The lull between final
The first Kentucky Derby, in 1875, had 15 entrants (including Ten Broeck, of “Molly and Tenbrooks” fame,
Regret’s
1923 saw a 21-horse field, and 1928 and 1929 also went over 20 — however the intervening years had various field sizes, from approaching 20 to only 13. The next 20-horse field came in 1951, but was again followed by smaller fields. 1971 saw another 20-horse field, with smaller fields in between until 1974′s 23-horse experiment in insanity. Despite that bumper year, the 20-horse limit did not come into use until 10 years later (which might be unkindly interpreted as a comparatively speedy response for the sport’s governing figures).
The field stayed under 20 until 1981 again saw 21, with the early ’80s hovering around that 20-horse mark. 1985 was again a low year, however, with only 13 (and it was loaded – Spend a Buck winning, but Chief’s Crown, Skywalker and the ill-fated Tank’s Prospect were all in the mix). Field sizes varied considerably in the 1990s — in fact, we don’t get back to the 20-horse field until 2005 – and then 2006, and 2007.
Funny how something can become a tradition in just four short years.
I would pay top dollar for that shirt, presuming that it fit me
Good stuff – Thanks for the research