The horses that race in the Kentucky Derby are exclusively three-year-old Thoroughbreds. Thoroughbreds are a breed known for their agility, speed, and spirit, with a taller and slimmer build suited for sustained high-speed racing over longer distances such as the 1ΒΌ miles of the Derby
. Specifically:
- The race is limited to three-year-old Thoroughbred colts, geldings, and fillies.
- Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds, while fillies carry 121 pounds during the race
- Thoroughbreds have a well-chiseled head, long neck, deep chest, lean body, and long legs, all traits that contribute to their racing ability
- The Kentucky Derby is considered a premier race for this breed and age group, often seen as a coming-out event for the next generation of elite racehorses
No other horse breeds participate in the Kentucky Derby, which is strictly for Thoroughbreds
