The Kentucky Derby is one of the leading American horse racing events. It launches the desired Triple Crown pursuit for thoroughbred horse owners alongside their trainers and jockeys.
But not all who wish to enter the race can do so because only twenty horses receive the chance to race at Churchill Downs, not through invitation or chance. They have to fight for it. Derby qualification becomes as exciting as the race because achieving this milestone requires intense effort. Let’s break down the intense and lengthy process of Derby qualification.
How the Kentucky Derby Qualification System Works
Derby qualification previously relied exclusively on earning specific winnings from graded stakes races. The method was basic yet it carried multiple issues. The qualification standards allowed a horse to enter the Derby with just one big pay-off win early in its two-year-old season despite later showing no other victories. This process enabled underprepared horses to join the field because it didn’t require proof of peak performance.
The management at Churchill Downs introduced a points-based system for qualification in 2013, focused on continuous strong performances so excellent three-year-olds could secure spots in Derby races.
The current format for the Kentucky Derby qualification system consists of 36 designated races in the United States, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. The series of designated races grants points to multiple finishers throughout the qualification process, while the highest value points go to winning runners closer to Derby Day.
How Horses Earn Points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby
The point assigned to Derby prep races differs from one to another. Points accumulation throughout the season allows experts, analysts, bettors, and fans to distinguish 2025 contenders who reached their peak before the final event.
Early Prep Races
The racing journey starts eight months before the Derby. The early season gives two-year-olds an initial experience before the Kentucky Derby begins. Entry into the potential Derby lineup starts here, but these victories do not directly lead to a starting position.
The scoring method is as follows:
- Winner – 10 points
- Second place – 4 points
- Third place – 2 points
- Fourth place – 1 point
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is the most prestigious competition among all horse racing events during this phase. Double points are handed out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile because of how prestigious the race has become (20-8-4-2 points). A win in this particular race leads to horses becoming highlighted candidates for the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
Mid-Season Races
Everything changes in February. The Derby Draw approaches as the number of competitive field members decreases steadily. The stakes require different points and values to advance as they become more challenging to win. The Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds signals the start of this important race period.
The point system now operates with 50-20-10-5 values. Winning a 50-point victory fulfills qualification, but some horses secure their spot with extra points.
Final Stretch
The qualifying races during March and April become crucial for competition before the championship. Critical horse races award the most points, including the Florida Derby, Santa Anita Derby, Wood Memorial, and Blue Grass Stakes. Winners from these races obtain instant qualification.
The point structure doubles again:
- Winner – 100 points
- Second place – 40 points
- Third place – 20 points
- Fourth place – 10 points
The Last Chance
Not every horse qualifies comfortably. Many horses currently occupy positions below the top twenty rankings but require marginal additional points to enter the competitor. The Lexington Stakes race at Keeneland in mid-April gives horse competitors their final chance to qualify.
This “wild card” race awards:
- Winner – 20 points
- Second place – 8 points
- Third place – 4 points
- Fourth place – 2 points
The Global Path to the Kentucky Derby
Since its inception, the Kentucky Derby has established itself as a global spectacle that attracts worldwide interest. Churchill Downs has recently established new international qualification paths to attract more participants from across the globe.
- Japan Road to the Derby – The international racing culture acknowledges the development of top-tier horses from the Japanese racing industry. The Japan Road to the Derby comprises four specific races that give the highest points winner an automatic ticket to Churchill Downs. A leader who refuses the invitation moves the prize to the following finisher position.
- European & Middle East Road to the Derby- A total of seven European and Middle Eastern races serve as an exclusive path to receive Derby qualification. Every Road to the Derby edition invites its top-scoring participant to Churchill Downs.
Conclusion
The points structure filters out all except the top-worthy three-year-olds who will compete in the Derby. There are no shortcuts. A horse must earn its way in. Since the system was implemented, horse competition has increased, leading to a better-quality Derby.
Horses spend several months on their way to becoming eligible for participation in the two-minute derby race. Every race counts. Every point matters. Churchill Downs welcomes only horses with the highest competency.
By: Chris Bates
