The 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be held May 4 under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs, a full century and a half of U.S. Thoroughbred racing history etched in the history books with the addition of the name of one more winner.

When the starting gate opens shortly before 7 p.m. ET on Saturday as many as 20 Thoroughbreds will be all business as they run the most important race of their lives. But have you often wondered, “what are these majestic racehorses like when they’re not on the track?”

Isabella Leslie caught up with the connections of several hopefuls for the 2024 run for the roses to find out their quirks, nicknames, what fictional character or movie star they would be, and more.

Catching Freedom (Coady Media)

Horse: Catching Freedom

Nickname: Stud

Quirk/Fun Fact: He loves to stick out his tongue.

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Fictional Character/ Movie Star: Tom Cruise

Dornoch (Coady Media)

Horse: Dornoch

Nickname: Knocker

Quirk/Fun Fact: His big brother won the Kentucky Derby in 2023, Mage.

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Fictional Character/ Movie Star: Rocky Balboa

Encino (Coady Media)

Horse: Encino

Nickname: Encino Man

Quirk/Fun Fact: His race at Keeneland that qualified him for the Derby was his first race on the dirt. Guess he likes the dirt!

Favorite Treat: Mints

Fictional Character/ Movie Star: Thor

Fierceness (Danielle Bricker photo)

Horse: Fierceness

Nickname: Goofball

Quirk/Fun Fact: He likes to wear hats after his wins.

Favorite Treat: He’s too busy sleeping for treats.

Fictional Character/ Movie Star: Spider-Man

Just a Touch (Coady Media)

Horse: Just a Touch

Nickname: Handsome

Quirk/Fun Fact: He’s super classy.

Favorite Treat: No treats … but he loves to eat! He never leaves a crumb.

Fictional Character/ Movie Star: Superman

Society Man (Eclipse Sportswire)

Horse: Society Man

Nickname: Shorty

Quirk/Fun Fact: He has no bad days and loves his job.

Favorite Treat: Fresh clover

Fictional Character/ Movie Star: Gimli from “Lord of the Rings” because he’s short and stout, but fierce.