Welcome to TheDerbyTrail.com! On this site you can learn all about the Kentucky Derby 2009; the race, the contenders, Churchill Downs, ways to get tickets, info on hats, and of course placing bets! You can also check out some trivia and learn about throwing a Kentucky Derby party! Betting The Derby        Derby Party        Derby Nightlife        Derby Hats

"The most exciting two minutes in sports" will happen again on May 1, 2010 at Churchill Downs for the 136th time. Over 150,000 people will attend the track and many more will be watching thru TV and simulcast throughout the world. Will we see another longshot winner such as Mine That Bird at 50-1, or a huge performance from a favorite similar to Big Brown's triumph in 2008? It's never too early to get on the Derby Trail.

Churchill Downs is of course the track that hosts the Derby. Located in Louisville Kentucky, CD officially opened in 1875 and has been running the Derby and the Oaks every year since. However, many of the symbols associated with the Derby came later; primarily in 1895 with the commissioning of the famous "twin spires" and the introduction of roses for the winner.

Getting a ticket to party in the infield may not be too difficult, but if you want to see the Kentucky Derby it may be a bit tough, and Louisville hotels make a small fortune on the days around the Derby. Tickets start at $350 and quickly go up from there. Many tickets cost well over $1,000. DerbyBox is one site where you can get tickets and packages and use a pretty cool interactive seat map.

The Kentucky Derby Field is limited to 20 horses based on graded earnings. The horses in the top 20 are automatically eligible and the horses on the bubble will need a little luck to make it into the field. The Breeders' cup Juvenile winner typically earns enough to qualify as a 2 year old, however the bulk of the field will qualify during the Derby Trail races.

A set of typically major prep races that occurs before the Derby. Derby contenders will run in these races to show their qualification for the Kentucky Derby. There is no official list and there is no one path that trainers take. Below is a list that highlights some of the feature prep races. The horses that win these races and come out in good shape are often the betting favorites in the Derby.

Turfway Park - Lane's End (G2) 03/22
Gulfstream Park - Florida Derby (G1) 03/28
Aqueduct - Wood Memorial (G1) 04/04
Hawthorne - Illinois Derby (G2) 04/04
Santa Anita - Santa Anita Derby (G1) 04/04
Keeneland - Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) 04/11
Oaklawn Park - Arkansas Derby (G2) 04/11
Keeneland - Coolmore Lexington Stakes (G2) 04/18
Churchill Downs - Kentucky Oaks (G1) 05/01
Churchill Downs - Kentucky Derby (G1) 05/02
Pimlico - Preakness Stakes (G1) 05/16
Belmont - Belmont Stakes (G1) 06/06

Depending on the tickets you’re holding, the Derby experience can vary widely. If you’re fortunate enough to be seated in a luxury box, expect a few celebrity sightings, an elegant ambiance, formal dress code, great views of the track, and no lines for the restrooms. At the other extreme, is the infamous infield experience. Expect an unforgettable day of partying with a casually dressed or partially undressed crowd (pray for sun). The infield is packed with flowing beer taps, bountiful bourbon trucks, and lots of good barbecue. You’ll wait in long lines to use the portable bathrooms and will probably see the races only via the big screen. But, after two or three mint juleps, you won’t even care!

The Derby Futures allow you to bet on the outcome of the Derby months before the race is run. See the list above for a few entries in the pool. If you want to place a bet you can use Youbet.com.

Of course you will want to bet on the Derby! It’s half the fun! There are many on-track and off-track betting locations and you can open a wagering account with various on-line companies if you don’t already have one. You can use Youbet.com for betting on races at Churchill Downs. You could pick the horse with the best name, but in order to make the most informed decision you should rely on good handicapping information. Case The Race offers new handicapping data and has several Derby packages that are easy to use and will give you an advantage.

Q. What was is the fastest Derby time?

A. Secretariat, 1973 1:58, the only horse to break the 2 minute barrier. Secretariat went on to win the Triple Crown that year.

Q. What was the slowest Derby time?

A. Stone Street (1908) 2:15 (only looking at mile and a quarter distances).

Q. Has any male ever sired multiple Derby winners?

A. Reviewing data back to 1940 there have been a couple, but Bull Lea has the most with three Citation (1948), Hill Gail (1952), and Iron Liege (1957)

Q. Who was the first triple crown winner?

A. Sir Barton in 1919.

Q. Who is the most recent triple crown winner?

A. Affirmed, in 1978. The last to get close was Real Quiet who only lost the Belmont Stakes by a nose in 1998.

Q. Has the Derby always been a mile and a quarter?

A. No, it was changed from a mile and a half in 1896.

Q. What was the most bizarre Derby incident?

A. In 1957 Willie “The Shoe” Shoemaker was riding Gallant Man. In the lead and sure to win, Willie misjudged the finish line and stood up, where upon he was passed by Bill Hartack riding Iron Liege. However, in 1986 Willie came back and won the Derby aboard Ferdinand, and became the oldest jockey to win the race at age 54.

Q. Has a jockey won the Derby more than once?

A. Yes a few have, but Bill Hartack and Eddie Arcaro share the top spot honor with 5 wins each.

Q. What should you drink on Derby day?

A. A mint Julep!

4 fresh mint sprigs
2 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
1 tsp powdered sugar
2 tsp water

Muddle mint leaves, powdered sugar, and water in a collins glass. Fill the glass with shaved or crushed ice and add bourbon. Top with more ice and garnish with a mint sprig. Serve with a straw.