The 2024 Kentucky Derby: Everything You Need to Know
This past weekend, over 150,000 spectators attended the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, with millions of Americans also placing bets on the race, especially in the over three dozen states where online sports betting is legal. The winner of the Derby took home a $3.1 million grand prize, with $1 million for second place. While the majority of the prize money goes to the owners of the winning horse, the jockey still takes home a significant amount, with the winning jockey earning $310,000.
The betting odds for the Derby were closely watched, with three-year-old horse Fierceness being the favorite with odds of 5-2 (moneyline of +250). Other horses in the race included Sierra Leone with odds of 3-1, Catching Freedom at 8-1, and Just A Touch and Forever Young tied at 10-1. The odds varied for the 20 horses in the field, providing plenty of excitement and potential for big payouts for betters.
The Kentucky Derby started at 6:57 p.m. EDT, kicking off the first race of horse racing’s Triple Crown. The race was highly anticipated, with an average ticket price of over $1,700 as of Friday afternoon, setting a new record for the event. Despite the high prices, fans were eager to attend the historic 150th running of the Derby. While some ticket prices reached as high as $66,765 on the secondary market, there were still more affordable options available for fans looking to experience the race.
In addition to the excitement of the race itself, spectators at Churchill Downs were expected to consume large quantities of mint juleps, a classic Derby drink made with mint, bourbon, and simple syrup. Over 1,000 pounds of mint and 44,000 bottles of Kentucky bourbon were expected to be used throughout the event, highlighting the festive and indulgent atmosphere of the Derby. The event was a celebration of horse racing, tradition, and the vibrant culture of Kentucky.
As the Derby concluded, fans and betters eagerly awaited the results and celebrated the winners. The 150th Kentucky Derby was a memorable and historic event, attracting a large audience both in person and through online betting platforms. With the excitement of the race and the potential for big payouts, the Derby remains a beloved and highly anticipated event in the world of horse racing and sports betting. The tradition and history of the Kentucky Derby continue to captivate audiences year after year, making it a must-see event for fans of horse racing and sports betting.
