While watching the BCS National Championship game on Monday night, the announcers started talking about how the teams were built and how much football “talent” was in Florida and Florida State captured a lot of talent from the Sunshine State. I decided to fire up the Derby database and find out where the most Kentucky Derby talent has come from in recent years. One of the categories I entered into my database was the racetrack that every Kentucky Derby starter since 1970 has made their career debut.
Taking a look at the numbers 752 horses have started at Churchill Downs from 1970 through 2013.
Beautiful Belmont Park leads the way with 106 horses who started their career at Belmont and made the Churchill Downs starting gate.
Saratoga took 2nd spot last year replacing Hollywood Park, in 2013 Saratoga was represented by 6 Kentucky Derby starters who began their careers at “The Spa” in 2012.
- Oxbow
- Revolutionary
- Overanalyze
- Charming Kitten
- Orb
Hollywood Park may be gone, but 66 Kentucky Derby starters since 1970 remain another history note from a racetrack with a rich tradition and history.
Old Delmar has been represented well with the shortest meet of the top 6 racetracks represented and Churchill Downs has been the launching pad of 55 future participants.
So while Florida may have most football talent, Belmont Park in Elmont, New York has been cranking out the most talent since 1970 to race for the roses.