Top Kentucky Derby Horses with Memorable Monikers

Unleash the Thunder at the Run for the Roses!

The Kentucky Derby isn't just about the roses, the drinking, or the winning bets—it's all about the horse names that make you go "Wow!" Let's take a gander at the top Kentucky Derby horse names of all time and the ones to watch in the 2025 Derby:

Steal the Show: The Greatest Kentucky Derby Horse Names of All-Time

Picking the best of over 150 years of derby horses is no easy task, but I've sifted through the field to bring you the eight most memorable Kentucky Derby horse names:

8. Mucho Macho Man (2011) - Classic alliteration that suits this big guy who stood prominently in the 2011 Derby field. His son, Mucho Gusto, won the 2020 Pegasus World Cup.
7. Col. Hogan (1911) - A name fitting for a bygone era, a wink to the famous WWII sitcom character with hilarious punchlines.
6. Die Hard (1959) - The name predates the iconic Bruce Willis films by over two decades, but its determination and grit were already apparent. This horse didn't have a chance to race against Hannibal Lecter, though.
5. Sinister Minister (2006) - A horse with a dark moniker from legendary trainer Bob Baffert, unlucky in the 2006 Derby but a potential Triple Crown contender otherwise.
4. Messier (2022) - Named after the six-time Stanley Cup Champion, Mark Messier. For die-hard hockey fans, it's a nostalgic and powerful name.
3. Jambalaya Jazz (1995) - This name is all about the delicious Cajun flavors. Even though it didn't race in New Orleans, imagine this horse bringing the taste of Louisiana to the track.
2. Soup and Sandwich (2021) - A grey colt with a burning appetite, this horse had an unforgettable Derby race. Sadly, it ran out of steam too soon and fell back to last place.
1. Any Given Saturday (2007) - Any Derby contender can win the race one inch at a time, just like in the classic movie, Any Given Sunday.

Take a Gander at the 2025 Kentucky Derby's Top Contenders

There might not be any all-timers in this year's Derby field, but here are the ones you need to watch:

3. Chunk of Gold - A tantalizing name suggesting a big payday, definitely worth a wager in this field where anything can happen.
2. Journalism - This horse's name comes with a backstory, as its owner used to edit a high school newspaper. The horse is currently the favorite with odds of 3-1[1][5].
1. Sandman - A fitting name inspired by the legendary baseball player, Mariano Rivera. With odds of 6-1[1][5], Sandman is one of this year's top contenders for the Derby crown.

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In the upcoming Kentucky Derby of 2025, horse names that captivate fans' attention include Sandman, reminiscent of the legendary baseball player, Mariano Riverman.
The horse Journalism, with odds of 3-1, has a backstory that resonates with its name, as its owner once edited a high school newspaper.
For those seeking a potential big win, Chunk of Gold, with an enticing name suggesting a large payout, may be worth a wager in the 2025 Derby field.
As the race day of the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, new customers are offered a deposit bonus, allowing them to place their bets and be part of this thrilling horse-racing event.