The Mint Julep

As we have previously mentioned, the Kentucky Derby is a sporting event immersed in tradition and spirit(s). So what better way to watch the Run For The Roses than with a Mint Julep in hand? The Mint Julep has been the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1939, although its origins trace back to the first Derby Day in 1875. This iconic bourbon cocktail … Continue reading The Mint Julep

Kentucky Derby 149

The Kentucky Derby is the most-watched horse race of the year in the United States. It is widely considered one of the most important sporting events in the country, having grown to become much more than just a horse race since ARISTIDES Won the first edition in 1875. The 149th running of the Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 6th- the first Saturday in May. The … Continue reading Kentucky Derby 149

Baffert Derby Saga

Horses under the care of trainer Bob Baffert are currently unable to earn qualifying points on the Road To The Kentucky Derby, and it seems there is a new regulation is in place for the 2023 edition. Last year, several promising Baffert-trained sophomores were transferred to other trainers (including Tim Yakteen) in early April, aiming for the final 100-point prep races that would gain entry … Continue reading Baffert Derby Saga

Kentucky Derby & Bourbon

Churchill Downs Incorporated announced on Monday that Churchill Downs Racetrack has renewed its relationship Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. The agreement ensures that Woodford Reserve will be the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby through 2027. Woodford Reserve has been the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby since 1999 and the presenting sponsor for the past four years. “We are thrilled to welcome back Woodford Reserve … Continue reading Kentucky Derby & Bourbon

Prep Season Schedule

As we previously wrote, it was in 2013 that the Kentucky Derby prep races were officially bundled under the banner of The Road To The Kentucky Derby. Otherwise referred to (fondly) as the Derby Trail. The introduction of the prep series has led to a much easier guideline for both horsemen and horse racing fans. The Derby Trail also allows for more focused promotion of hopefuls targeting … Continue reading Prep Season Schedule

Prep Amendments

In our previous column we wrote about Kentucky Derby Prep races and the point system used to gain entry in order to run on the first Saturday in May. Well, we forgot to mention the minor adjustments that were made to said system last September. Churchill Downs Racetrack officials made slight modifications to the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Points will now be awarded to … Continue reading Prep Amendments

2023 Kentucky Derby (Never Too Early)

As the two-year-old racing season concludes, the road to the 2023 Kentucky Derby is open and traffic will get a bit heavier as the Prep Races begin in earnest.   If you’re new to horse racing you might have questions about how all of this works.  Well wonder no more, the Daily Racing Blog is here to help.  Here is a basic overview about qualifying for the Run for the Roses. … Continue reading 2023 Kentucky Derby (Never Too Early)

2022 Racing In Review

The 2022 horse racing season is coming to a close. There is certainly much to look back on, but for the sake of brevity and attention span, we’ll limit our trip down memory lane to a four race sprint. THE KENTUCKY DERBY: A horse acquired for a claiming tag is not supposed to go on to Win the Kentucky Derby. In fact, no one had done … Continue reading 2022 Racing In Review

NYRA Downgrades

On Friday afternoon the American Graded Stakes Committee released its list of graded stakes races for the for 2023 season. The list included five races that were downgraded from Grade I status to Grade II contests. Included in the downgrades were prestigious NYRA races for older dirt horses- the Woodward Stakes as well as the Cigar Mile will now be considered Grade II’s. Also dropping … Continue reading NYRA Downgrades

The Art Of The Derby

The Kentucky Derby is five months away. And while it is still too early to have any horses entered in the annual contest, it’s apparently not too soon to announce the Official Art of the Kentucky Derby. And yes, that’s a real thing. Last week Churchill Downs released the 2023 Official Art of the Kentucky Derby, which will be provided by renowned international artist, Romero Britto. … Continue reading The Art Of The Derby