Horse Racing

150th Kentucky Derby: Bluegrass State Delivers Most Winners

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8 months ago

April 30, 2024

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150th Kentucky Derby: Bluegrass State Delivers Most Winners

A Kentucky-bred has a pretty good chance to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4.

Kentucky has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners

First off, history says 115 of the 149 Derby winners were Kentucky breds – that’s a 77% strike rate.

Kentucky-breds are most common and therefore have won more Derbys

Secondly, let it be noted that in 2023, 63.7% of the live foals reported in North America (18,143) were born in Kentucky, according to The Jockey Club. The Bluegrass state annually leads all states (and Canadian provinces) in thoroughbred breeding activity.

When a 3-year-old bred anywhere else, even big-time racing states like California, Florida, or New York, ends up in the winner’s circle, it’s a big deal in the breeding world.

The victory by Mage in 2023 gave Kentucky Derby its 115^th Derby winner.

Some of the more surprising states to produce Derby winners include Montana and Missouri, with one each.

In the 150^th Derby on May 4, the tentative field shows 18 Kentucky breds and two Japan breds.

A state-by-state look, plus Canada and England, where winners were bred, listed with the most recent winner:

Kentucky (115), Mage 2023

Florida (6), Silver Charm 1997

Virginia (4), Sea Hero 1993

California (4), California Chrome 2014

Tennessee (3), Typhoon II 1897

Canada (2), Sunny’s Halo 1983

England (2), Tomy Lee (GB) 1959

New Jersey (2), Cavalcade 1934

Pennsylvania (2), Smarty Jones 2004

Texas (2), Middleground 1950

Illinois (1), Dust Commander 1970

Kansas (1), Lawrin 1938

Maryland (1), Kauai King 1966

Missouri (1), Elwood 1904

Montana (1), Spokane 1889

New York (1), Funny Cide 2003

Ohio (1), Wintergreen 1909

Note: Cavalcade (1934) and Pensive (1944) are sons of mares bred to stallions in England and brought to America while the mares were carrying the Derby winners