The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby takes place this Saturday at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville. A field of 20 3-year-old horses are expected to run in America’s biggest horse race.
Naturally, the Derby is a big deal in Louisville and across the state, but the Run for the Roses has captured the nation’s attention for quite some time. In fact, BetKentucky.com found that excitement this year is higher than it was last year, and not just across Kentucky sports betting.
We used Google Trends to find what states are most excited about the 151st Kentucky Derby. We ranked states and Kentucky metro regions based on search interest score. The search period was over the past 30 days (March 28-April 27).
151st Kentucky Derby Excitement
Rank | State | Search Interest Score |
1 | Kentucky | 100 |
2 | Indiana | 40 |
3 | Ohio | 35 |
4 | New Hampshire | 33 |
T5 | Delaware | 31 |
T5 | Wisconsin | 31 |
T7 | Pennsylvania | 29 |
T7 | Illinois | 29 |
T7 | Rhode Island | 29 |
10 | Massachusetts | 28 |
As it was last year, Kentucky’s score was 100. However, the remaining states on this list have scores significantly higher than last year’s. Indiana, which also finished second last year, went from 27 to 40. Ohio, also third last year, jumped from 25 to 35.
New Hampshire rose from 10th to fourth. The Granite State is home to Chasers Poker Room, which Churchill Downs acquired nearly three years ago.
Also of interest: The Most Famous Kentucky Derby Winning Horses In History.
What Kentucky Metro Areas Are Most Excited for the Kentucky Derby
Rank | Metro Region | Search Interest Score |
1 | Louisville | 100 |
2 | Bowling Green | 67 |
3 | Lexington | 52 |
4 | Paducah | 22 |
Naturally, Louisville ranks at the top since it is home to the Derby, which is the nation’s longest continually held sporting event. Bowling Green edged Lexington for second, and at first glance that does seem a bit surprising since Lexington is really considered the state’s horse capital. Many top horse farms are scattered across the Lexington region.
Then again, since Lexington obviously knows its horses, that could also explain why the search interest is lower. They likely don’t need to search what they already know.
USA Today photo by Pat McDonogh.
Why People Are Excited For Kentucky Derby 151
Just like the Super Bowl and the Olympics, the Kentucky Derby attracts a crowd of both diehard sports fans and more casual viewers across Kentucky betting apps.
Some follow the horses who have raced in Arkansas, California, Florida, New York and elsewhere – including Japan and Europe – to earn their way into the starting gate. Others, though, follow for the pageantry of the event. The race matters, but they really want to see what celebrities are attending and what fashions are on display in Millionaire’s Row and elsewhere across Churchill Downs.
Who Is The Favorite To Win Kentucky Derby 151
The post-position draw for the race was held on Saturday, and Santa Anita Derby winner Journalism is the morning-line favorite at 3-1. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, has won his last four races. He was likely to be the early favorite anyway but then drew the eighth gate, one of the most ideal starting spots.
Other top contenders are expected to be Sovereignty, Sandman, Burnham Square and Rodriguez.
Post time for the race is 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday. NBC will cover the race and hold hours of pre-race coverage on its networks. Check local listings for more information.
