What makes a Kentucky Derby among the best of all time? Secretariat’s record-setting effort? Regret’s achievement as the first filly to win the vaunted classic, or legendary jockey Bill Shoemaker’s misjudgment of the finish line that cost his horse the race? And what about the famous “Fighting Finish” or Black Gold’s “dream-come-true” victory?

The eagerly anticipated showdowns between Affirmed and Alydar and between Citation and Coaltown made those respective Derbies unforgettable to those who were around to experience them. And who can discount Alysheba’s near-disastrous stumble and remarkable recovery, the brilliant training behind Whirlaway’s victory, and Canonero II’s rags-to-riches fairy tale?

A panel of racing experts selected these ten Kentucky Derbies as the all-time greatest, most exciting, and riveting first Saturdays in May. These stories, recounted by a diverse and talented group of Turf writers, await the reader, along with a kaleidoscope of vibrant images only the Kentucky Derby can produce. This edition includes a new bonus chapter on Rich Strike’s astonishing 2022 Derby win.