The fully-illustrated version of this conversation on our YouTube channel of the same name has loads of fun, helpful graphics, so go check it out if something’s unclear! https://youtu.be/xv14DhiF7RY America's oldest sporting event is the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in the world. We made this crash course to help brand new fans or anyone attending a Derby Day event who wants a little handholding. Here are the topics we cover:

00:28 Nicknames for the race

1:06 Who started it? Why and When?

3:54 How old are the horses? What's the difference between the Kentucky Derby and Oaks?

4:44 How do horses get entered into the Derby?

6:30 How can you pick a winning horse?

8:00 What's meant by "handicapping" and what should you consider?

8:15 Length of track and post position

9:30 Examining past performances of horses (You don't have to torment yourself with racing forms if you're a newbie.)

12:10 Learning from the research/analysis of others (You can gather enough to be dangerous or have a nice conversation!)

14:40 Weather considerations

15:10 What can you learn by observing the pre-race Post Parade?

18:40 How are betting odds written and what do they mean? How do long or short, high or low odds convey bettors' views and payout amounts?

23:30 How do odds look on the racetrack's tote board?

24:40 Explaining Straight Bets for Win, Place, and Show, meaning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers. Win bets always pay best, but are riskier than Place and Show bets.

26:25 Calculating return with a simple win example. In horseracing, when you win a bet, the outlay (price) of that bet is returned to you along with your winnings to add up to your total payout.

28:53 Betting "Across the Board" combines 3 straight bets into a popular combo, also shown as WPS (Win-Place-Show) or W/P/S. This can dilute your risk and enhance your payout if you select well.

31:30 Bettors get rewarded, so to speak, for the degree of difficulty required in choosing the winner(s).

32:35 Where to place wagers, provided that 1) you are of legal age and 2) such gambling is legal where you are located.

36:30 Don't forget the rest of the day's races, the undercard. Former Derby and Oaks contenders get faster as they mature, peaking at 4 to 5 years of age.

38:45 The Triple Crown is composed of 3 races which begin with the Kentucky Derby, followed by The Preakness, and then The Belmont Stakes. To win any of them signals greatness, but the champion who sweeps all three is a rare and unforgettable champion.

Hope you enjoyed this quick and dirty speedrun through the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown. Please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE if you did, and Happy Racing, Ya'll!
💋 Trixie and Weej