It’s time for everyone’s favorite event in horse racing.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday at Churchill Downs, and if you’re gearing up to watch what has been dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” you may notice a peculiar detail.
The jockeys participating in the race typically wear goggles — understandable enough — but often not just one pair. Riders will frequently wear several sets of goggles during a race that covers just 1.25 miles.
What gives?
Jockeys wear goggles to avoid mud being kicked up from the hooves of the horses in front of them, which would impair their vision. The purpose of having multiple sets is simple: When one gets too dirty, the jockey can take it off and use a spare.
The goggles not only protect the rider’s eyes from mud and dirt, but they also have different tints, allowing jockeys to see in different lighting conditions.
So, if you’re watching the race on Saturday and wondering what the deal is with all the eyewear, just know it’s not some sort of fashion statement.
#jockeys #wear #goggles
