As one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for horse racing enthusiasts, the Kentucky Derby 2021 takes place on the first Saturday of May. This year marks the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, which will be held on May 1, 2021, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby 2021 including its history, the horses and jockeys, and how to watch the event.
History of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby dates back to 1875 when it was first run at Churchill Downs. The event became so popular that it brought an estimated 10,000 people to Louisville by the 1890s. Today, the Kentucky Derby is known as the “most exciting two minutes in sports” and has become a staple event of the Spring racing season in the United States.
Horses and Jockeys competing in the Kentucky Derby 2021
This year’s Kentucky Derby features 20 horses competing for the coveted prize of the garland of roses. Among the favorites to win this year’s Kentucky Derby are Essential Quality, who remains unbeaten in his career with five wins to his name, and Rock Your World, an up-and-coming horse with three wins from three races. Known for their pace and stamina, these horses are expected to put on an exciting race for spectators.
The jockeys riding these horses include some of the best in the business, who are tasked with guiding their horses through the grueling 1 ¼ mile race at Churchill Downs. Among the jockeys competing in this year’s Kentucky Derby include John Velazquez, who has won the race twice before, and Joel Rosario, who won the 2018 Kentucky Derby.
How to watch the Kentucky Derby 2021
The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC starting at 2:30 PM EST on May 1, 2021. The pre-race coverage will include interviews with the jockeys and trainers, as well as analysis from experts in the racing industry. The race itself is set to start at approximately 6:57 PM EST, so be sure to tune in and catch all the excitement.
Conclusion
In summary, the Kentucky Derby 2021 promises to be an exciting event that will bring together horse racing enthusiasts from around the world. From the rich history of the Kentucky Derby to the horses and jockeys competing in this year’s race, there’s plenty to be excited about. So mark your calendars, set your DVRs, and get ready to witness the “most exciting two minutes in sports” live from Churchill Downs.
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