The Kentucky Derby itself is a single race held annually at Churchill Downs, featuring up to 20 three-year-old Thoroughbred horses competing over a distance of 1ΒΌ miles (10 furlongs). This main event is often accompanied by an undercard of multiple other races on the same day, with recent events including around 14 races in total on the race day program
. However, the qualification process for the Kentucky Derby involves a series known as the "Road to the Kentucky Derby," which consists of multiple prep races. The number of these qualifying races has varied over the years but currently includes around 36 to 46 races spread across several regions, including North America, Japan, and Europe. These races award points to horses, and the top point earners secure a spot in the Derby's starting gate
. In summary:
- The Kentucky Derby event day features one main race (the Kentucky Derby) plus an undercard of about 14 other races
- The qualification to enter the Derby is based on a series of approximately 36 to 46 prep races held over several months leading up to the Derby
So, if you are asking how many races are run on Kentucky Derby day, there are about 15 races including the Derby itself. If you mean how many races are involved in the Derby series for qualification, there are roughly 36 to 46 prep races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
