Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc.
IN WHAT YEARS DID THE KENTUCKY DERBY ALLOW THE TOP QUALIFYING HORSE FROM JAPAN AND EUROPE TO CLAIM A STATING SPOT?
2/15/2019
In recognition of field size and breeding potential the Road to the Kentucky Derby expanded the opportunities to win a spot in the gate on the 1st Saturday in May. As of now there are 20 slots in the gate. Eighteen are reserved, initially, for horses who qualify through the North American races. In 2017, the top horse from the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby Board will get a spot. If that horse declines, the top remaining three horses in order of rank will be given the opportunity. If none accept, the slot will be used for a North American Qualifier. In the 2018, a similar condition was inserted for European Horses on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby Board. As of this weekend the top North American horse is Game Winner (30 points). The Japan winner is Make Happy (8 points). The top European winner is Magna Grecia (10 points).