"Run for the Roses" is a song written and recorded by singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg in 1980.
Background The chorus mentions "the chance of a lifetime in a lifetime of chance", at once describing the experience of horse racing and life itself. The song has since been used as an unofficial theme for the Kentucky Derby.
Chart performance Released as a single from the album The Innocent Age the following year, it peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits, 8th Edition (Billboard Publications) Chart (1981–1982)PeakpositionU.S. Billboard Hot 10018U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks3Canadian RPM Top Singles33Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks1Canadian RPM Country Tracks16
Popular culture The song was commissioned by ABC for its telecast of the 106th running of the Derby in 1980, and premiered on the network's Derby preview special the night before. Fogelberg stated that it was written in two days. The performance was broadcast from the Red Barn, the student activities building at the University of Louisville.
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