What make the kentucky derby the biggest race, compared to other races? Is it because of 20 entries?

Question

What make the kentucky derby the biggest race, compared to other races? Is it because of 20 entries?

Answer 1

Its been running since 1875, the longest!

jm

Answer 2

prestige

Answer 3

This race has been around for a long....long time.  The Kentucky Derby has been run since 1875!  What other race can boast that?  Also, this race is the first jewel of the Triple Crown; a win there could be the beginning of racing history (still waiting for a Triple Crown winner, sigh).

Answer 4

It is the prestige and history.  It has nothing to do with the number of horses that are entered.

The 20 is the most that can be entered but there have been years when less that 20 horses have ran in the Derby. .