2013 Kentucky Derby Leaderboard Explained

Some of our beginner fans have questioned how the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard qualifies their favorite horse for the 2013 Kentucky Derby. Lady and The Track believes your most difficult question on race day should be deciding which hat to wear!  Below is a quick easy-to-read summery of how the new Road To The Kentucky Derby system works to help you become a fearless lady at the track.

Churchill Downs Racetrack decided to abandon the graded stakes earnings criteria, which has been used since 1986 that determines which 20 horses with enter the 2013 Kentucky Derby. This year a point system has been implemented where winning horses will receive a certain amount of points by finishing first, second, third, or fourth place in specified “Kentucky Derby Prep Season” races and during the “Kentucky Derby Championship Series”. The top twenty horses that earn the most points will have a chance to run in the 2013 Kentucky Derby. A similar system has been put into place for the 2013 Kentucky Oaks.

Points Awarded
Kentucky Derby Prep Season winners earn 10 points for first place, 4 points for second place, 2 points for third place, and 1 point for fourth place.
Kentucky Derby Championship Series (First Leg) earn 50 points for first place, 20 points for second place, 10 points for third place, and 5 points for fourth place.
Kentucky Derby Championship Series (Second Leg) earn 100 points for first place, 40 points for second place, 20 points for third place, and 10 points for forth place.
Wild Card Race winners earn 20 points for first place, 8 points for second place, 4 points for third place, and 2 points for forth place.

The new “Road To The Kentucky Derby” points system was designed for fans to have a better understanding of how a thoroughbred qualifies to race in the Kentucky Derby. For more information please click the links below.

Full Schedule of Races
Current Road To The Kentucky Derby Leaderboard
How To Place A Bet