Kentucky Derby Jockey Silks Overview
The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs features jockeys wearing distinctive silk shirts or "silks" representing each horse's owner, aiding visual identification during the race. Silks designs incorporate unique color combinations and patterns.
How Silks Are Assigned
Each owner registers their preferred silks with The Jockey Club before the event. Common patterns include solids, stripes, checks, or dots, with colors ranging from bold primaries to custom hues.
Race Day Lineup Example
Based on recent Derby entries, the full lineup includes assigned silks for each participating horse. Note that entries and designs vary annually.
- Stronghold – Silks: Black and white checks
- Sierra Leone – Silks: Purple and gold stars
- Fierceness – Silks: Green with yellow diamonds
- Forester – Silks: Red and white stripes
- Dornoch – Silks: Royal blue with white dots
- Just a Touch – Silks: Emerald green checks
- Catching Freedom – Silks: Navy and orange bars
- Resilience – Silks: Pink and charcoal halves
- Society Man – Silks: Turquoise with silver fringe
- West Saratoga – Silks: Maroon with gold horseshoes
Viewing and Identifying Silks
Spectators can identify horses by their silks during pre-race paddock walks or on-track displays. Official programs and on-screen graphics display silks alongside horse names for easy reference.
