The Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are two renowned races hosted annually during Derby Week at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. While both events are major races in the thoroughbred horse racing world, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are two separate and distinct races.
The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 mile race that is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds, and carries a $3 million purse. A historic event, the Kentucky Derby is also known as the “Run for the Roses” due to the blanket of roses draped over the winning horse’s neck.
It is the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
The Kentucky Oaks is a 1 1/8 mile race that is open to three-year-old fillies, and is known as the “Run for the Lilies” due to a wreath of lilies draped over the winning horse’s neck. It offers a $1.
5 million purse, making it the second highest earning race for female horses in North America. The Kentucky Oaks is an important event in its own right, with some of the fastest fillies in the industry vying for victory each year.
What does Oaks mean in horse racing?
Oaks is a term used in horse racing to refer to a type of race that is open exclusively to female Thoroughbreds that are three years old. These races are typically one mile in length and are run on either turf or dirt tracks.
They are graded stakes races, meaning they offer a purse of at least $100,000 and typically much more. The most prestigious Oaks Race is the Epsom Oaks, which is run at Epsom Racecourse in Surrey, England.
It is run over the same course and distance as the Epsom Derby and is one of the five British Classic Races restricted to female horses. Other important Oaks Races include the Oaks d’Italia run in Milan, Italy, and the Prix de Diane (also known as the French Oaks) held at Chantilly, France.
The six American Grade 1 Oaks Races are the Kentucky Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, the Coaching Club American Oaks, the Ashland Stakes, the Alabama Stakes, and the Test Stakes.
What is the Oaks Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 horse race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, run every year on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky. It is the first leg of the US Triple Crown series, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The Oaks Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 horse race for three-year-old fillies (female horses), held on the same day, at the same track as the Kentucky Derby. Run since 1875, the race is named after its home base, the historic Churchill Downs.
The race usually covers a distance of 1 1/8 miles and is contested by the top three-year-old fillies in the nation. One day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks Kentucky Derby is a noteworthy magnet for many of the same fans and contestants.
The winner of the Oaks Kentucky Derby receives the famous garland of lilies, which has become its signature trophy. The race also offers purse money worth a substantial sum, providing an especially attractive incentive for its contenders.
Over the years, the Oaks Kentucky Derby has seen some of the world’s best fillies go for the win, making it one of the premier races for female horses in the US.
Which horses run in the Oaks?
The Oaks is a prestigious horse race held annually in the United Kingdom. It is a flat, Thoroughbred race run over a distance of 1 1/2 miles at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, England. The race is exclusively for three-year-old fillies, which are female horses that have not yet reached their fourth birthday.
The prestigious event is the third most valuable horse race on the British flat racing calendar and generally takes place on the Friday before the famous Derby Stakes.
The field for the race is made up of at least 12 runners, with up to 25 potential starters depending on the conditions. While the race hasn’t always exclusively been for fillies it has been since 1779 when the prestigious event was changed from a distance race of two and a half miles to a four-mile race for both fillies and colts.
The classic race is open to three-year-old fillies, who carry 8 stone 12 pounds in weight or 127 pounds with the allowance of 7 pounds for jockeys who are apprenticed. The race is widely referred to as the ‘Filly Triple Crown’ due to the fact that the Oaks is run alongside the 1,000 Guineas and the St Leger Stakes in a bid to create the ultimate race for fillies.
Why is it called Oaks Day?
Oaks Day (or Ladies’ Day) is an Australian annual horse race that takes place at Flemington Racecourse on the Thursday before the famous Melbourne Cup. The event is so named because it is the traditional day for the running of the Group 1 VRC Oaks, a race open to fillies three-years-old and hosted by the Victoria Racing Club (VRC).
The first VRC Oaks was held in 1861 and ran every year until 2006 when it was moved to the Thursday before the Melbourne Cup. Oaks Day has become a Melbourne tradition and is largely considered the ‘second-biggest’ racing event in Australia.
Other races on the card include the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes, Group 2 Matriarch Stakes and Group 3 Lexus Stakes. The Oaks Day atmosphere is unique and sets it apart from other racing carnivals, with many Melbourne Cup attendees opting to travel on the same day in order to get a feel for the city’s famous atmosphere.
How does a horse qualify for the Kentucky Oaks?
To qualify for the Kentucky Oaks, a horse must be nominated in advance, with a nomination form and fee due at certain points throughout the year; these fees are set by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
A filly must also earn at least 10 points in the Kentucky Oaks Championship Series (KOCS) in order to qualify for the race. Points are earned according to the horse’s performance in certain designated races selected by Churchill Downs.
Races in the KOCS include the Pocahontas, Golden Rod, Demoiselle, and Sharp Katherine. Points are accumulated only by the first, second, and third place finishers from each race. In the event of a tie, the horse with the higher position on the leaderboard will be the one who qualifies for the race.
Additionally, horses that have earned at least 10 points in the KOSC will also be eligible for the post-position draw.
Is the Oaks for fillies only?
No, the Oaks is not exclusively for fillies. The Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in the United Kingdom open to both fillies and colts that are three-years-old or older. The event is traditionally run on the Friday prior to the popular Epsom Derby each June, forming the second leg of the English Triple Crown, preceded by the 2000 Guineas and followed by the St.
Leger. It is contested over a mile and a half at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and carries a prize fund of £1,000,000. While the event originated in 1779 for fillies, colts have been allowed to compete since the mid 19th century.
As such, the event has seen a number of male jockeys win the race, including Lester Piggott, who boasts the record of nine victories.
Can you wear black to Oaks Day?
Yes, you can definitely wear black to Oaks Day. While lighter colors are more traditional at the Kentucky Oaks race, wearing black is both appropriate and fashionable. Whether you opt for a stylish monochrome look or combine a chic black dress with bright accessories, you’ll look sophisticated and on-trend for the big race.
Choose a slim-fitting dress or jumpsuit and add pops of color with a large hat or statement jewelry pieces to make a show-stopping entrance. If you’d prefer a more relaxed look, opt for black trousers or jeans paired with a blouse or top and accessories.
With the black and white Derby dress code in mind, there have been some stunning black combos worn to the Oaks in the past, so you won’t have any trouble finding timeless and stylish items to wear.
Do people dress up for the Oaks?
Yes, many people attend the Oaks dressed up in elegant attire. The Oaks is an event steeped in tradition, and many guests take the opportunity to put on their finest. It is a tradition that dates back over 150 years and is a much-anticipated annual event.
For men, suits and ties are always a safe bet. Women can dress for the occasion in anything from a cocktail dress or formal gown to a chic jumpsuit or skirt suit. Others can also have a bit of fun with their look, adding unique accessories and interesting hats.
No matter what you decide to wear, you’ll be sure to feel special at the Oaks!.
Are all horses female on Oaks Day?
No, not all horses on Oaks Day are female. In fact, many well-known horse races, such as The Oaks Day race itself, are open to both male and female horses. However, some races may be restricted to specifically female horses, depending on the rules of the particular track and the nature of the race.
For example, some tracks might feature races that are only open to female-only horses, while others may offer race divisions designated for both genders. Therefore, not all horses on Oaks Day are female, but it is possible that some races may be restricted to female horses.
Do male or female horses race in the Kentucky Oaks?
No, only female horses are allowed to race in the Kentucky Oaks. The race, also known as the “Lilly is a Cinderella Story” was founded in 1875 as a race for 3-year-old fillies and is the oldest American race for Thoroughbred horses exclusively for female horses.
It is known for being one of the most prestigious events at Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby each year. The Kentucky Oaks is the first of three races in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing for female horses, which also includes the Acorn and the Coaching Club American Oaks.
As such, it is a showcase of the finest female horses in the world, and male horses are not allowed to enter.
What should I wear to Derby Oaks?
Derby Oaks is a unique and exciting event, so you want to make sure you’re dressed to impress! The key to Derby Oak’s dress code is to look polished, but approachable. For ladies, consider a nice sundress in a bright spring color, or a tailored shirt and midi skirt.
For men, a polo shirt or collared shirt in a bright color and khaki trousers is a great combination. So avoid overly long dresses, top hats, and tailcoats. Wear a comfortable, yet stylish shoe – either a wedge sandal or a flat – so that you can be on your feet for the entire event.
Depending on the weather, you may want to add a light cardigan or blazer as a fashion statement and for a bit of extra warmth. Accessories like a wide-brimmed hat or brightly colored scarf can pull the whole look together.
How do you dress for the Derby?
When dressing for the Kentucky Derby, you should aim for a sophisticated and polished look. The hats and clothing should be bright, bold and classy. For women, the most popular look is a dress or skirt, paired with a hat and gloves.
A classic pastel dress is always a great choice. Solid colors, floral prints and bold stripes are popular choices too. Paired with a simple headpiece or a show-stopping hat, you’ll be sure to make a statement.
For men, a suit or weekend blazer with pastel or bright colors is the way to go. A white dress shirt, complimentary tie and pocket square will give you a classic Derby look. Don’t forget the hat! Don’t be afraid to be bold and make a statement.
Shoes should be closed toe and appropriate for the occasion. Dress sandals, slip-ons and loafers are popular choices. Enjoy the race and dress to impress!.
What unique thing do people wear to the Kentucky Derby?
One of the most unique things about attending the Kentucky Derby is the wide variety of fashionable hats people wear. From statement-making designs to more subtle, vintage-inspired styles, a unique hat can be found in almost any store selling Derby-wear.
Many spectators show off their love of the track with jockey hats featuring the famous Churchill Downs silhouette or iconic horseshoe. Other Derby-goers opt for extravagant designs featuring feathers, flowers, sequins, and other eye-catching details.
The most daring hat-wearers often DIY their creations, offering a truly one-of-a-kind take on the trackside style. While hats are the go-to fashion accessory for many Derby fans, men’s accessories including bow ties, suspenders, and lapel pins also bring a level of style and sophistication to the event.
On the ladies’ side, a classic Kentucky Derby dress, fascinator, and gloves also contribute to the memorable style of the race. However you choose to accessorize, the Kentucky Derby is a wonderful excuse to dress up and have fun!.
Is there a dress code at the Derby?
Yes, there is a dress code at the Derby. The dress code is as follows: gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt, dress slacks or dress jeans, dress shoes, and a tie is preferred. Women are asked to dress in a manner befitting a formal event; cocktail or day dresses, pant suits, skirts and blouses, or tailored pants are all acceptable.
Hats larger than 12 inches in diameter must be placed at the owner’s seat or can be checked at the door. All guests are asked to dress in a manner appropriate for the stature of the event. Inappropriate clothing, such as beachwear, shorts, baseball caps, torn jeans, and overly revealing clothing, is not allowed.