Have to be three years old to race at the derby, preakness, belmont?

Question

do the horses that race at the kentucky derby, preakness, and the belmont stakes have to be three years of age? how does that work? also, can female horses run in these races? finally, do horses that are neutered have an advantage against the ones that arent or they even allowed to race in the same races? all information is appreciated...thanks.

Answer 1

Your specific answers have been answered. But to further add to the list of fillies to run in any of these races, I remember watching Genuine Risk win the Kentucky Derby. Other notable fillies are Regret, Ruffian, and Lady’s Secret. Unfortunately, my searches in the last 15 minutes aren't turning up the years they ran.

Klea :)

Answer 2

Yes, all the horses that race in these races are 3 years old.  Yes a female can race in these races.  They are called "Phillys".  And for your last question I don't know the answer but I don't think that would give them any advantage or disadvantage

Answer 3

Horses that have been neutered are allowed to race.  They're called geldings.

They're not particularly common, so it's hard to say whether there's an advantage.  Only two have ever won the Kentucky Derby, with the last being Funny Cide a few years ago.  Since most of the money horses generate is from stud fees, neutering the horse would not be a sound business move even if there was an advantage.

Females are also allowed to race.  The most famous Fillies (with an F) have been Ruffian and Eight Belles, both of which broke down on the track after a race.  Last year Rags to Riches won the Belmont and was the first filly to do that since 1905.