With the ringing of a bell, 20 of the best Thoroughbred horses in the world will be off in a cloud of dust as they race to clinch the 14-karat gold Kentucky Derby Trophy. These horses, bred for speed, stamina and excellence, carry the dreams of their owners as they fight to cross the finish line in one of America’s most competitive horse races.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 3. The 151st Derby will be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Derby regulations state that the one and one-quarter mile track can only be run by three-year-old Thoroughbreds. This is why Dan Fogelberg, American songwriter and Grammy award nominee, coined the expression “the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance” in his famous song “Run for the Roses.” The song has since become an unofficial anthem for the event.
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously held sporting event in America as well as one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The event dates back to May 17, 1875, and was founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. According to History.com, Clark Jr. was inspired by England’s Epsom Downs racecourse while traveling through Europe in 1872.
Throughout the years, the contest has become recognized as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” due to the passion displayed by viewers as well as the rapid conclusion of the race. UA alumni and University of Kentucky sophomore Kiersten Schantz explained that Kentucky residents take the Derby very seriously.
“My roommates who grew up in Kentucky learned the history of the Derby in high school and elementary school,” Schantz said. “They think of it almost like how we think of the Fourth of July. Everybody’s doing something for it and nobody’s working.”
To qualify for the competition, horses must compete in a series of designated races at various tracks around the world. Points are then awarded to the top five finishers in each race. After the completion of the races, the 20 horses with the most points are awarded a spot in the starting gate at Churchill downs.
In the past 151 years, the Derby has earned a prestigious name for itself due to the numerous traditions it has given way to. The most prominent include the eccentric hats worn by female spectators, the elaborate parties thrown by citizens across the country and the garland of red roses draped over the victorious horse.
Although UA is 215 miles away from the Kentucky Derby, the race is no small event for Upper Arlington residents. Junior Sean Mankowski’s family has been hosting a party for the Derby for over 20 years.
“My mom’s family hosted the party when she was a kid. So ever since I’ve been alive, she’s always done it,” he said.
Anywhere from 200 to 300 people regularly attend the Mankowski’s party which consists of many different Derby traditions.
“People like to dress up, and it’s normally really colorful attire. A lot of the guys wear colorful suits, and their wives will wear big hats and dresses. Normally there’s also betting that goes on, and people stay probably around six hours. So it’s a lot of eating and watching the race,” Mankowski said. “A couple years ago we even rented one of the mechanical bulls. And then there’s different beverages, like Mint Juleps.”
Not only do UA residents enjoy the exhilarating race from the comfort of their homes, but many families also travel down to Churchill Downs to watch the event. Senior Paige Schneider attended the Derby in 2019 with her family and described the electric atmosphere.
“It was really fun. Everyone just looks so happy and it’s just a really good environment,” she said.
In addition to the excitement of the race, Schneider recalled that the fashion was one of the highlights of the experience.
“There was just a lot going on. So many people were in really fancy outfits and in really big hats. I also wore a nice dress and a big hat,” she explained.
Not only is the Derby famous for its lavish fashion but also its chance-driven betting. Schneider tested her luck at the Derby by placing bets with her family.
“I was a sixth grader so technically I wasn’t allowed to bet. But my dad would place bets for me, so my whole family was doing it. We kind of came home with a little bit of extra cash, but we didn’t win big,” she said.
Similarly, Mankowski explained that betting is very popular among guests at his family’s party.
“We do this thing where you’ll get a random horse, and if you randomly get assigned a winning horse, then you’ll win [money]. Everybody puts in 20 bucks, so [the prize is] 2,000 bucks if you randomly win,” Mankowski said.
As time has passed, the Derby has become one of the most anticipated events in sports. From the extravagant parties held in its honor to the unpredictable bets placed on the horses, it has earned a prestigious reputation that continues to captivate fans around the world. Be sure to tune in to NBC on May 3 at 6:45 p.m. to witness another historical and stylish race.
