Enjoy these programs and clips that explore Kentucky Derby history, celebrate the race’s favorite customs, and honor the special bond between horse and human that is at the heart of Thoroughbred racing.
Come along for the ride!
It’s known as the greatest two minutes in sports, but the Kentucky Derby is much more than a horse race. In this special program, KET takes you behind the scenes in Inside the Kentucky Derby to see the hats, horses and hospitality that make our old Kentucky home shine bright on the first Saturday in May.
Learn the storied history. See the milliners in action. Visit the backside morning workouts. And take a tour of Millionaire’s Row. Join hosts Kelsey Starks, Chip Polston and Christie Dutton as they take you on an insider’s tour of the Kentucky Derby.
Derby History
Antiques Roadshow: Appraisal: 1955 Willie Shoemaker Kentucky Derby Trophy
In Palm Springs Hour 1, Leila Dunbar appraises a 1955 Willie Shoemaker Kentucky Derby trophy.
Connections: Kentucky Author Remembers the “Prince of Jockeys”
Hall of Fame jockey Isaac Burns Murphy accrued more than 600 wins in his lifetime yet few know of his legacy as perhaps the greatest American jockey of all time. Historian Pellom McDaniels III shares Murphy’s story.
Conversations with Champions: Donna Barton Brothers
Billy Reed interviews retired jockey Donna Barton Brothers, who serves as the on-track reporter and analyst for NBC Sports’ Triple Crown coverage.
Conversations with Champions: Jennie Rees
Billy Reed speaks with former Louisville Courier-Journal racing writer Jennie Rees, one of the sport’s most knowledgeable authorities.
Conversations with Champions: Mike Battaglia
Billy Reed interviews Mike Battaglia who has been involved in thoroughbred racing for more than 40 years and is known as the oddsmaker for the Kentucky Derby, a former track announcer and TV analyst.
Kentucky Life: Derby Special
After the Civil War, African American jockeys dominated horseracing and won 15 of the first 28 runnings of the Kentucky Derby; track ponies, the unsung heroes; the official Derby Pie; and eye-catching hats.
Kentucky Muse: Frank X Walker – I Dedicate This Ride
Through poetry and drama, Frank X Walker, Kentucky writer and poet laureate for 2013-14, illuminates the life of legendary 19th-century African-American jockey Isaac Murphy.
Derby Culture
Antiques Roadshow: Appraisal: Kendrick Silver Mint Julep Cup, ca. 1850
Watch Nicholas M. Dawes appraise a Kendrick Silver Mint Julep Cup in Vintage Louisville 2021, Hour 2.
Kentucky Edition: Freshly Minted
Kentucky Edition takes you to the farm that grows all the mint used at the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Life: Derby Hats
Some are tasteful, some are fashionable, and some are completely over the top. They’re Derby hats, and they’re an iconic part of Kentucky Derby Day.
Kentucky Life: Derby Memorabilia
Ken Grayson has been a thoroughbred racing fan for more than 50 years. Kentucky Life got a look at his extensive collection of horse racing memorabilia, which chronicles the sport’s history in America.
Kentucky Life: Equine Artist
Kentuckian Jaime Corum combines her love of horses and painting in her career as an equine artist. Her talent has taken her to the stalls of equine royalty and made her well-known in the thoroughbred industry.
Muddle, mix, crush, garnish and sip
Take five minutes to learn how to make a proper mint julep to celebrate the Kentucky Derby.
Derby Horses
Antiques Roadshow: Appraisal: 1939 & 1940 KY Derby Winner Horseshoes
In Jacksonville Hour 1, Jasmani Francis appraises 1939 & 1940 KY Derby winner horseshoes.
Bookclub@KET: Horse of a Different Color
Host Bill Goodman and a panel of readers discuss Horse of a Different Color by Jim Squires, the retired newspaper editor who bred 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.
Great Conversations: Geraldine Brooks and Jacki Lyden
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks talks with journalist and author Jacki Lyden about Brooks’ recent novel, Horse, which chronicles the thoroughbred named Lexington and the Black groom who raised him. Recorded at the UofL Kentucky Author Forum.
Kentucky Life: Lexington the Racehorse
The story of a racehorse named Lexington (1850-1875), the most famous Thoroughbred in the country in the 1800s. Lexington won six of his seven races before he had to retire in 1855 due to failing eyesight.
Kentucky Life: Thoroughbred Retirement Home
Visit Georgetown’s Old Friends, a retirement home for legendary thoroughbred racehorses.
Kentucky Life: BB Riverboats; Fort Knox Gold; Rare White Thoroughbreds
Kentucky Life visits Megson Farms, breeders of rare white thoroughbreds, and meets equine movie star, Arctic Bright View.
Kentucky Life: Roscoe Goose; Churchill Downs; Mint Juleps; Zenyatta
Legendary racehorse Zenyatta spent most of her career based on the west coast, but she was a Kentucky-born filly.
Derby for Kids
The Kentucky Derby | Social Studies Shorts
The Kentucky Derby is the longest continually-held sporting event in the U.S. This episode of Social Studies Shorts explores the history of Kentucky’s famous horse race.