How to Qualify for the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, dubbed "the most exciting two minutes in sports" by many longtime followers. To qualify for the Kentucky Derby, you'll have to win an invitation by performing well on smaller horseracing circuits, and compete on a horse that meets the race's strict standards.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have all ownership and genealogy papers relating to your horse ready for authentication. As you'll be spending some time working your way up to the Kentucky Derby by winning races on the graded circuit, you'll have to prove your horse is a thoroughbred that meets all graded race qualifications. Otherwise, your horse may not be permitted to participate, or may be disqualified.

    • 2

      Get in touch with the American Graded Stakes Committee through the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) (see Resources below). This organization endorses all graded races run in the United States. In order to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, your horse will have to win or place in graded races throughout the year.

    • 3

      Meet the qualification and entry requirements in order to participate in graded stakes races. Generally, you'll have to compete in the racing circuit in your home state, or the state where your thoroughbred horse was born and raised.

    • 4

      Place well at graded stakes races, winning or finishing in the top three as frequently as possible. The goal is to accumulate prize money winnings.

    • 5

      Move on to participate in large-purse horse races as you become more confident in your thoroughbred's abilities to win races. Part of what allows you to qualify for the Kentucky Derby is the amount of winnings you and your horse have racked up over the course of the previous year. The better your horse's performance and the more visible he is on the graded stakes horseracing circuit, the better your chances of qualifying for the big show.

    • 6

      Apply to participate in the Kentucky Derby by contacting race organizers through the official site (see Resources below). Specific entry qualifications may vary slightly from year to year, and if you have questions about the purse-winning or horse-breeding requirements, you should direct them to race organizers. If your horse has been burning up the satellite race circuits, an invitation to participate may be forthcoming without solicitation if you're a registered member of TOBA.