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The build-up to the Kentucky Derby is more than just dates on the racing calendar—it’s one of the most exciting journeys any fan of horse racing can take. From early prep races in February to the final qualifiers in April, this action-filled stretch offers fans a front-row seat to observe the rise of Derby contenders. Each race is important to jockeys, owners, trainers and of course the fortunes of the horses themselves.

For fans, it’s an opportunity to experience the excitement, tradition, and atmosphere that surrounds one of the most anticipated sporting events in the United States. Let’s dive into how you can get the most from raceday and the weeks that precede it.

Plan Your Race Day Visits Strategically

If you’re attending a prep race in person, choosing the right venue matters. Each track has its own energy, from the historic charm of Keeneland to the buzz of Santa Anita Park. Consider crowd sizes, seating options, and travel logistics when selecting which races to attend. Booking early gives you more control over ticket pricing and accommodation availability—especially in the smaller towns that are hosting some of the bigger events.

Arrive early, you’ll want time to explore the grounds, check out morning workouts, and observe the horses in the paddock. These quiet pre-race moments give you a feel for the environment and help build a deeper appreciation for the sport (and the contenders) before the action begins.

Learn About the Contenders

To fully enjoy the Road to the Kentucky Derby, take time to follow the three-year-olds as they compete for qualifying points. These aren’t just names on a program—they’re rising four-legged athletes with backstories, pedigrees, and trainers working behind the scenes to ensure that they peak at the right moment.

Research the horses thoroughly before each race. Watch replays of earlier preps. Learn which trainers are aiming for a breakthrough and which jockeys have Derby experience. This background will make each stretch run more meaningful and help you recognize a star before the public catches on.

Embrace the Experience—From Traditions to Track Culture

Whether you’re new to horse racing or a returning fan, the Road to the Derby isn’t only about the races. It’s about what happens around them. From mint juleps and Southern fare to themed hats and trackside fashion, each venue adds its own flavor to the celebration.

Talk to people. Ask questions. Most racetrack regulars are happy to share insights about wagering, race day etiquette, or where to find the best local food. Walk the grounds instead of staying in one spot—many tracks offer multiple vantage points and viewing decks that enhance the experience.

Betting on the Road to the Kentucky Derby

One of the most engaging ways to participate in the season is by placing a few well-thought-out bets. Betting on the road to the Kentucky Derby adds a layer of involvement that goes beyond watching a series of warmups. It gives fans an active role in the eagerly anticipated Derby outcome, encourages analysis, and creates an emotional investment in the horses.

Start small if you’re new. Learn about the different bet types—win, place, show, exacta—and try a few combinations based on your research. Don’t feel pressured to bet every race. Instead, focus on the ones you’ve studied and understand. Use race programs and odds boards to guide your choices, and treat betting as a tool for engagement and fun, rather than expecting to walk away from the experience with life-changing winnings.

Capture the Journey Beyond the Finish Line

Every race in the prep season tells part of the story. Keep track of your favorites. Note how they run on different surfaces, how they break from the gate, and how they handle pressure in deep stretch. Follow their progression from race to race so that by the time Derby Day arrives, you’re not just watching—you’re reconnecting with horses you’ve seen grow and mature.

Consider creating your own Derby journal, either digital or handwritten. It adds structure to the experience and makes it easier to reflect on insights and predictions. You’ll also enjoy reviewing your notes when the gates open at Churchill Downs and the road reaches its final turn.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby rewards attention, participation, and curiosity. As a fan, your experience deepens when you take part in the buildup—not just as a spectator, but as someone who understands the stakes, the stories, and the spirit of every mile leading up to the Run for the Roses.

Run over a straight mile on Town Moor, Doncaster in October and open to two-year-old colts and fillies, the Vertem Futurity Trophy, formerly the Racing Post Trophy, was inaugurated, as the Timeform Gold Cup, in 1961. In the sixty plus year history of the race, Lester Piggott and Pat Eddery are, jointly, the leading jockeys, have ridden five winners apiece between 1966 and 1984, and 1976 and 1992, respectively.

However, the jockey who enjoyed a purple patch in the twenty-teens, which took him within one winner of his illustrious predecessors, was Sardinian-born Andrea Atzeni. Born on March 26, 1991, Atzeni began his career as apprentice to Marco Botti, the son of perennial Italian champion trainer Alduino Botti, in Newmarket as a 17-year-old. His first five seasons in Britain yielded 30, 47, 41, 55 and 54 winners, respectively and, in 2013, he was appointed stable jockey to another Newmarket trainer, Roger Varian.

Indeed, in October that year, it would be Varian who provided Atzeni with his first winner of the Racing Post Trophy, in the form of the Mastercraftsman colt Kingston Hill, who had not seen a racecourse until a little over a month earlier. A ready winner of a maiden stakes race, over 7 furlongs, at Newbury on his debut, Kingston Hill belied his inexperience by following up in the Group 3 Autumn Stakes, over a mile, at Newmarket and made it 3-3 when justifying favouritism, in taking style, at Doncaster.

In 2014, Atzeni rode the favourite for the Racing Post Trophy again, this time Elm Park, trained by Andrew Balding, who ran out a ready, 2¾-length winner. In 2015, though, he sprang a major surprise on the twice-raced maiden winner, Marcel, trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, who was sent off the rank outsider of the seven-strong field at 33/1. In 2016, Atzeni completed his tetrad aboard 11/4 second favourite Rivet, a.k.a. Rivet Delight, trained by William Haggas.

Younger readers may have never even heard of the ‘Autumn Double’ but, in its heyday, the challenge of coupling the winners of the two major late-season handicaps run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket, namely the Cesarewitch and the Cambridgeshire, filled many column inches in the racing press. Of course, both races still exist, albeit that the Cambridgeshire now precedes the Cesarewitch, and both are as competitive as ever, but coverage of the Autumn Double, as a betting medium, is nothing like it once was.

Of course, the Cambridgeshire is run over 1 mile 1 furlong and the Cesarewitch, two weeks later, over 2 miles 2 furlongs, so any horse that attempts that Autumn Double must have tremendous resilience and powers of recovery, not to mention versatility with regards to distance. Way back, in the late Victorian period, three horses did manage to win both races, but few have tried since. That said, the admirable seven-year-old Nanton, trained by Jim Goldie, in East Renfrewshire, finished a never-nearer third in the Cambridgeshire and ninth in the Cesarewitch in 2009.

Obviously, it is easier for a jockey to complete the Autumn Double but, even so, few have done so. In fact, the last rider to do so was Adam Beschizza, who moved to the United States at the end of 2017 and subsequently became the leading jockey at Fair Grounds Race Course, in New Orleans, Louisiana, in only his second full year Stateside. On the other side of the Atlantic, in 2015, Beschizza steered Third Time Lucky, trained by Richard Fahey, to a short-head victory in the Cambridgeshire and, two weeks later, won the Cesarewitch by the same margin on Grumeti, trained by Alan King. Anyone who latched onto his rare feat was rewarded with combined odds of 764/1, at starting price.

Horse racing has long been considered a male-dominated sport, but over the years, female jockeys have broken barriers and proven themselves as formidable competitors on the track. From historic victories to groundbreaking achievements, these women have redefined what it means to be a champion in the racing world. Here’s a look at some of the best female jockeys of all time and their most remarkable wins.

1. Julie Krone – The First Woman to Win a Triple Crown Race

Julie Krone is one of the most accomplished female jockeys in history. She made history in 1993 by becoming the first woman to win a Triple Crown race when she rode Colonial Affair to victory in the Belmont Stakes. Over her career, she secured more than 3,700 wins and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

Greatest Win: 1993 Belmont Stakes

Krone’s victory aboard Colonial Affair was a defining moment in horse racing, proving that female jockeys could compete and win at the highest levels. This win solidified her reputation and encouraged more women to enter the sport, despite the challenges they faced in a male-dominated industry. Krone’s perseverance and talent opened doors for many aspiring female jockeys.

2. Hayley Turner – The Trailblazer for British Female Jockeys

Hayley Turner is one of the most successful female jockeys in British horse racing. She became the first woman to ride 100 winners in a calendar year in the UK and has since inspired many young women to pursue careers in the sport.

Greatest Win: 2011 July Cup

Turner became the first woman to win a British Group 1 race when she rode Dream Ahead to victory in the July Cup at Newmarket, breaking new ground for female riders in the UK. Turner has also competed internationally and proven that female jockeys can achieve consistent success at the highest levels. Her career is a testament to the growing acceptance and recognition of women in horse racing.

3. Chantal Sutherland – The Canadian Star

Chantal Sutherland is a highly successful jockey known for her wins in both Canada and the United States. Often compared to Julie Krone, Sutherland has competed in some of the biggest races in North America. Her career spans several decades, and she has been an ambassador for women in the sport, showing that female jockeys can succeed against top male competitors.

Greatest Win: 2012 Santa Anita Handicap

Riding Game On Dude, Sutherland became the first female jockey to win the Santa Anita Handicap, one of the most prestigious races in the United States. This victory further demonstrated that women could handle the pressure of high-stakes racing and succeed at the highest level of competition.

4. Rosie Napravnik – Dominating the Kentucky Circuit

Rosie Napravnik emerged as one of the most dominant female jockeys in recent history. She was the first woman to win the Kentucky Oaks twice and the highest-earning female jockey in American history. Napravnik’s career has been filled with record-breaking achievements, and her skill on the track made her a fan favorite.

Greatest Win: 2012 & 2014 Kentucky Oaks

Napravnik won the Kentucky Oaks with Believe You Can in 2012 and Untapable in 2014, cementing her reputation as one of the best female jockeys in the sport. Her ability to navigate competitive races and make decisive moves in crucial moments showcased her exceptional talent and strategic mindset.

5. Hollie Doyle – The Rising Star

Hollie Doyle is a modern-day powerhouse in horse racing. She has shattered multiple records in the UK and continues to push the boundaries for female jockeys. Her dedication, hard work, and resilience have earned her respect in the industry, and she continues to set new benchmarks for women in horse racing.

Greatest Win: 2020 British Champions Sprint Stakes

Doyle made history when she won the British Champions Sprint Stakes on Glen Shiel, becoming the first female jockey to win a race on British Champions Day. This win, along with her numerous other achievements, proves that female jockeys are not only competitive but capable of excelling at the highest level of horse racing.

The Impact of Female Jockeys in Horse Racing

The success of these incredible female jockeys has paved the way for future generations of women in the sport. Their victories have not only earned them recognition but have also proven that skill, determination, and perseverance matter more than gender in horse racing.

The Challenges They Faced

Despite their success, female jockeys have had to overcome significant challenges, including:

• Limited opportunities – Women were historically denied chances to ride in major races.

• Stereotypes and bias – Many believed that female jockeys were not strong enough to handle the physical demands of the sport.

• Lack of mentorship – Early female jockeys had few role models or mentors to guide them.

The Progress in Women’s Horse Racing

Thanks to pioneers like Julie Krone, Hayley Turner, and Rosie Napravnik, the racing industry is gradually becoming more inclusive. Today, more women are entering the sport, and race organizers are offering more opportunities for female jockeys to compete in prestigious races.

The Future of Women in Horse Racing

The future looks bright for female jockeys as the industry continues to evolve. Here are some promising signs for the next generation:

• More Women Entering the Sport – The number of female jockeys is increasing worldwide, and more women are securing top rides in major races.

• Increased Support and Sponsorships – As the achievements of female jockeys gain recognition, sponsors and investors are supporting them more than ever.

• Breaking More Records – With continued dedication and talent, female jockeys are expected to set new records and redefine the standards of excellence in horse racing.

Conclusion

The contributions of female jockeys to horse racing are undeniable. From Julie Krone’s groundbreaking Belmont Stakes victory to Hollie Doyle’s record-breaking wins, these women have left an indelible mark on the sport. Their greatest wins are not just milestones in their careers but also significant moments in horse racing history. As more women continue to rise in the sport, the future looks bright for female jockeys worldwide.

By continuing to challenge norms and achieve greatness on the track, these exceptional women inspire a new generation of aspiring jockeys. Their impact extends beyond the racing world, proving that determination and talent can break barriers and reshape history. As female jockeys gain more recognition, we can expect even greater achievements in the years to come.

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