The Kentucky Derby has been the first leg of the Triple Crown since 1923, yet has been around since 1915. Betting enthusiasts have been making money on the fastest two minutes in sports, for the last 179 years, since it was first opened in 1831. However, horse racing fans did not officially begin betting until 1875 when three year old Aristides was being ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis, claimed victory. Since then the race has been run 135 times with only 11 horses going on to win the Triple Crown.

Becoming ever popular as the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby is ridden at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. Further it caps off a two week celebration at the beginning of May annually. As well, as a result of being the first leg of the Triple Crown, and seeing as how winning the Triple Crown in itself is an anomaly, the Kentucky Derby has always received the highest attendance of the three stage race.

This year's race was won by Super Saver, who was ridden by jockey Calvin Borel. Although Borel and Super Saver were unable to win the Triple Crown, despite being the northbet favorite, Borel was able to win the Kentucky Derby for the third time in the past four years. This is a rarity as Borel and Big Brown jockey, Kent Desormeaux are the only two jockey's in the history of the Kentucky Derby to win the race three times.

Over the 135 year span of officially being able to place bets on the Derby, many horses have set record times in winning the race. In 1941, Whirlaway won the Derby in 2:01:40 which not only was a record for the time, but also was the horse's first victory in its eventual Triple Crown prize.