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How Much Has the Kentucky Derby Changed Over the Years?

April 13, 2022 By editor

A racehorse

The Kentucky Derby is one of the horse races with the biggest tradition that dates back close to 150 years. Over the years the Kentucky Derby was one of the most stable horse racing events that managed to survive some tough times, even throughout the Great Depression.

Nowadays, the Kentucky Derby is a bright spot in the horse racing calendar that marks the beginning of the Triple Crown races. Its popularity over the years has grown to a point where it attracts hundreds of thousands of fans on the track and millions watching it on television.

But is the Derby the same as when it started?

Well, it is safe to say that the entire sport advanced to a point where now it is safer and more exciting to watch. With that said, let’s browse through history and find out how the Kentucky Derby evolved throughout history.

The Beginnings of the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby was started by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of the explorer William Clark who was a famous explorer at that time. Clark was in love with horse racing he’d seen in Europe and wanted to recreate the sport in the U.S.

He managed to raise the money to build Churchill Downs on a land that was donated to him by his uncles.

It all started when Clark visited Europe in 1872, and attended a few leading horse races in England and France. He was really inspired by the Epsom Downs racecourse which was the home of the Derby Stakes since 1780 and decided to bring home similar horse racing action.

After his return home, Clark immediately started raising money to fund the Louisville Jockey Club and to build a racecourse. He envisioned his racetrack to be a place where the city’s stylish residents would gather, or like a spot where there will be a lot of glamour and prestige.

This led to the first Kentucky Derby race which was organized on May 17, 1875, where 10,000 people attended the race. Rather differently from today’s Kentucky Derby, the first race featured a field of 15 three-year-old thoroughbreds racing 1.5 miles.

According to TwinSpires, the winning horse in the first race was ridden by Oliver Lewis, an African-American jockey that managed to finish the course in 2:37.75.

Evolution of the Kentucky Derby

Throughout the first three decades of the Kentucky Derby, the race was dominated by black riders, who played an important role in the race’s early years. Between 1875 and 1902, out of 15 winners, eleven were black jockeys.

However, things changed in the early 20th century, when jealousy of the success of the African-American riders resulted in their disappearance from the Kentucky Derby. Jimmy Winkfield, was the last ever African American jockey that managed to win the Derby in 1902.

Another important change that also occurred in the early years of the race was the shortening of the circuit. In 1896, after a few complaints by some members of the racing community that the distance of the Kentucky Derby is too long, organizers shorten the length of the track from 1.5 miles to 1.25 miles, which is the length that still remains today.

The other more significant change that turned into a tradition was the date of the race. In the beginning, the Kentucky Derby was organized in mid-May, but in 12931 the race was permanently scheduled for the first Saturday in May.

This change was necessary due to the popularity of the Triple Crown races and in order to allow participants more time to recover and prepare for the Preakness Steaks and Belmont Stakes.

Due to the exponential growth in popularity of the Kentucky Derby, thanks to its first TV coverage in 1952 and Radio broadcast in 1925 organizers decided to increase the winning purse which exceeded $100,000 for the first time.

Since then, little has changed in terms of the rules of the race. The prize purses continued to rise and horses continued to get better and better. In fact, Secretariat managed to set the fastest time to date completing the Kentucky Derby in 1:59:40, and went to win the Triple Crown races.

Change to the Qualifying System

Fast forward to modern times to 2012, and we have another important change in how the Kentucky Derby is organized. Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby announced that they are going to make a complete overhaul of the Kentucky Derby qualification system.

This change allowed more participants to jump on the fast-moving train to Kentucky and a fair chance for every horse that wants to participate in this big race.

Until then, the qualifying process was based on earnings won in stake races. However, the new system that officially started in 2013 featured a new point system that is aligned with specific stakes races throughout the year, which are called “Road to Kentucky” races.

Each of the top four finishers in these specific races will receive points. As the Road to Kentucky progresses closer to the main event, the point values offered for each race increase.

The Road to Kentucky now has thirty-five races throughout the year, and the top 20 participants that will earn the most points will get to participate in the Kentucky Derby.

Final Words

The Kentucky Derby is one of the leading horse races in the modern world. It somehow managed to keep its tradition and it is now considered one of the most exciting races in the horse racing calendar. It is truly fascinating to see the history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby and how it survived through tough times without changing the whole concept much. This year, the Kentucky Derby will host its 148th run and it is safe to say that we will see some exciting horse racing action at Churchill Downs. If you still haven’t watched the Kentucky Derby live, we strongly encourage you to do so and get a piece of the history of this amazing race with you forever.

Filed Under: Horse Racing Tagged With: Kentucky Derby

Virtual Horse Racing Games at Online Casinos: THE Guide

December 30, 2021 By editor

When it comes to virtual horse racing games at online casinos, horse racing is the oldest form of betting globally. It’s not surprising that it was the first sport adapted for digital betting. Renowned bookmakers such as William Hill, Boylesports, Bet365, Boylesports, and Paddy Power offer virtual horse racing. This gambling category allows punters to place bets on virtual simulations of horse races at virtual track locations every few minutes throughout the day.

Although the simulations of virtual races look very real, it is still primitive and more like a lottery than a horse race. Depending on your goals, virtual racing may be a good choice for you. Regardless, finding a place where you can get free bonuses and win money isn’t a tall order if you’re a fan of this gaming category.

Virtual Horse Racing Games at Online Casinos: What Are They?

It’s essential to understand what virtual horseracing is before learning how to make the most of it. Virtual racing simulates real-life horse racing and takes place on digital racecourses with virtual jockeys.

It shares two critical features with the real thing: it allows punters to bet on horses in a betting marketplace before the race and then lets them watch a digital simulation. Virtual races can now include a range of real-world racing formats, including National Hunt and flat races over various distances. However, note that virtual horse racing betting is not the same as the real thing.

How Does Virtual Horse Racing Work?

Virtual horse racing games at online casinos do not have complex variables like traditional horse racing, such as jockey form, ground preference, weather, racecourse layout, or race length. A computer algorithm calculates the finish order and decides which race wins.

A virtual horse‘s odds can only indicate how it will perform during a race. Therefore, long odds horses are more likely to win than horses with lower odds.

Imagine a virtual horse race, which you can see as if it were a lottery. The competing horses’ names exist on lottery balls. The more horses’ names on the balls with lower odds, the better. Conversely, higher odds mean fewer balls will have the favored horse’s name.

The lottery machine may randomly choose the ball with the name of a long-shot printed on it when picking the first ball. Regardless, it is more likely to select the ball with the favorite’s name.

Virtual racing software works in a similar way to a lottery machine. It pulls up multiple numbers at once, which it uses to determine the race’s order. The draw results become simulated in the form of a horse race. On-screen events keep the result exciting and entertaining for punters.

Virtual Horse Racing Betting & Tips

Virtual horse racing games at online casinos are popular due to the betting opportunities they provide. Betting works the same way as regular betting on racing, but with a smaller selection of markets.

Regular races offer a wide range of betting markets. However, virtual races often only allow you to bet on a win and each-way markets. Depending on the bookie, there may also be a few additional markets. There will not be any form of information, as virtual horses and jockeys don’t have careers in any meaningful way, and each race is a one-off. You can then choose the winner based on the virtual horse racing odds available.

Higher odds will result in higher returns, but you are less likely to win. If you go with lower odds, you will earn a lower return on your stake, but winning your bet becomes more probable. After placing your bet, you can choose to view the simulation of the race. If your wager is successful, you will receive the same payout as you would in a regular horse race.

Don’t Rely On Others For Advice

When placing bets on virtual horse racing games at online casinos, you shouldn’t expect any outsiders’ advice, support, or tips. When betting on virtual horse racing, you are mainly on your own. Tipsters who are regular racing experts do not advise on virtual horse racing. Anyone who tips a virtual race is making a guess that could be as random as you can make.

You can play virtual horse racing online if you are passionate about horse racing but cannot make it to the track. You place wagers on a virtual race, just like you would at a local pub. So, you can place bets on different runners and choose from different types of bets, just as you would at an internet bookmaker. The various bet types you can place in such games include:

  • Straight bets – Pick the horse that will win the race
  • Place bets – Pick the horse that finishes in the top three. Show bets is another name used to describe these wagers
  • Lay bets: Instead of backing a runner in a race, choose a horse that is not likely to win it
  • Forecast bets – These bets are identical to an exacta. You pick two runners to finish in the exact order
  • Dual forecast bets – The same as a quinella. You select two entries to finish first or second in any order
  • Tricast bets – This is a type of trifecta where you choose three horses to race first, second, and third, but in a specific order
  • Boxed Bets – Wager on all possible ending orders for exotic bet types. A box tricast of three horses can cover six possible outcomes.

Game Examples

Virtual Horses is a fun, straightforward game of horse racing. Premier Racing games offer the best virtual racing experience for punters. It’s also the most immersive, featuring HD graphics and a wide range of wagering options. The maximum bet per race is $1,600.

Virtual Racebook 3D is a popular game known for its amazing animations and meticulous attention to detail. Premier Trotting is also available, undoubtedly the best of all the games. However, the harnesses are not the only difference since an expanded betting slip includes forecast (exacta) and dual forecast (quinella) wagers.

Many players love Virtual Derby, a throwback game to older RNG horse racing titles. It has better audio-visual quality and better software performance. Although the animations of the races may seem a little simple, the Virtual Derby betting screen has all of the necessary components to have an authentic and entertaining online gambling experience.

Virtual racing games cannot offer the same number of horse betting markets as traditional ones. The best international sportsbooks offer several fixed betting options. These options are available in top-quality titles such as Premier Trotting and Virtual Racebook 3D.

Final Thoughts

Online casinos allow you to play virtual horse racing and other sports for real money, all from your smartphone. These games are available at many reputable and new online casino venues. Whichever virtual horse racing games at online casinos you choose, you won’t go wrong. Good luck!

Filed Under: Horse Racing, Online Casinos

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