Each week, members of the national media vote on the nation's top contenders on the Triple Crown trail in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll.
The $1.5 million, Grade 1 Longines Kentucky Oaks is the marquee race each spring for elite 3-year-old fillies. This year the 151st edition will be held May 2 at Churchill Downs as the best fillies in the division take their shot in the “run for the lilies,” with more than 100,000 fans expected to attend the 1 1/8-mile race.
After an exciting several months of preparation, horse racing’s biggest moment is only days away, as the best 3-year-old Thoroughbreds are set to compete May 3 in the $5 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve at Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is rightfully known as the most exciting two minutes in sports; once the Churchill Downs starting gate springs open anything can (and often does) happen. For the 20 3-year-old Thoroughbreds expected to compete in 2025 it is one of the most important moments of their lives, and racing luck can make or break their Derby run from the start.
Horse racing is often referred to as “The Sport of Kings,” creating the impression that only those with incredible wealth can participate … and it is, no doubt, very expensive to own a horse much less a racehorse. But the reality is you don’t need to be a monarch or a Sheikh or a titan of industry to own a Kentucky Derby starter, or winner for that matter.
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