LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby is always the main event of Derby week at Churchill Downs, but don't forget about Oaks Day.
The Kentucky Oaks runs every Friday before the Derby and features an all-filly field. The race is among the most popular in the United States and is heavily attended each year.
So what's Oaks Day all about? WHAS11 answers your questions below.
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What is Oaks Day?
The Kentucky Oaks is a Grade I stakes race for 3-year-old Thoroughbred fillies, which are female horses. The race covers 1 1/8 miles of the track at Churchill Downs.
The first race was held in 1875 and founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., along with the Kentucky Derby, Clark Handicap and Falls City Handicap. The Oaks and Derby are the oldest continuously contested sporting events in American history.
About 100,000 people have attended Oaks each year since 2001.
You can see a full list of Oaks Day races here.
Which horses are running in the 2024 race?
- 1. Tapit Janallie (SCR)
- 2. Gin Gin (30-1)
- 3. Where's My Ring (15-1)
- 4. Regulatory Risk (20-1)
- 5. Thorpedo Anna (5-1)
- 6. Lemon Muffin (30-1)
- 7. Fiona's Magic (30-1)
- 8. Tarifa (7-2)
- 9. Everland (30-1)
- 10. Into Champagne (30-1)
- 11. Ways and Means (5-1)
- 12. Power Squeeze (12-1)
- 13. Just FYI (9-2)
- 14. Leslie's Rose (4-1)
- 15. Our Pretty Woman (15-1)
- 16. Candied*
* = also eligible
What does the winner receive?
This year's purse is a record-high $1.5 million with $750,000 going to the winning horse. The winner also gets a large garland blanket of lilies, which bred the nickname "Lilies for the Fillies."
A silver Kentucky Oaks trophy is also presented to the champion.
Can I bet on the race?
Yes, Churchill Downs offers various locations at the track to place your bets.
Watching from home? There are several approved sportsbook apps in Kentucky, including:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Casesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics
- ESPN Bet
Can I still get tickets?
You can view available tickets through Ticketmaster here. You can also find tickets on various re-selling websites, but likely for higher prices.
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