New Rules for Kentucky Derby

According to Bloodhorse, the old system of qualifying for the Kentucky Derby which was based on graded earnings, has been replaced by a new system, based on accumulating points. Races leading up to the Derby, both in a horse's two year old and three year old years, are given different point values. The top twenty point earners qualify for a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Of course, no one knows what that point amount is.

“Our primary driving motive is to create new fans for horse racing,” said CDI Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Evans. “We’re implementing a more fan-friendly, cohesive and simplified system that should create compelling drama and appeal to a wider customer base. Fans, as well as the owners and trainers of the horses, will know exactly which races are included and what races matter the most based on a sliding scale of points.”

While the jury is still out on this plan, the new system primarily focuses on 36 stake races for 3 year olds in the 10 week period leading up to the Derby. Many are the traditional preps like The Fountain of Youth, Florida Derby, Woodward, etc. but many preps have been eliminated. In other words, you no longer can accumulate earnings anywhere in the country and qualify for the Kentucky Derby, you must accumulate points in the races that are part of the "Road to the Kentucky Derby."

Two year old races are included in the system, including the Breeder's cups Juvenile, but winners are not awarded as many points as those that win three year old races.

“People understand that the Kentucky Derby is the Super Bowl of horse racing, but they don’t understand what the ‘league’ structure is and what the series is to get there,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “We think by simplifying this series with a point system, making it more cohesive and introducing the ‘Kentucky Derby Championship Series’ in the 10 weeks that precede the race can spark fan interest and engage the casual fan earlier. If there’s compelling drama and people have a better understanding of what it takes to get into the Derby, we think there’s a good chance they’ll become more interested in our sport.”

It is all a bit confusing so check out more details as well as the list of qualifying races here.

Only time will tell how this all plays out.