participants. This cap wasn’t always in place, but it has become a defining feature of the “Run for the Roses.” Understanding how this field of 20 is assembled reveals the incredible journey each equine athlete undertakes to earn a spot in the starting gate at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. This rigorous selection process is a competition in itself, far more intricate than what you might find in regional events like horse racing in mississippi.
The Magic Number: A Field of 20
The Kentucky Derby’s starting gate is limited to a maximum of 20 three-year-old Thoroughbreds. This number was officially instituted in 1975 to improve the safety of the race for both horses and jockeys. Before this rule, the field size could fluctuate wildly, sometimes leading to dangerously overcrowded races. The cap of 20 ensures a more manageable and, theoretically, a safer race, though it remains one of the most challenging events to navigate in the sport.
This large field is a primary reason the Derby is so famous for its unpredictability. With 20 powerful animals breaking from the gate simultaneously, securing a good position early is crucial. Jockeys must make split-second decisions to avoid getting trapped behind a wall of other horses or being forced to run too wide around the turns, which covers extra ground. This element of chance is a massive factor for anyone studying the race, making it a focal point for complex discussions in horse racing handicapping tournaments.
The “Road to the Kentucky Derby”: How Horses Qualify
Earning one of those 20 coveted spots is an arduous accomplishment. Horses don’t just show up; they must prove their mettle on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a points-based qualification system established by Churchill Downs in 2013. This system consists of a series of designated prep races held at tracks across the country and even internationally.
The series is split into two main phases:
- The Prep Season: This typically runs from September to February. The races in this period offer lower point values, generally on a 10-4-2-1 scale to the top four finishers, allowing promising young horses to get on the leaderboard early.
- The Championship Series: This is the crucial final leg, running from February through April. The point values increase dramatically, with major races like the Florida Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby awarding points on a 100-40-20-10 scale. A win or even a second-place finish in one of these premier events all but guarantees a horse enough points to make the Derby field.
The 20 horses with the highest point totals at the end of the series are extended an invitation to enter the Kentucky Derby. This modern system ensures that the horses competing are in peak form and have demonstrated consistent excellence against top-tier competition, a far cry from the days when legends like seattle slew horse racing qualified under a different set of criteria.
What Happens When a Horse Scratches?
Injuries and last-minute changes of plan are common in horse racing. So, what happens if one of the top 20 qualifiers has to withdraw from the race? This is where the “also-eligible” list comes into play.
The horses ranked 21st through 24th on the points list are designated as also-eligible (AE). If a horse from the main body of 20 is “scratched” (withdrawn) before 9 a.m. Eastern Time on the Friday before the Derby, the first horse on the also-eligible list gets to draw into the race. This can continue until all four AE horses have potentially moved into the field. After that Friday morning deadline, however, no more replacements are allowed. If a horse scratches late on Friday or on Saturday, the field will simply run with fewer than 20 horses.
Has the Field Size Always Been 20? A Look Back
The history of the Derby’s field size is fascinating. In the early years of the race, the fields were often small. The very first Kentucky Derby in 1875 had 15 runners. However, as the race grew in prestige, the number of entrants swelled. The largest field in Derby history was in 1974, the 100th running of the race, which featured a staggering 28 horses.
The safety concerns arising from such a crowded and chaotic race prompted Churchill Downs to implement the 20-horse limit the following year. Since 1975, the race has consistently aimed for this number, though scratches have occasionally resulted in a slightly smaller field. This history of adapting for safety and competition is a hallmark of American racing, influencing practices in states from Kentucky to horse racing in south carolina.
Legendary Trainers and the Derby Field
Navigating the Road to the Kentucky Derby is a masterclass in strategy for trainers. They must choose the right prep races, manage the horse’s fitness, and peak at the perfect moment. A legendary figure like wayne lukas horse trainer built a career on his uncanny ability to prepare horses for this grueling journey. For a trainer, simply getting a horse into the field of 20 is a monumental victory in itself, a testament to months, if not years, of careful planning and expert horsemanship. The intense pressure and high stakes are what make the achievement so remarkable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many horses are in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby has a maximum field size of 20 horses. This is the largest starting field for any major Thoroughbred race in the United States, making it a unique and challenging event.
What is the absolute maximum number of horses that can run?
The absolute maximum is 20. While up to four “also-eligible” horses can be listed as potential replacements, they can only get into the race if one of the initial top 20 qualifiers scratches before the Friday morning deadline. The field will never exceed 20 starters.
How are Kentucky Derby horses chosen?
Horses are chosen through the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a points-based system. Three-year-old Thoroughbreds compete in a series of designated prep races, and the top 20 horses on the final points leaderboard earn a spot in the starting gate.
What does it mean if a horse is “scratched”?
A “scratch” means a horse has been withdrawn from the race before it starts. This can happen for various reasons, including illness, injury, or a trainer’s decision. If a horse scratches from the Derby before the deadline, an also-eligible horse may take its place.
Have there ever been fewer than 20 horses in the Derby?
Yes, frequently. While the maximum is 20, the final number of starters is often fewer due to last-minute scratches that occur after the replacement deadline. It is common for the race to be run with 18 or 19 horses.
Conclusion
The answer to “How Many Horses Racing In Kentucky Derby” is a firm 20, a number that defines the very soul of the race. This cap creates the thrilling, unpredictable, and sometimes heartbreaking spectacle that captivates millions around the globe. The journey to that starting gate, through the demanding Road to the Kentucky Derby, ensures that the field is composed of the most resilient, talented, and deserving three-year-old horses in the world. It is this combination of a massive field and a grueling qualification process that solidifies the Kentucky Derby’s status as the most exciting two minutes in sports.
