2023 Kentucky Derby: The 149th Running

Date and Coverage

The 2023 Kentucky Derby, officially the 149th running of the prestigious race, took place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. NBCSports HorseRacing and NBC provided live coverage of the event.

150th Anniversary Announcement

In a special announcement, it was also revealed that the 2024 Kentucky Derby will mark the 150th renewal of "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." This milestone anniversary will be celebrated on May 4th, 2024.

Race Highlights

The 2023 Kentucky Derby saw an exciting race filled with dramatic twists and turns. The Sporting News provided live updates and results as the horses thundered down the track. The eventual winner of the race was Rich Strike, who emerged from behind to claim a stunning victory.

Early Leaders

At the start of the race, Jaces Road, Reincarnate, and Kingsbarns took an early lead, crossing the ¼-mile mark with a significant advantage. However, as the race progressed, the pack began to close in on the front-runners.

Mid-Race Surge

As the horses entered the far turn, Epicenter and Zandon surged forward, challenging the early leaders. The race became even more competitive as they approached the stretch run.

Rich Strike's Triumph

With just a few furlongs left, Rich Strike, ridden by Sonny Leon, emerged from the pack and put on a stunning burst of speed. Overcoming the odds, Rich Strike crossed the finish line ahead of Epicenter and Zandon, claiming a historic victory in the 2023 Kentucky Derby.