Churchill Downs will host the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th, the 150th edition of the derby. Being the most renowned horse race globally, the Derby attracts a massive crowd. It is also an eagerly awaited occasion for bettors, and Canada Sports Betting provides comprehensive coverage with odds and analysis to help with betting on the Kentucky Derby.
Since its debut in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has been held continuously every year. The event goes beyond horse racing as both ardent followers and casual observers tune in. As such, betting for the derby is a big draw.
Below are the latest odds for the 2024 running of the Kentucky Derby. Kentucky Derby odds shift as race day approaches so if you plan to bet on the Kentucky Derby stay locked on Canada Sports betting for the latest odds. Updated onDec 21, 2024:
| Kentucky Derby Odds 2024 |  |
|---|---|
| Sierra Leone | +250 |
| Fierceness | +300 |
| Forever Young | +800 |
| Catching Freedom | +1000 |
| Just A Touch | +1400 |
| Stronghold | +1400 |
| Honor Marie | +2000 |
| Resilience | +2000 |
| Endlessly | +2000 |
| Dornoch | +2500 |
| Mystik Dan | +2500 |
| Just Steel | +2500 |
| Track Phantom | +2500 |
| Domestic Product | +2500 |
| T O Password | +2500 |
| Society Man | +2500 |
| Epic Ride | +2500 |
| Catalytic | +4000 |
| West Saratoga | +5000 |
| Grand Mo The First | +6600 |
| Mugatu | +10000 |
2024 Kentucky Derby Top Contenders Breakdown
Join us as we break down the top 6 favourites for the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Betting on the Kentucky Derby without any prior knowledge of the field can be a fun challenge but having a little insider info can really help target your betting dollars. Kentucky Derby betting lines will shift and change as the race nears and as such, knowing the field will give you a major edge come race day.
Sierra Leone
- Owners: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, Brook T. Smith and Peter Brant
- Trainer: Chad Brown
This $2.3 million thoroughbred came within a nose of maintaining a perfect record in his four career starts. With a late-running style that can lead to some tricky situations, he’s in good hands with jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who has the skill to steer him through a crowded field.
Fierceness
- Owner: Repole Stable
- Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Fierceness showcased an impressive mix of speed and stamina, delivering dominant wins in both the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Florida Derby. These back-to-back triumphs established the bay colt among the frontrunners for the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Fierceness – To Win 2024 Kentucky Derby
Forever Young
- Owner: Susumu Fujita
- Trainer: Yoshito Yahagi
With an undefeated record of five wins from five starts, this colt is widely regarded as Japan’s finest contender for the Kentucky Derby. Many believe he has what it takes to secure Japan’s first-ever win in the prestigious race.
Catching Freedom
- Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
- Trainer: Brad Cox
Catching Freedom’s win at the Louisiana Derby was quietly impressive, and this colt has consistently boosted his speed figures with each race. If he keeps this momentum, heâs a contender to watch.
Catching Freedom – To Win 2024 Kentucky Derby
Just A Touch
- Owners: Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel
- Trainer: Brad Cox
Just A Touch just might be the next Mage (Derby winner in 2023): Debuting as a 3-year-old, placing second in his last prep race, and then clinching the Derby in only his fourth start.
Just A Touch – To Win 2024 Kentucky Derby
Stronghold
- Owners: Eric Waller and Sharon Waller
- Trainer: Phil DâAmato
This horse could be flying under the radar, but he shouldn’t be. He’s finished in the top two in all six of his career outings and claimed victory in the Santa Anita Derby by besting a top Bob Baffert trained contender, Imagination.
Stronghold – To Win 2024 Kentucky Derby
2024 Kentucky Derby
This yearâs edition of the Kentucky Derby will run on Saturday, May 4th at Churchill Downs. The derby is the most famous horse race in the world and draws a huge audience each year. It is also a highly anticipated event for bettors and Canada Sports Betting has got you covered with odds and analysis.
The Kentucky Derby debuted in 1875 and has run ever since. It is an event that often transcends the sport, as die-hard horse racing fans and casual observers tune in.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby, officially known as the marked the 149th running of the iconic horse race. Held on May 6th, 2023, the first Saturday of May, the event took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
The field was comprised of 20 horses, all of whom earned their spots through the 2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby, a points-based qualification system. The Derby, a Grade I stakes race, covers a distance of 1Âź miles (2 km) and has been a staple at Churchill Downs since its inception in 1875. In 2023, the prize purse was set at US$3 million, with Mage emerging victorious.
NBC broadcasted the race, offering early coverage of undercard events on USA Network beginning at 10:30 am EST. NBC’s broadcast of the Derby drew a total of 14.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched sporting event and second most-watched television show since Super Bowl LVII in February, with only the Academy Awards attracting a larger audience.
Visit our page to see horse racing odds for other competitions.
Betting on Horse Racing in Ontario
Betting on horse racing is finally available to Ontario race fans courtesy of the newly established partnership between bet365 and Woodbine. As such, the pair will combine to provide bet365 horse racing pari-mutuel betting in association with Woodbine Entertainment Group.
19+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Visit http://ConnexOntario.ca for responsible gambling information.
After a big announcement in the lead up to the 2023 King’s Plate, Bet365 has reached an agreement with Woodbine to provide Horse racing markets to betting fans in Ontario.
Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson made the announcement during the Kingâs Plate Breakfast press conference.
âThis is a historic announcement in my perspective, and we will look back over the years at this moment. Woodbine is officially announcing today, that horse racing, including the Kingâs Plate, will be available to Ontario sports bettors through the licensed bet365 platform,â a cheerful Lawson announced. âThis is huge. Itâs a huge win for the Ontario horse racing industry and the 25,000 jobs that this industry supports in the province.â Horse racing betting markets are only available to bet365 Ontario account holders.
In addition to Bet365’s online sportsbook, Ontarians can bet on horse racing as they would have before the opening of the market, through trusted Canadian purveyor; Woodbine Entertainment Group.
Woodbine offers Ontario bettors two options for all levels of horse racing knowledge and experience.
Dark Horse offers bettors a sleek and modern betting app (iOS and Android) complete with information, tips and coaching geared towards newcomers to Horse Racing. Live streaming compliments the offering and makes Dark Horse a one stop shop for all your horse racing needs.
HPIbet represents a longstanding and comprehensive racebook experience for Ontarians. A browser based platform, HPIbet offers a more stats based experience catered to horse racing veterans. Live streaming is a key feature of the platform and makes for a great betting/viewing destination for race fans.
How to Bet on Horse Racing in Canada
The first step to betting on the Woodbine Horse Racing in Canada is to find the right racebook for you. You should use sites that are recommended by experts, so that you know they are safe.
You can check out any of the recommended Canadian horse racing betting sites that we recommend on this page to bet on Woodbine Horse Racing in Canada. Signing up is a breeze.
Depending on when you sign up, you can either investigate some of your early betting options and get in on the futures, or you can check out the specials that become available during a race week. Developing a betting portfolio based on the Woodbine Horse Racing field is your next step.
Then you can start selecting bets, placing them in your bet slip and finalizing the deals.
- Sign up at a top racebook like Bet365
- Research bet options and strategies (Read CSB!)
- Select bets to put into your bet slip
- Input your risk and review the bet details
- Finalize the bet
Who will win the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
Horses Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Forever Young and Catching Freedom round out the top 4 most likely contenders. Staying informed on the race field can help you make the best Kentucky Derby bets.
What are the types of odds?
Kentucky Derby betting has one of the broadest betting markets youâll find at any online derby betting provider. Itâs important to recognize there are a variety of different bets, which are worth playing in different circumstances.
But first, all bettors should be aware that there are three main types of betting odds displayed at online racebooks. These are American odds (+500), Fractional odds (5/1), and Decimal odds (6.00), which can all hold the same value but look quite different. So, be aware of which odds youâre working with!
Win odds
Simple win odds are available and are the most common form of bet, picking a win is the main punters bet youâll come across at any racetrack.
Kentucky Derby Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta Wagering Odds
These may seem strange names for odds if youâre coming from a sportsbook, but these are commonplace wagers and very popular among racebook players. The bet relates to the order in which the horses place; the top two (exacta), three (trifecta) or four (superfecta).
Live odds
Live odds are dictated by the amount of money that goes into the win pool. So, if a bettor is looking to play âlive oddsâ they will bet on the day of the race. Itâs a frequent bet and sportsbooks support this type of wagering.
Multirace Exotics
The double, the Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6 all involve picking the winners of consecutive races. Using multiple combinations is the strategic way to place these kinds of bets.
Kentucky Derby 2024
There’s nothing quite like Kentucky Derby betting, and the 2024 Run for the Roses is on May 4th. Last year’s field was particularly wide-open. When you look at the Kentucky Derby contenders, you talk about the Kentucky Derby Future betting and examine the scope of the famed first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, which is traditionally followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
Food, Fashion and Fun at the Kentucky Derby
The Derby is known for its exciting atmosphere, elegant fashion, and delicious food and drinks. So let’s take a closer look at the food, drink, and clothing traditions of the Kentucky Derby.
Food
One of the most famous foods associated with the Kentucky Derby is the iconic Kentucky Hot Brown. This dish is a hearty sandwich that was first created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville in the 1920s. It consists of turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce on toast, all baked until golden brown and served with tomato and Parmesan cheese.
Another popular food at the Derby is the burgoo. This is a thick, stew-like soup that traditionally contains a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. Burgoo is often served with cornbread and is a staple of Kentucky cuisine.
Of course, no Derby experience would be complete without a slice of Derby pie. This sweet treat is similar to a pecan pie, but with the addition of chocolate chips and a splash of bourbon for an extra kick. Derby pie is a delicious dessert that is a must-try for anyone attending the race.
Drink
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep. This refreshing cocktail is made with bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint leaves. It is typically served in a silver or pewter cup filled with crushed ice, which helps to keep the drink cold on a hot day.
In addition to mint juleps, the Derby is also known for its wide selection of bourbons and whiskeys. Kentucky is home to many of the worldâs top bourbon distilleries, and visitors to the Derby can sample a variety of different brands and flavors.
Fashion
When it comes to fashion, the Kentucky Derby is all about classic Southern style. For women, this means wearing a stylish hat or fascinator, often decorated with feathers, flowers, or other embellishments. The hat is a key part of the Derby dress code and is an opportunity for women to show off their creativity and personal style.
Men typically wear a suit or sport coat and dress pants, often paired with a colorful tie or bowtie. Seersucker suits and pastel colors are popular choices, as they reflect the light and airy feel of springtime in Kentucky.
Overall, the Kentucky Derby is a unique and exciting event that combines the best of Southern hospitality, delicious food and drinks, and timeless fashion. Whether youâre a horse racing enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and festive experience, the Derby is definitely worth adding to your bucket list.
Kentucky Derby Past Champions
The Kentucky Derby has been running since 1875, with over a hundred winners over the years. The race is held on the first Saturday of May, capping a two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. It’s a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds at a distance of one and a quarter miles at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds and fillies 121 pounds.
Last year the race was won by Mage, in a time of 2:01.57. We’ve compiled a list of all previous winners back to the year 2000 for you below:
| Year | Horse | Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Mage | Javier Castellano |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon |
| 2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux |
| 2020 | Authentic | John Velazquez |
| 2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith |
| 2017 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez |
| 2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza |
| 2014 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza |
| 2013 | Orb | Joel Rosario |
| 2012 | I’ll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez |
| 2011 | Animal Kingdom | John Velazquez |
| 2010 | Super Saver | Calvin Borel |
| 2009 | Mine That Bird | Calvin Borel |
| 2008 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux |
| 2007 | Street Sense | Calvin Borel |
| 2006 | Barbaro | Edgar Prado |
| 2005 | Giacomo | Mike E. Smith |
| 2004 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliot |
| 2003 | Funny Cide | Jose A. Santos |
| 2002 | War Emblem | Victor Espinoza |
| 2001 | Monarchos | Jorge F. Chavez |
| 2000 | Fusaichi Pegasus | Kent Desormeaux |
Kentucky Derby Records
There have been numerous records set over the years, including speed records, winning margins, among many more.
Speed record:
- Mile and a Quarter: 1:59â2â5 â Secretariat (1973)
- Mile and a Half: 2:34â1â2 â Spokane (1889)
Margin of Victory:
- 8 lengths â Old Rosebud (1914), Johnstown (1939), Whirlaway (1941), Assault (1946)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 5 â Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952)
- 5 â Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 6 â Ben A. Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952)
- 6 â Bob Baffert (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020)
Most wins by an owner:
- 8 â Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968)
Longest shot to win the Derby:
- 91 to 1 â Donerail (1913)
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby in Canada
The first step to betting on the Kentucky Derby in Canada is to find the right racebook for you. You should use sites that are recommended by experts, so that you know they are safe.
You can check out any of the recommended Canadian horse racing betting sites that we recommend on this page to bet on Kentucky Derby Canada. Signing up is a breeze.
Depending on when you sign up, you can either investigate some of your early betting options and get in on the futures, or you can check out the specials that become available during Derby week. Developing a betting portfolio based on the Kentucky Derby horse racing odds is your next step.
Then you can start selecting bets, placing them in your bet slip and finalizing the deals.
- Sign up at a top racebook
- Research bet options and strategies
- Select bets to put into your bet slip
- Input your risk and review the bet details
- Finalize the bet and win big!
Kentucky Derby FAQ
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 4. Every year, the world-famous Kentucky Derby steals the spotlight and hosts countless celebrities. Whether stars of sports or film, itâs usually a safe assumption that plenty of high-profile folks will make their way to Kentucky for the event.
The 2024 Kentucky Derby will be held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Churchill Downs has plenty of history, as it was first opened all the way back in 1875. It hosted the Kentucky Derby that year, and every year since.
In the United States, the Kentucky Derby is aired on NBC. In what many call the âbest two minutes in sportsâ, youâll be able to hear an exciting call of the race via the commentators on NBC. Itâs truly a fun event to watch no matter where you are.
Mage took home the 2023 Derby, with final race time odds of 15-1.
Similar to 2022’s Rich Strike, the most legendary underdog story in Kentucky Derby history belongs to Donerail, who defied all expectations to emerge as the victor in the 1913 race.
What really made Donerail’s victory stand out was the incredible odds against him. At a staggering 91-1, he was the biggest long shot ever to win the Derby, and his victory remains one of the most remarkable upsets in racing history. For those daring enough to bet on him, the payoff was truly extraordinary, with each dollar wagered returning a stunning $91 in winnings. It’s a moment that has gone down in history as a testament to the unpredictable, awe-inspiring nature of horse racing.
The Kentucky Derby features a larger field than your average race of thoroughbreds, as 20 compete in the event. Usually, youâll see eight to ten horses square off in a race. However, youâll see twice as many in one of the greatest races of the year.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States every year. In 2021, more than 51,000 people made their way to Churchill Downs.
The purse for the Kentucky Derby is actually quite impressive, as the winner earns $2 million. With it being one of the three Triple Crown races, itâs easy to understand why there is so much at stake and why the payout is so large.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby will be the first race in the âTriple Crownâ series. Following the Derby, the thoroughbreds then compete in the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore, followed by the Belmont Stakes in New York.Â
The race distance for the Kentucky Derby is one and one-quarter miles long. A typical Kentucky Derby race will last right around two minutes.
Horses Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Forever Young and Catching Freedom round out the top 4 most likely contenders.
The favourite Sierra Leone sits at odds of +250
Absolutely! Bettors can bet and even view the races from their own home without any difficulty. All they need is access to a device such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or another device with internet access.
Bettors then have access to two options; they can either access a sportsbook online and place bets that way or to download software from one of the oddsmakers onto their device and get instant betting access.
Smartphones with internet access allow users to visit sportsbook websites directly, which enables them to play the odds online.
However, as advancements in technology have influenced the gambling industry we begin to see more and more sportsbooks offering downloadable betting software. So, betting via mobile is in fact one of the most common ways to bet.
Mage won the 2023 Derby, coming in at 15-1 odds. Meaning a $100 bet on Mage to win would have resulted in a payout of $1500.
Had you bet $100 on 2023 Derby champion Mage at 15-1 odds, you would have netted $1500 for a profit of $1400.
With so many sportsbooks on offer, it can be a daunting task to find the right oddsmaker for betting on the Sport of Kings. Some of the top options for Canadian race fans include Bet365, Sports Interaction, Bet99, 888Sport and William Hill.
There are always a variety of promotions available to bettors that offer free money and bets to players. The vast majority of racebooks offer a horse-racing rebate, which varies in value. The value is normally somewhere between 7-15% on your daily bet volume, win or lose, which is paid out every single day.
Itâs not common for partners to stream events live, although it is something that companies are lobbying for regularly. However, closer to the event itself, itâs worth looking out and checking to see if any providers have made a deal to licence a streaming service.
Horse racing offers one of the broadest betting markets of them all. There are some simple bets and there are others which are far much more difficult to find success on. Itâs important to pick a bet which you can be confident in and feel the payout and risk are balanced â at least to some degree! The following types of bets are common with horse racing fans:
– Win
– Place
– Show
– Quinella
– Exacta
– Trifecta
– Superfecta
– Double
– Pick 3
– Pick 4
– Pick 5
