There are few races in the world of horse racing that capture the imagination like the Kentucky Derby. The day at Churchill Downs engrosses the whole of the United States, with more viewers tuning in from across the globe to see which three-year-old can write his name into the history books.
Going into the race there are always a number of huge stories to be written, and most of them are remembered for generations to come. That is why it’s always important to look at free past performances on authority websites in the horse racing world.
But, which are some of the standout performances that we have seen in the Kentucky Derby?
Secretariat
Many believed that the time record set by Northern Dancer was never going to be broken. However, in 1973, we saw the star of Secretariat reach new heights. The tall horse was the complete opposite from Northern Dancer, but watching him run caught the imagination of every racing fan across the world.
After crossing the line, a time of 1:59.4 was recorded, which remains today as the quickest ever finishing time in the history of the Kentucky Derby. Secretariat’s reputation would continue to grow before the end of 1973, as he would win the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. Many years later his incredible story would even become the subject of a Hollywood movie, in 2010.
Monarchos
Monarchos wasn’t really among the leading contenders when lining up for the Kentucky Derby in 2001, with his victory in the Florida Derby being the only occasion where he had flashed something near a level that could compete at Churchill Downs.
The three-year-old finally landed a first victory at the third attempt at Gulfstream in January of 2001, and while a win in the Florida Derby raised hopes, they were subsequently knocked as he finished second in the Wood Memorial. However, his performance in the Kentucky Derby was a standout display, as he finished in the second-quickest time ever recorded in the race. His turn of foot that day was staggering, as he finished five lengths clear of Invisible Link.
Mine That Bird
There’s nothing better than a long shot coming in the Kentucky Derby, especially if you are on it. Mine That Bird entered the race at Churchill Downs at 50/1 odds after failing to produce anything by way of standout form in the lead up to the race. The standout win that he achieved heading into the Kentucky Derby came in the Silver Deputy Stakes, before he later finished last in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in 2008.
His three-year-old form didn’t show many signs of improvement, as he finished fourth in the Sunland Derby and second in the Borderland Derby. Career earnings made sure he made it into the Kentucky Derby field, and he delivered a stunning charge to win over six lengths clear at Churchill Downs. The margin of victory was the biggest in over 60 years, and it remains one of the biggest upsets that we have seen in Kentucky Derby history. However, he wouldn’t repeat the feat, as he finished second in the Preakness and third in the Belmont Stakes.
Rich Strike
Many questioned whether the Kentucky Derby would be as relevant in 2022 after the ban imposed on Bob Baffert following the failed drug test, and subsequent disqualification of Medina Spirit. However, you would be hard pressed to find a more memorable renewal of the race than the one we saw earlier in the year.
Rich Strike wasn’t even in the field when the draw was made, and wasn’t officially included until 24 hours before when Ethereal Road was scratched. It was a memorable day at Churchill Downs for both Eric Reed and Sonny Leon, as they combined for their first every Grade 1 winner in the biggest race of the year. Rich Strike went off at odds of 80/1, making him the second-biggest long shot to ever win the Triple Crown opener.
