How are racehorses named? How fast do they run? Answering your Kentucky Derby questions

T O Password, Just a Touch, West Saratoga, Catalytic, Society Man. These are just some of the horses set to race at the 2024 Kentucky Derby on Saturday.

So, what's with those names? More than you might think. Here's what to know about that question and more as you settle in the saddle for Derby Day.

How do horses get their names?

Owners have to get creative with horse names, since no two horses can share a name, according to the the Jockey Club rule book.

Name also can't be longer than 18 characters, including spaces, and must meet a variety of other conditions. Jockey Club registrar Rick Bailey said it tosses about 30% of the names submitted, according to NBC Connecticut.

One of the most common naming techniques, Bailey told NBC, is to use the horse's pedigree, incorporating the name of its father, or both father and mother. But names can come from anything -- current events, a favorite pastime, a location or pop culture.

In 2010, a Bleacher Report article listed its top 20 picks for the funniest racehorse names of all time. On it were references to TV's "Seinfeld" (Nosoupforyou) and "The Office" (That's Whatshesaid), along with Turducken, Where's the Beef and Branjelina.

How fast do racehorses run?

Racehorses can reach speeds of 40 to 44 mph, according to Newbury Racecourse. Though most can only maintain that speed for about 20 seconds.

How many horses have won the Triple Crown?

The Triple Crown consists of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, according to USA TODAY. Only 13 horses have won all three in a single year. They are:

• Sir Barton (1919)

• Gallant Fox (1930)

• Omaha (1935)

• War Admiral (1937)

• Whirlaway (1941)

• Count Fleet (1943)

• Assault (1946)

• Citation (1948)

• Secretariat (1973)

• Seattle Slew (1977)

• Affirmed (1978)

• American Pharoah (2015)

• Justify (2018)

What time does the Kentucky Derby start?

Gates at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, open at 9 a.m., and the first post is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., as previously reported.

There are 14 races in total on Saturday, but the official Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57 p.m. ET. The 150th Run for the Roses will be race No. 12 of the day.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Kentucky Derby 2024 questions: How are horses named? How fast are they?