Kentucky Derby Grade I race The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports; The Run for the Roses Location Churchill Downs Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. Inaugurated 1875 Race type Thoroughbred Website www.kentuckyderby.com Race information Distance 1 ⁄ miles (10 furlongs; 2,012 m) Record 1: ​ 59 ⁄, Secretariat (1973) Surface Dirt Track Left - handed Qualification 3 - year - old Weight Colt / Gelding: 126 lbs (57.2 kg) Filly: 121 lb (55 kg) Purse US $2 million 1st: $1,425,000 Bonuses US $ 200
what is the world record time for the kentucky derby
1: ​ 59 ⁄, Secretariat (1973)