The Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard Explained
The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard Explained
Your most confusing question on Derby day should be deciding which hat you are going to wear!
Some of our beginner fans have questioned how the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard qualifies their favorite horse for the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks. 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.
In 2013, Churchill Downs Racetrack decided to abandon the graded stakes earnings criteria, which has been used since 1986 that determines which 20 horses will enter the Kentucky Derby. 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 enter and run in the Kentucky Derby. A similar system has been put into place for the 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.
NOTE: The Wild Card Race was abandoned in 2014 due to lack of entry in 2013.
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.
2014 Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Prep Schedule
2013 Kentucky Derby Prep Schedule
How To Place A Bet
How To Legally Place a Bet Online
Be a fearless lady with your friends at Churchill Downs by understanding the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard.
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