There has been one Kentucky Derby race held each year since 1875, with no interruptions, making it the longest continuously held major horse race in the United States.

Because it is annual, the number of Kentucky Derby races is the same as the number of years since the first running in 1875; for example, 2024 marked the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

How Many Kentucky Derby Races Have There Been?

Quick Scoop

• The Kentucky Derby is run once per year at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

• The first Kentucky Derby took place on May 17, 1875.

• The race has been held every year without interruption , making it the oldest continuously run thoroughbred race in the U.S.

• In 2024, the event celebrated its 150th running , widely promoted as the 150th Kentucky Derby.

So, if you’re asking “how many Kentucky Derby races so far?” — as of the 150th-anniversary running in 2024, there have been 150 Kentucky Derby races.

The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875 and has been held annually ever since, securing its status as a historic American sporting tradition.

Extra Nuggets (if you’re curious)

• It is run on the first Saturday in May each year, a schedule made permanent in 1931.

• The race is famous as “The Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”

• It forms the first leg of the Triple Crown , followed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

TL;DR: One Kentucky Derby race every year since 1875; that produced 150 runnings by 2024.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.