The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious horse race in the United States. It was established in 1875 and occurs annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby is open to three-year-old horses. Since 1975, the field has been limited to 20 horses, with fillies carrying 121 pounds and colts 126 pounds. The race distance was reduced in 1896 from 1.5 miles to its current 1.25 miles.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular single-day spectator events in the world, drawing around 150,000 people to Churchill Downs every year. Traditions include drinking mint juleps, wearing ornate hats, and the draping of a blanket of red roses over the winning horse. The latter tradition has given the race the nickname the “Run for the Roses.”