Kentucky Oaks
Churchill Downs
Friday May 6, 2011

Like the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is a Grade 1 stakes race for 3 year old thoroughbreds held at Churchill Downs in Louisville. While the Derby is typically run with Colts and Geldings, although fillies have run in the Derby, the Kentucky Oaks is entirely for the fillies. Even though the Oaks does not get the media coverage that the Derby generates, it is considered by some to be the second most popular thoroughbred race in the United States due to hordes of spectators that engulf the city in preparation for the Kentucky Derby. In recent years, the Kentucky Oaks has attracted over 100,000 fans, more than the Preakness and the Belmont.

The Kentucky Oaks is held on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby and is hugely popular with residents of Louisville who would rather not fight the crowds on Derby day. Even though it is referred to as “Louisville’s Derby”, it is also popular with visitor who come to Louisville for two full days or horse racing excitement.

Recent Winners of the Kentucky Oaks
2009 – Rachel Alexandra
2008 – Proud Spell
2007 – Rages to Riches
2006 – Lemons Forever
2005 – Summerly
2004 – Ashado
2003 – Bird Town
2002 – Farda Amiga
2001 – Flute
2000 – Secret Status

Please visit the Kentucky Oaks website for more information