On 4 May 2024, the Kentucky Derby will take place for the 150th time. It’s a major achievement for the historic race, which began life in 1875 and since become a global phenomenon.
Held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby features up to 20 3-year-old horses racing across a distance of 1.25 miles. In 2023, over 150,000 attended the Derby and more than 14.5 million watched from home, confirming that the “Greatest 2 Minutes in Sport” still captivates audiences in the modern day.
Throughout the race’s long history, a number of Derbys have stood out from the rest. For instance, the “Dust Derby” of 1880 saw horses tear through clouds of dust for the finish, while the “Fighting Finish Derby” of 1933 involved riders using every advantage they could in a close scrap for the finish.
In 1943, the Kentucky Derby defied the odds and was held in spite of the travel restrictions and rationing felt across the nation in World War II. Known as the “Streetcar Derby”, the race was watched mainly by locals able to use public transport for their trip to Churchill Downs. Finally, the Derby’s last major milestone took place in 1974 at the “Centennial Derby”. The event’s 100th edition saw Cannonade defeat 22 other horses on their way to victory.
In 2024, Kentucky Derby fans are set for another special edition of the Race for the Roses as it celebrates its 150th birthday. With more ways to enjoy the Derby than ever, there has never been a better time for racing fans young and old to make pilgrimage to world-famous Churchill Downs.
Tickets for the Friday of Derby weekend begin at $60, while General Admission for Derby Day starts at $95. A 2-Day General Admission Pass covering both Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May (Derby Day) is available for $145. Guaranteeing a seat on the day of the Kentucky Derby will cost around $819, while hospitality experiences for the event are priced closer to $4,500.
Alongside the Melbourne Cup and the Grand National, the Kentucky Derby is an iconic, bucket-list sporting event, and an annual highlight of the racing calendar. To experience the Derby is to experience horse racing at its finest: from the runners and riders to the fans, the raceday atmosphere to the off-track experience, the Derby is a true American classic.
For more information on the Kentucky Derby, or to purchase tickets, click here.
