(CNN) The 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, and all eyes are waiting to see if another potential upset is on the horizon.
Rich Strike roared to victory against all odds last year with a late climb on the inside and flew past the rest of the field at Churchill Downs.
Ridden by Venezuelan jockey Sonny Leon, Rich Strike was the longest shooter in the field at 80/1, proving that anything can happen in one of the most prestigious races in the sport.
Dubbed the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”—a nod to its approximate running time—the Kentucky Derby is the first leg of US horseracing’s coveted Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
Here’s everything you need to know about the derby ahead of the race.
like watching
The derby will be televised in the US on NBC, Peacock, the NBC website and their app, with all Saturday races beginning at noon.
The legendary race is scheduled to start at 18:57 ET.
Why is?
The Kentucky Derby is the longest-running annual sporting event in the United States and far bigger than just the race itself.
As seen in American rapper Jack Harlow’s ‘Churchill Downs’ music video, filmed at the event last year, the Derby is a celebration of luxury.
Jack Harlow competed in the 148th Kentucky Derby and will be back for the 149th straight year.
Tonya Abeln, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Churchill Downs, highlighted the all-encompassing nature of the event.
“It’s such a convergence of fashion and lifestyle and culinary influence,” Abeln told CNN Sport.
“Even if you don’t care about horse racing, there’s always something that people connect with.”
Abeln confirmed Harlow would be performing again this year but that no music video would be filmed.
In keeping with the celebrity theme, Super Bowl champion and MVP Patrick Mahomes will be this year’s Riders Up host.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is tasked with instructing riders to mount their horses before the race.
You don’t have to be at Churchill Downs to enjoy the race, either, as home parties are held all over the US – and the party menu plays an important part, Abeln explained.
“Even for people who are watching at home and throwing their beat-at-home parties, a big part of that experience is using these classic dishes to create a menu that feels authentic to the Derby,” Abeln said.
From Southern-style pimento mac and cheese to Kentucky butter cake, the menus have probably been cobbled together many times before the hosts settle on their ultimate Derby Day buffet.
The signature Kentucky Derby mint julep cocktail is a must for any viewer, added Abeln.
what’s new
The Kentucky Derby has grown into an event far bigger than just the race itself.
With the 150th running of the race next year, changes to the venue have already been made in advance of the celebratory milestone.
Fans may notice that a new permanent structure has been added to the first corner of the circuit to provide stadium-like seating for racegoers.
New premium luxury suites have also been added in conjunction with the structure to improve the experience of certain spectators.
“We have our highest quality seating and this new first-turn experience, which is food that’s actually under the structure,” Abeln said.
“Then these people come to the railing to watch the race. Not only is it an incredible way to dissipate the energy of the race, but now you have this iconic view of the twin towers and grandstand that has never been offered before.”
There were also changes to one of the most important parts of the racetrack – the paddock.
According to Abeln, this was the “place where people went to see and be seen” and “to look at the horses before they ran so they could make their choices”.
This year the paddock has been flipped and is now “the first thing you see when you walk in the gates”, with a new look at the famous twin towers.
Line-up and odds – another surprise in store?
All signs point to Forte’s victory in the 149th derby. The horse, ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is the big favorite for the race and barring an upset, will appreciate his chances.
Abeln said she agreed with the bookies and had heard “good things” about Forte, but added that it was important to remember that Rich Strike’s victory was “a beautiful story for horse racing and for the country to be reminded that anything is possible”.
Forte is the early favorite to win the Kentucky Derby.
Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire follow Forte as the next best odds on Derby victory and will look to upset the favourite.
If you’re looking for a long shot then Reincarnate, Sun Thunder, Raise Cain and Continuar are the real underdogs looking to channel the spirit of Rich Strike.
This is the full lineup as they are posted and their Saturday morning odds per FanDuel:
- Hit show 33/1
- Review 19/1
- Two Phils 8/1
- Confidence game 20/1
- Tapit Trice 6/1
- Kingsbarn 1.12
- Rebirth 15/1
- Mage 20/1
- Disarm 27/1
- 39/1 Jace’s Road
- sun thunder 38/1
- Angels of the Empire 6/1
- Strength 4/2
- Raise Cain 37/1
- Derma Sotogake 8/1
- Rocket can 35/1
- Cyclone Calamity 39/1
- Mandarin Hero 25/1
- King Russel 39/1
protests
Following protests at this year’s UK Grand National in April, Abeln said Churchill Downs had a “duty” to look after fans, athletes and the horses.
“As a company and as a leader in the horse racing industry, we have a duty to be at the forefront and ensure safety standards,” said Abeln, emphasizing the importance of horse safety.
“We are therefore very confident in the standards we have for ourselves and the commitment we have to athletes who compete in our event on our properties.”
Four racehorses have died in separate incidents in five days since the beginning of Kentucky Derby week.
In a statement Wednesday, officials said: “While a series of events like this is highly unusual, it is totally unacceptable. We take this very seriously and recognize that these worrying incidents are alarming and need to be addressed.”
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), owners of the famous Kentucky Derby, has indefinitely suspended racehorse trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., owner of two of the horses who died.
The decision means Lord Miles, another horse Joseph trains, will not be able to compete in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby as scheduled.
Joseph Jr. disagrees with the CDI’s decision.
“I’m definitely a scapegoat,” Joseph told CNN affiliate WDRB. “I’m the scapegoat. They’ve had more deaths this week, and here’s Saffie, that’s the problem. Believe me, it’s hard enough that our horses have their problems.”
“But the reality is that… I’ve never had horses die from this problem. They had injuries, but never from anything unknown. It is unknown what caused it.”
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