1974 Kentucky Derby Winner: Cannonade

100th Running of the Kentucky Derby

The 1974 Kentucky Derby was a historic race, marking the 100th running of the iconic event. The race was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 4, 1974. In a thrilling finish, Cannonade emerged victorious, solidifying its place as the winner of the centennial Kentucky Derby.

Race Details

The race was run on a fast track, with 13 three-year-old colts competing for the coveted title. Cannonade, ridden by jockey Jacinto Vasquez, broke quickly from the starting gate and set a steady pace throughout the race. The field remained tightly grouped for much of the distance, with several horses making their move in the final stretch.

As the horses approached the finish line, Cannonade found another gear and pulled away from the field. In a dramatic finish, the colt crossed the line with a time of 2:04, securing the victory by three-quarters of a length.