Hailed as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," the Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Ky. on the first Saturday of each May. The race is also known as "The Run for the Roses" for the blanket of roses draped ceremonially over the winner.

As the first leg of the United States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, the Derby is followed by the Preakness Stakes, then the Belmont Stakes, in the ensuing months. To claim the title of the Triple Crown, the horse must win all three races, a feat that has only occurred 12 times in history (including American Pharaoh's win in 2015). 

Of all stakes races, attendance at the Kentucky Derby ranks first in North America, drawing over 155,000 fans each year.