Top 5 Favorite Kentucky Derbies

By Dana Byerly, Hello Race Fans Co-founder

The Kentucky Derby has been run 136 times… so which ones did our panelists enjoy the most? As you can guess, the top five is comprised mostly of contemporary runnings of the Kentucky Derby, but a few interesting vintage renditions received votes. We’ll do an index for each leg of the Triple Crown, stay tuned!

As always, we assigned points for each vote 1-5 and calculated a total to arrive at the final list.

And the winners are (including their score):

1. Winning Colors – 1988 (4.2)
Making “every pole a winning one”, the third filly to win the Derby set a fast pace to wire an impressive field that included Risen Star, Seeking the Gold and Forty Niner.

2. Barbaro – 2006 (3)
What many consider to be the most impressive Derby win in recent years, an undefeated Barbaro delivers his final breathtaking performance in Kentucky Derby 132. Apologies for the intro and exit music, it was the best quality replay to be found!

3. Secretariat – 1973 (2.4)
He finished third in final prep race, the Wood Memorial, but came back to win the first jewel in his Triple Crown with ease. He still holds the record for the fastest time: a blistering 1:59.40.

4. Street Sense – 2007 (1.8)
Breaking the “juvenile jinx”, 2006 Juvenile Champion Street Sense closes from last to first and introduces the world to Calvin “Bo-rail”.

5. Sunday Silence – 1989 (1.4)
Kicking off a modern rivalry with the post time favorite, Easy Goer, Sunday Silence weaves his way to victory in Derby 115.

Also receiving votes:

Years with 1.2 points:
2009 – Mine That Bird
2008 – Big Brown
2003 – Funny Cide
1980 – Genuine Risk

Years with 1 point:
2010 – Super Saver
1998 – Real Quiet
1993 – Brokers Tip

Years with .8 points:
2001 – Monarchos
1997 – Silver Charm
1990 – Unbridled
1979 – Spectacular Bid
1978 – Affirmed
1977 – Seattle Slew
1971 – Canonero II
1919 – Sir Barton

Years with .6 points:
2005 – Giacomo
1999 – Charismatic
1996 – Grindstone
1993 – Sea Hero
1976 – Bold Forbes

Years with .4 points:
1961 – Carry Back
1937 – War Admiral

Years with .2 points:
2004 – Smarty Jones
1987 – Alysheba
1984 – Swale
1975 – Foolish Pleasure
1922 – Morvich

And last but not least, here’s what our panelists had to say about their selections: