Up to 20 lightly raced 3-year-old Thoroughbreds get loaded into the starting gate with somewhere in the neighborhood of 150,000 fans (many well-lubricated) whipped into a frenzy. Approximately two minutes after the horses begin the cavalry charge down the stretch for the first time, a new Kentucky Derby winner is feted in the winner’s circle.
Each spring America’s Best Racing compiles a slideshow with photos of the talented cast of 3-year-olds on target for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.
The Longines Kentucky Oaks has evolved into the most important North American race restricted to 3-year-old fillies, and the 1 1/8-mile dirt race will be the marquee event on Friday, May 1, at Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Oaks began as a companion to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, much as the English Oaks at Epsom serves as the female version of the prestigious Derby.
