Since the Kentucky Derby’s first race in 1875, more than 100 horses have been crowned the winner (and no horse has ever been crowned twice, due to the Derby’s rule that only 3-year-old horses can run in the race).
When it comes to the life expectancy of a thoroughbred, these powerful horses live somewhere between 25 and 28 years old, according to ESPN. However, the oldest Kentucky Derby-winning horse is still kicking it way past his late 20s.
Take a look at the oldest living Kentucky Derby-winning horse, along with the race’s previous winners.
Stream the 2026 Kentucky Derby live with Peacock
How old is the oldest living Kentucky Derby horse?
The oldest living Kentucky Derby winner is Silver Charm, who turned 32 on Feb. 22.
Silver Charm, the 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, enjoys retirement at Old Friends Equine, a retirement farm for well-known thoroughbreds in Georgetown, Kentucky.
Which Kentucky Derby-winning horses are still alive?
Ahead of the 2026 Kentucky Derby, there are currently 21 living Run for the Roses winners.
Sovereignty
Mystik Dan
Mage
Rich Strike
Mandaloun
Authentic
Country House
Justify
Nyquist
American Pharoah
California Chrome
Orb
I’ll Have Another
Animal Kingdom
Super Saver
Mine That Bird
Big Brown
Street Sense
Giacomo
Smarty Jones
Silver Charm
Meet the former Kentucky Derby-winning horses
Here’s a full list of past Kentucky Derby winners since 2000, per the Kentucky Derby’s website (the current living horses are in bold).
Winning time in parentheses
* Denotes Triple Crown winner
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby takes place Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, and has a start time of 6:57 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How old is the oldest living Kentucky Derby-winning horse?
Reporting by Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
