“When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, there’s no doubt that the Bluegrass State reigns supreme. “
Kentucky Dominates the Kentucky Derby, but Which State Reigns Supreme in the Preakness and Belmont Stakes?
Hey there, horse racing fans! When it comes to the Kentucky Derby, there’s no doubt that the Bluegrass State reigns supreme. Kentucky has produced a whopping 123 Kentucky Derby winners as of 2021, far outpacing any other state in the country. California comes in second with 17 winners, while New York has 11. But hold onto your hats, folks – the real number of Kentucky-connected Derby winners is likely even higher, as many horses are bred and trained in the state.
Now, let’s talk about the Preakness Stakes. If you’re looking for a state with a track record of success, look no further than Maryland. With the race held annually at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland has produced a whopping 83 Preakness winners since the race’s inception in 1873. Kentucky and New York come in second and third, with 24 and 20 winners respectively. Other states that have produced at least one Preakness winner include Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, California, Texas, and Virginia.
When it comes to the Belmont Stakes, it’s all about New York. The race is held annually at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, and the state has produced a staggering 65 Belmont Stakes winners since the race’s inception in 1867. Kentucky is a distant second with 14 winners, followed by Maryland with 6. With its demanding 1.5-mile distance, the Belmont Stakes is often referred to as the “Test of the Champion”, and New York-based horses and trainers have historically had a home-field advantage.
