The Kentucky Derby race itself lasts about two minutes, which is why it is often called "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports." The race covers a distance of 1ΒΌ miles (10 furlongs) and is run by three-year-old Thoroughbreds at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
. While the race duration is around two minutes, the entire event day includes multiple races and festivities, with television coverage often lasting several hours. The race is the highlight of Derby Day but is part of a full day of racing and celebration
. Notably, the fastest Kentucky Derby time was set by Secretariat in 1973, finishing in 1:59.4, just under two minutes
