The Kentucky Derby itself is a single race held annually at Churchill Downs, limited to 20 horses. However, the qualification process for the Derby involves a series of prep races known as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby," which consists of multiple races where horses earn points to qualify for the Derby.

• The Kentucky Derby Championship Series includes 16 races that award points to the top finishers, with varying point distributions depending on the race

• The entire Road to the Kentucky Derby series typically includes around 36 races split between the Prep Season and the Championship Season, plus additional races in Japan and Europe for international qualifiers

• On the day of the Kentucky Derby event itself, there are multiple races held at Churchill Downs, often around 14 races in total, including the Derby as the main event

In summary, there is one Kentucky Derby race each year, but the qualification involves about 36 races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series leading up to it

. On Derby day, there are about 14 races at Churchill Downs including the Derby