The Kentucky Derby is a prestigious horse race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” it features three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing over a 1.25-mile dirt track at Churchill Downs.
The event marks the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown, which is a series of three esteemed horse races, also including the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The 2025 edition of the Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, and boasts a $5 million prize pool and a competitive field of 20 horses, promising thrilling action for racing enthusiasts and bettors alike.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” it is the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown.
- The event is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and the race is run over 1.25 miles (2 kilometres).
- Journalism, currently the 3-1 favorite, leads a competitive field of 20 horses in the 2025 Derby.
- The prize pool sits at an astounding $5 million, distributed among the top 5 finishers, with $3.1 million awarded to the first-place finisher.
- Post time is expected around 6:57 PM ET, and NBC will broadcast the event live.
- Bettors can place a variety of wagers, including win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta.
- Early betting trends and expert picks can help you make more informed decisions about your wagers.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Overview
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race, the highest classification in Thoroughbred racing, indicating top-tier competition and significant prize money.
Open exclusively to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, the race covers 1.25 miles (2 kilometres) on a dirt track. It’s the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown.
The 2025 Derby makes the 151st edition of this historic race and features a full field of 20 horses, with four additional “also-eligible” horses on standby should any main entries scratch before the race.
Gates at Churchill Downs open at 9:00 AM, with the first race post time at 11:00 AM. The main event, the Kentucky Derby, is scheduled for approximately 6:57 PM ET. The race will be broadcast live on NBC and USA Network, with streaming available on Peacock.
The Triple Crown Connection
The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown, a prestigious series of races that also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Winning all three races is a rare feat, achieved by only 13 horses in history, with the most recent being Justify in 2018.
Prize Money Breakdown
The 2025 Kentucky Derby offers a record $5 million prize pool, distributed among the top five finishers as follows:
- 1st Place: $3.1 million
- 2nd Place: $1 million
- 3rd Place: $500,000
- 4th Place: $250,000
- 5th Place: $150,000
This prize pool matches the record set in the 150th running of the Derby, underscoring the event’s prestige and the high stakes involved for participants.
Historically, the prize money in the Kentucky Derby has seen significant growth, with the 2020-2023 races awarding $3 million, up from $2 million in 2019.
Top Contenders for 2025
As of now, the leading contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby are:
- Journalism: The current favorite with 3-1 odds.
- Sandman: A strong competitor at 8-1 odds.
- Sovereignty: Also at 8-1 odds, showing consistent performance.
- Tappan Street: A promising entry with 10-1 odds.
- Rodriguez: Another notable contender at 10-1 odds.
These odds are subject to change as the race approaches, so it’s advisable to monitor updates from reputable sources.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby offers a variety of betting options:
- Win: Bet on a horse to finish first.
- Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
- Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
- Exacta: Pick the first and second-place horses in exact order.
- Trifecta: Pick the first, second, and third-place horses in exact order.
- Superfecta: Pick the first four finishers in exact order.
- Super High Five: Pick the first five finishers in exact order.
Betting can be done in person at Churchill Downs or through various online sportsbooks such as BetUS, TwinSpires, and FanDuel, and their betting apps.
To improve your chances, many bettors analyze past performance data. This includes previous race results, speed figures, jockey win percentages, trainer records, and how each horse has performed at different tracks and distances. Expert picks based on this data are often published online in the days leading up to the Derby.
Don’t forget to factor in the weather. A sloppy or muddy track can have a major impact on results, especially for horses that have never run on a wet surface. Be sure to check race day conditions and favor horses with proven off-track ability if rain is in the forecast.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on TV on NBC and USA Network, with coverage starting at 12:00 PM ET.
For online viewers, the race will be streamed on Peacock, NBCSports.com, and the NBC Sports app.
In addition, many online racebooks such as BetUS may also offer live streaming of the event.
Undercard Races
Before the main Kentucky Derby event, Churchill Downs hosts a series of undercard races that showcase a variety of Thoroughbred talents. These races include:
- Longines Kentucky Oaks: A premier race for three-year-old fillies.
- La Troienne Stakes: A Grade I race for older fillies and mares.
- Alysheba Stakes: A Grade II race for four-year-olds and up.
These races not only provide thrilling action but also offer bettors additional opportunities to engage with the event.
Derby Traditions and Fun Facts
- Garland of Roses: The winner receives a blanket of over 400 red roses, weighing around 40 pounds.
- Mint Juleps: This alcoholic cocktail made of bourbon, sugar, water, and fresh mint is the official drink of the Derby, with nearly 120,000 served each year.
- Fashion: Kentucky Derby attendees often wear elaborate hats and spring attire, adding to the event’s festive atmosphere.
- Attendance: The Derby attracts over 150,000 spectators annually, making it one of the most attended horse racing events in North America.
The Churchill Downs Experience
For those attending in person, the Kentucky Derby offers an unforgettable day filled with live music, festive cuisine, signature cocktails, and fanfare.
From the infield party atmosphere to Millionaire’s Row luxury, there’s something for everyone at Churchill Downs.