The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is run by three-year-old Thoroughbreds over a distance of 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on dirt. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds, while fillies carry 121 pounds. The race is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May and is the first leg of the American Triple Crown series. It is famously known as "The Run for the Roses" because the winning horse is draped with a blanket of roses
. The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the United States, having been run every year since its inception in 1875, except for rescheduling during World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic. It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" due to its fast pace and thrilling finishes
. In summary, the Kentucky Derby is a Thoroughbred horse race for three-year- olds, run over 1¼ miles on dirt at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
