1. The first Kentucky Derby was held on the 17th of May, 1875 giving the race over 140 years of proud history!

2. During those 140 years, not one race has been postponed due to rain or bad weather.

3. Approximately 120,000 mint juleps are served annually during the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

4. The maximum age for a horse to compete in the Kentucky Derby is Three Years Old. 5. 142,000 hot dogs are consumed during the event!

6. The race is also known as ‘The Run for the Roses’ due to the 554 red roses draped over the winner.

7. The Kentucky Derby is America’s oldest continuously running sporting event. 8. It has taken place every year, since its inception, even through the two Great Wars and the Great Depression.

9. Last years race had over $194 million bet on it.

10. In the events history, only three winners have been fillies, or female horses.