The horses take the turn at the 142nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs last May. In the years preceding the change, Derby horses both ran more often and won at a slightly higher clip. “Fifty years ago, an owner ran in the Kentucky Derby because he thought his horse could win it. Since skipping the Derby, Arrogate has won almost $17 million in prize money. Even trainer Todd Pletcher, who has started 45 Derby horses since 2000, with only one winner (Super Saver in 2010), is taking a more conservative approach.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 03, 2017 15:56 UTC