The Kentucky Derby is a horse race that is held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States, on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds at a distance of one and a quarter miles (2.0 km) at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57 kilograms) and fillies 121 pounds (55 kilograms).

The race is often called "The Run for the Roses" on account of the blanket of roses draped over the winner. It is also known in the United States as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports" in reference to its approximate duration. The Derby, Preakness and Belmont all were run even every year throughout the Great Depression and both World Wars (when the Olympics and nearly all professional sports seasons were cancelled).

A horse must win all three races to win the Triple Crown.

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