A Kentucky-bred has a pretty good chance to win the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4.
Kentucky has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners
First off, history says 115 of the 149 Derby winners were Kentucky breds – that’s a 77% strike rate.
Kentucky-breds are most common and therefore have won more Derbys
Secondly, let it be noted that in 2023, 63.7% of the live foals reported in North America (18,143) were born in Kentucky, according to The Jockey Club. The Bluegrass state annually leads all states (and Canadian provinces) in thoroughbred breeding activity.
When a 3-year-old bred anywhere else, even big-time racing states like California, Florida, or New York, ends up in the winner’s circle, it’s a big deal in the breeding world.
The victory by Mage in 2023 gave Kentucky Derby its 115th Derby winner.
Some of the more surprising states to produce Derby winners include Montana and Missouri, with one each.
In the 150th Derby on May 4, the tentative field shows 18 Kentucky breds and two Japan breds.
A state-by-state look, plus Canada and England, where winners were bred, listed with the most recent winner:
Kentucky (115), Mage 2023
Florida (6), Silver Charm 1997
Virginia (4), Sea Hero 1993
California (4), California Chrome 2014
Tennessee (3), Typhoon II 1897
Canada (2), Sunny’s Halo 1983
England (2), Tomy Lee (GB) 1959
New Jersey (2), Cavalcade 1934
Pennsylvania (2), Smarty Jones 2004
Texas (2), Middleground 1950
Illinois (1), Dust Commander 1970
Kansas (1), Lawrin 1938
Maryland (1), Kauai King 1966
Missouri (1), Elwood 1904
Montana (1), Spokane 1889
New York (1), Funny Cide 2003
Ohio (1), Wintergreen 1909
Note: Cavalcade (1934) and Pensive (1944) are sons of mares bred to stallions in England and brought to America while the mares were carrying the Derby winners