The Kentucky Derby is a lot to process: 20 horses, 150,000 fans, and more hats and mint juleps than you could ever count at iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville. Even the most seasoned fans and handicappers can be overwhelmed. If you’re feeling lost, we’re here to help you navigate the First Saturday in May.

Here are five questions you may be too scared to ask – but totally should – about this year’s Kentucky Derby on May 3.

Derby winner Brian Hernandez tosses roses. (Eclipse Sportswire)

1. How much money do the winners walk away with? Owners/trainer/jockey – how is it split up?

The Kentucky Derby is one of the richest horse races in North America with a $5 million purse. The first through fifth-place finishers collect a check, with the winning owner collecting $3.1 million. Typically, the owners give 10% to both the jockey and trainer. Last year, Mystik Dan’s trainer Kenny McPeek and rider Brian Hernandez Jr. each likely received somewhere around $310,000 for winning the Kentucky Derby.

2. How many races are on Derby Day? Are they all important races?

There are usually 14 races on Kentucky Derby Day, with the main event – called the run for the roses – set as Race 12. It’s one of the most competitive days in racing, packed with top horses and high-stakes action all afternoon. Every race matters to the jockey, trainer and owner behind each horse, not just the Derby. So, if you’ve got a good feeling about a horse earlier on the card, head to the windows or open your app – there’s value to be found all day long.

3. What is the Kentucky Oaks?

The $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks is the Friday-before-Derby showdown for the top 3-year-old fillies in North America. It’s their time to shine, and fans show up dressed head-to-toe in pink to celebrate. Instead of roses, the fillies get stargazer lilies.

4. Why roses? Are they real?

Roses have been part of Kentucky Derby tradition since the late 1800s, when ladies at Louisville parties were greeted with red blooms. The first Derby winner to get a bouquet was in 1896, but the iconic rose garland didn’t show up until 1932. Today, it’s made with over 400 real red roses, hand-sewn by a Kroger florist the night before the race. Fans even line up to watch the whole thing get pieced together.

6. How do you qualify to race in the Kentucky Derby? How old? How many points?

Only 3-year-olds can run in the Kentucky Derby, and they must earn their way in through a series of prep races. Horses earn points by finishing in the top five – early preps offer fewer points, but the big ones closer to Derby Day can be worth up to 100. The top 20 point-getters get a spot in the starting gate. Learn more about the qualifying series here.