The Kentucky Derby itself is a single race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. However, the qualification process for the Derby involves a series of prep races known as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby," which consists of multiple races where horses earn points to qualify for the Derby.
- The Kentucky Derby Championship Series includes 16 races that award points to horses aiming to qualify for the Derby
- Overall, the Road to the Kentucky Derby series has varied over the years but recently consists of around 36 to 46 races, including prep races in North America, as well as separate series for Japan and Europe
- These races are spread over two main phases: the Kentucky Derby Prep Season and the Kentucky Derby Championship Season, with point values increasing as the Derby approaches
On the actual Kentucky Derby Day, there are usually about 14 races, with the Kentucky Derby itself being the main event (Race 12)
. In summary:
- The Kentucky Derby is a single race.
- The qualification involves a series of approximately 36 to 46 prep races.
- On Derby Day, about 14 races are held, culminating in the Kentucky Derby race.
Thus, if you are asking how many races are associated with the Kentucky Derby event day, there are typically around 14 races, including the Derby itself. If you mean how many races are in the qualification series leading up to the Derby, there are around 36 to 46 prep races in total
