The Kentucky Derby remains a major cultural event in the U.S., celebrated nationwide like a holiday.
Last year’s race drew 17.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched Derby since 1989.
Increased accessibility to legal sports betting has made it easier for fans across the country to wager on the race.
The Kentucky Derby maintains its appeal even as horse racing as a whole has faded in importance and in the collective attention of sports fans. It may even be more embedded nationally in our culture now than it’s ever been.
Look around the country. It’s darn near celebrated like a national holiday.
