History of Kentucky Derby winners as race for Triple Crown begins
Context:
The 151st Kentucky Derby, also known as the 'Run for the Roses', is set to take place at Churchill Downs, featuring 20 horses that have earned their spots through a series of competitive races. The race is expected to be impacted by weather conditions, with a 94% chance of rain potentially creating muddy conditions at the track. Journalism is the favorite to win, though no morning-line favorite has won since Justify in 2018, who also claimed the Triple Crown that year. The winner of this year's Derby will receive a $3.1 million share from a $5 million purse, marking a significant increase from previous years. The competition for the top spots is fierce, with last year's race ending in a historic photo finish between Mystik Dan, Sierra Leone, and Forever Young.
Dive Deeper:
Churchill Downs will host the 151st Kentucky Derby, a prestigious horse race featuring 20 horses that have earned their positions by accumulating points in qualifying races across the U.S. and internationally.
Weather conditions are expected to be challenging, with a high probability of rain on race day, potentially affecting track conditions and making the race more unpredictable.
Journalism is the current favorite to win the Derby, but the last time a morning-line favorite won was in 2018 when Justify not only won the Derby but also went on to claim the Triple Crown.
The Kentucky Derby is known for offering the most substantial purse among Triple Crown events, with this year's winner set to receive $3.1 million, a notable increase from last year's purse.
The 2024 Derby saw a thrilling conclusion with Mystik Dan narrowly beating out Sierra Leone and Forever Young, highlighting the intense competition and unpredictability of the race.
The event is noted for its rich history, with a comprehensive list of past winners available, and it continues to be a major highlight on the annual sporting calendar.
Post time for the Derby is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET, with extensive coverage and updates available through Fox News Digital’s sports platforms.