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The Kentucky Derby, held annually since 1875, is America's longest continuously held sporting event and takes just over two minutes to decide millions in wagering.
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The race's iconic garland of roses became tradition in 1904 when a woman admired the blanket covering a winning horse and decided roses were more beautiful.
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The Derby track is exactly one mile long, and horses must be three-year-olds only, making it a unique coming-of-age moment for thoroughbred racing's elite.
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Churchill Downs, the Derby's home, was built on land purchased for just $3,000 in 1875, making it one of sports' greatest real estate investments ever.
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The Derby's "Run for the Roses" nickname stems from the race's association with Louisville's rose gardens, which inspired the floral tradition centuries before.
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Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown, and the Derby is the first leg—a remarkable feat because winning all three races in one season is nearly impossible.
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The Derby's post position is randomly drawn, yet horses starting from the middle gates statistically win more often than those on the rail or far outside.
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The Derby's starting gate was revolutionary when introduced in 1930, replacing the old standing start method and making races fairer and faster overall.
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The Derby's oldest continuous tradition isn't the roses—it's the mint julep, the official drink since 1938, consumed over 120,000 times on race day.
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COMPLETE
Secretariat's 1973 Derby victory remains the fastest ever at 1:59⅖, a record that's stood for 50 years despite modern training and track improvements.
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