The Kentucky Derby is a horse race run over a distance of 1¼ miles (10 furlongs or approximately 2,012 meters) at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race features three-year-old Thoroughbreds and typically lasts around two minutes, which has earned it the nickname "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®"
. Historically, the race was originally 1½ miles long when it began in 1875 but was shortened to 1¼ miles in 1896 because the longer distance was considered too demanding for three-year-olds early in the season
. The fastest recorded time for the Kentucky Derby at the current distance of 1¼ miles is 1:59.4, set by Secretariat in 1973, which remains a track record
. In summary:
- Distance: 1¼ miles (10 furlongs, 2,012 meters)
- Typical race duration: about 2 minutes
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Participants: 3-year-old Thoroughbreds
- Nickname: "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®"
