The Kentucky Derby attracts thousands of fans to Louisville every year, who come to witness the amazing weekend of sport, tradition, and entertainment.
In May, all eyes in the sports world will be on Churchill Downs in Louisville once again. The 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 4, 2024, showcasing the finest 3-year-old thoroughbreds in horse racing competing for a highly prestigious prize.
Winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby will hold an even greater significance than in previous years, as the event will mark the competition’s 150th edition.
A Sesquicentennial Upgrade
Since Churchill Downs announced the 150th Kentucky Derby would begin a yearlong celebration earlier this year, there’s been a lot to keep up with. The Derby holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously held sporting event in the USA, taking place annually since 1875, even during times of war and global health crises. With this in mind, it is no surprise that the organizers have been pulling out all the stops to make the event truly spectacular.
Weeks before the 149th Derby, the track launched a brand-new website to showcase the exciting new experiences that await visitors at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2024. One of the most impressive improvements is the $200m upgrade of the Paddock. This revolution will double the size of the horses walking ring and also introduce over 3,500 additional seats and more than 3,200 standing-room tickets. Moreover, the revamped Paddock will feature premium club spaces, dining areas, and box rails.
Churchill Downs also introduces new sheltered outdoor restaurant areas, providing over 2,500 seats for race fans. The track creates three distinct outdoor balcony areas: the Triple Crown Balcony, the Silks Balcony and Loge, Plaza Balcony and Loge, and. But that’s not all; they are also adding the Champions Balcony and Loge, the Paddock Overlook, and expanding the Turf Club Balcony.
150th Kentucky Derby Schedule & Betting Odds
The 2024 Kentucky Derby schedule is still being determined. Once it is confirmed, you can find it here.
- Thursday, May 2, 2024 – Thurby
- Friday, May 3, 2024 – Kentucky Oaks
- Saturday, May 4, 2024 – 150th Kentucky Derby
The best Kentucky betting apps launched on September 28, ensuring that the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby will likely receive more wagering action than ever. As of October 2023, qualification races are still underway, and no betting lines will be available until further notice.
Kentucky Derby 2024 Qualifiers
The schedule for the qualifying races determining the 20 horses participating in the starting gate is well underway. The Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifying race schedule commenced last month (September) and will extend through April.
During this time, horses and their connections will strive to accumulate enough points to secure a spot in the esteemed Run for the Roses. The structured qualifying system for the Road to the Kentucky Derby was initially implemented in 2013. The first qualifying race for the 2024 Kentucky Derby was the Grade 3 Iroquois, featuring a field of nine 2-year-olds and a prize of $300,000, taking place at Churchill Downs, and was won by West Saratoga.
In total, there will be 37 qualifying races in the domestic Road to the Kentucky Derby series and nine qualification events in America and Europe have already concluded as of October 30, 2023. We don’t have any confirmed starters for the 150th Kentucky Derby yet, but below, you can gain some insight into the qualifications so far.
| Race | Date | Location | Winner |
| Iroquois (Grade 3) | Sep 16, 2023 | Churchill Downs | West Saratoga |
| Champagne (Grade 1) | Oct 7, 2023 | Aqueduct | Timberlake |
| Breeders’ Futurity | Oct 7, 2023 | Keeneland | Locked |
| American Pharoah | Oct 7, 2023 | Santa Anita | Muth |
| Street Sense | Oct 29, 2023 | Churchill Downs | Liberal Arts |
(Completed American Kentucky Derby qualifying races as of October 30th, 2023.)
There will be pathways available in Europe and Japan for potential Derby runners, in addition to the American Road to the Kentucky Derby. The top points earner in both the European Road to the Kentucky Derby and the Japanese Road to the Kentucky Derby will receive an invitation to the Derby.
| Race | Date | Location | Winner |
| Alan Smurfit Memorial Beresford | Sep 23, 2023 | Curragh | Deepone |
| Juddmonte Royal Lodge | Sep 30, 2023 | Newmarket | Ghostwriter |
| Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere | Oct 1, 2023 | Longchamp | Rosallion |
| Vertem Futurity Trophy | Oct 28, 2024 | Doncaster | Auguste Rodin |
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