The Kentucky Derby
Enjoy these programs and clips that explore the Kentucky Derby’s history, celebrate the race’s favorite traditions and honor the special bond between horse and human that is at the heart of Thoroughbred racing.
Coming Down the Stretch
Get the Inside Louisville Story
Tune in for these new episodes of Inside Louisville that are all about the Derby.
Meet Hall of Fame Jockey Pat Day
Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day still holds the record for the most wins at Churchill Downs and Keeneland racetracks. He talks about his come-from-behind Kentucky Derby win, how he became a jockey after dreaming of being a rodeo cowboy, and the life-changing event that gave him a new purpose in life. A 2026 KET production.
Inside Churchill Downs with President Mike Anderson
Go inside the iconic Churchill Downs Racetrack with President Mike Anderson. Explore the history of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby, learn about the major changes underway and find out what goes into cultivating the experience of the greatest two minutes in sports. A 2026 KET production.
Independent Lens: BACKSIDE: The Unseen Hands of Horse Racing
Go behind the hidden “backside” of Churchill Downs as grooms rise before dawn to care for some of the most prized Kentucky Derby racehorses.
The Keeneland Legacy: A Thoroughbred Tradition
Trace the history of the Lexington-based thoroughbred racecourse and sales company, from its inception as Jack Keene’s impossible dream to the reality of its current status as a successful international icon for the industry.
Ted Bassett: A Kentucky Gentleman
Discover the extraordinary life of the longtime Keeneland Race Course executive and native Kentuckian who was a decorated World War II Marine and head of the state police. Through interviews with friends and colleagues, a picture emerges of a humble, self-effacing man who, believing in service to others, achieved great things.
Thoroughbred
This documentary follows a year in the life of this storied horse, showcasing the beauty of the breed, revealing the people whose lives revolve around the racing industry and exploring the history and traditions of the Thoroughbred world.
More Inside Louisville Stories
Inside the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, the greatest two minutes in sports, celebrates its 150th year. From the backside to the fashion, the mint juleps and more, discover what makes the run for the roses a storied Louisville tradition.
Inside the Kentucky Derby Festival
Most people know the Derby as the greatest two minutes in sports, but Louisville knows the festivities are happening long before the race begins. From Thunder Over Louisville to the Steamboat races and more, learn what goes into putting on the annual Kentucky Derby Festival from those who know it best.
Inside the Kentucky Derby Museum
Steps away from historic Churchill Downs sits the Kentucky Derby Museum, home to incredible stories surrounding the greatest two minutes in sports. In honor of its 40th anniversary, the museum is unveiling its newly mastered 360-degree feature film, “The Greatest Race”.
At a Clip—Derby History in the Headlines
Derby History
Off to the Races
Inside the Kentucky Derby
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 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.
The Legacy of Black Horsemen
Utilizing contemporary interviews, reenactments, historical photographs and paintings, the film highlights the Black horsemen who were instrumental in making Thoroughbred racing America’s first national pastime.
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”
Jockey Isaac Burns Murphy had over 600 wins in his lifetime, yet few know 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, winning 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 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 Edition: Freshly Minted
Kentucky Edition takes you to the farm that grows all the mint used at the Kentucky Derby.
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.
PBS News Hour: Muddle, Mix, Crush, Garnish and Sip
Take five minutes to learn how to make a proper Kentucky 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.
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: 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: 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: 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.
Kentucky Life: Thoroughbred Retirement Home
Visit Georgetown’s Old Friends, a retirement home for legendary thoroughbred racehorses.
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.