10 Facts About br the Kentucky Derby Here are some br interesting facts br about the famous race. 1. Bad weather has never canceled or even delayed the race. 2. 120,000 mint juleps br are drunk at the race every year. 3. Horses must be no older than three years old to race. 4. In last year's running, over br $150 million in bets were placed. 5. The derby was shortened by a quarter mile br to its current length back in 1896. 7. A woman jockey has never claimed victory at the race. 8. 1952 was the first year the derby began being shown on television. 9. 19 of the winning horses' names have started br with an "S." 10. Just three horses br participated back in 1892.