133 Kentucky Derbies have been run. It is the most famous thoroughbred race in the world. Which ones rate as the ten best? Some picks may surprise horse racing fans.
The Ten Best Kentucky Derbies of all time would have Secretariat's 1973 trip on top of the heap. And so it is with The Blood-Horse, the magazine of all things horsey, which recently published its Ten Best Derbies list.
After Secretariat, what thoroughbred racing fan is familiar with these picks? There's Broker's Tip (1933). Many are ear-pricked by the name of Regret (1915) because she was the first filly to win the Derby. Who remembers Black Gold (1924)? How about Whirlaway's 1941 run?
Citation (1948) was at least as famous as Man o' War, who didn't run in the 1920 Derby when he was three-years-old. Whirlaway and Citation both won the Triple Crown, as well. Both were piloted by Eddie Arcaro.
Alysheba had a horrendous Derby trip in 1987, and still, he won. Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker had his worst career moment in Derby 1957, and lost. Who won?
In 1971, Canonero (II), an Argentine entry, was an impossible choice. So, of course, he won. He threatened Triple Crown history by winning that year's Preakness Stakes, as well. Remember?
If you remember Secretariat's stunning Derby feat, you probably also remember Affirmed (1978), the last of the American Triple Crown champions. His battle with Alydar took place not only in the Derby, but throughout 1977 and 1978, and is still chatted up today.
It is extremes in any subject matter which stand out and are best remembered, for good, or bad. Each of the best rated Derbies had a special focal point. Some were great feats, some have become infamous.
As part of your summer reading pleasure, explore and review Suite101's articles of Derbies Best Remembered.
