Kentucky Derby
The race is one and a quarter miles (2 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg) and fillies 121 pounds (54.9 kg). The race is known in the United States as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” or “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” for its approximate duration, and is also called “The Run for the Roses” for the blanket of roses draped over the winner.
It is the first leg of the United States Triple Crown and is followed by the Preakness Stakes then the Belmont Stakes.
The 209 renewal provided the biggest-priced winner of the race in over 85 years as Mine That Bird, ridden by Calvin Borel, came from last to take the lead in the final furlong. He took the lead so fast after the final turn that NBC Sports race announcer Tom Durkin didn’t notice that the gelding took the lead until it had a three-length opening ahead of the pack. Mine That Bird strode out to complete the longest margin of victory in over 60 years.