Get ready for the 151st Kentucky Derby, one of the most prestigious events in horse racing, scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville.
The event, known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” promises to be an exhilarating experience, with the post time set for 6:57 p.m. ET. The competitive field of thoroughbreds will compete for a share of the $5 million purse, with Journalism emerging as the early 3-1 favorite.
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the 2025 Kentucky Derby, including the official post time, complete field of horses, current betting odds, and how to watch the prestigious race on television or streaming platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Date and Time: May 3, 2025, 6:57 p.m. ET
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville
- Favorite Horse: Journalism
- Purse: $5 million
- Event: 151st Kentucky Derby
- How to Watch: TV and streaming platforms
The 151st Kentucky Derby: Event Overview
The Kentucky Derby, a staple of American sports, is gearing up for its 151st running, with excitement building at Churchill Downs. Known worldwide as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” this event is a spectacle that combines sporting excellence with Southern tradition and pageantry.
The 151st Kentucky Derby represents the continuation of America’s longest continuously held sporting event, dating back to 1875. It’s the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes.
The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports
The Kentucky Derby is a 1¼-mile race typically completed in around two minutes. Only two horses have ever broken the two-minute barrier. Churchill Downs will welcome approximately 150,000 spectators, creating an electric atmosphere.
| Event | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Kentucky Derby | 1875 | Churchill Downs |
| 151st Kentucky Derby | 2025 | Churchill Downs |
When is the Kentucky Derby 2025?
Get ready for the most thrilling experience in horse racing as the 151st Kentucky Derby draws near on May 3, 2025. The Kentucky Derby, a prestigious event in the racing calendar, continues its tradition of being held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Key Dates for Derby Week
Derby Week is a series of events leading up to the main Derby Day. It kicks off with opening night on Saturday, April 26, 2025, followed by themed racing days, including Champions Day, Ladies Day, and Thurby.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 26, 2025 | Opening Night |
| May 2, 2025 | Kentucky Oaks |
| May 3, 2025 | Kentucky Derby Day |
Kentucky Derby 2025 Post Time and Schedule
Get ready for the most exciting two minutes in sports as the Kentucky Derby 2025 is scheduled for May 3, 2025, with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. The event promises to be a spectacle, with coverage beginning as early as 12 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock, before moving to NBC and Peacock at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Race Day Timeline
The race day at Churchill Downs starts early, with gates opening at 8:00 a.m. ET and the first race on the undercard scheduled for approximately 10:30 a.m. ET. The Kentucky Derby itself is traditionally the 12th race on a packed card featuring 14 races throughout the day.
As quoted by a Churchill Downs official, “The Kentucky Derby is not just a race; it’s a day-long celebration of thoroughbred racing, fashion, and tradition.” Spectators are advised to arrive early to experience all the traditions, including fashion displays and mint julep toasts, building up to the main event.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2025
Get ready for the most exciting two minutes in sports by tuning into the Kentucky Derby 2025. The event will be broadcast through multiple channels and platforms.
TV Broadcast Information
The 2025 Kentucky Derby broadcast will be available on various networks. Coverage begins on USA Network and Peacock at 12 p.m. ET, then moves to NBC and Peacock at 2:30 p.m. ET.
- The 2025 Kentucky Derby broadcast will be available through multiple channels and platforms, with NBC serving as the primary television broadcaster.
- Television coverage begins early on Derby day, with USA Network providing preliminary coverage from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET.
- For streaming viewers, Peacock will offer comprehensive coverage of all Derby day events.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Horses and Post Positions
The 2025 Kentucky Derby promises to be thrilling, with a diverse field of 20 horses competing. The event is the most exciting two minutes in sports, and the lineup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent years.
Complete Field of Contenders
The 2025 Kentucky Derby field features 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds who earned their spots through the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system. Journalism, the morning-line favorite at 3-1 odds, drew the advantageous post position No. 8, which has historically produced 8 Kentucky Derby winners.
- Sovereignty (5-1) is breaking from post 18.
- Sandman (6-1) is starting from post 17.
- The Japanese contender Luxor Cafe (15-1) drew post 7.
- Citizen Bull, trained by Bob Baffert, drew the challenging rail position (post 1).
Two horses, Grande and Rodriguez, have been scratched from the original field, allowing alternates to enter the race and slightly altering the dynamics of the starting gate arrangement.
Top Contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
As the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches, the spotlight is on Journalism, the morning-line favorite with 3-1 odds. Trained by Mike McCarthy and ridden by jockey Umberto Rispoli, Journalism has impressed handicappers with consistent performances in prep races and is breaking from the favorable post position No.8.
The Morning-Line Favorite
Journalism brings a perfect combination of speed, stamina, and tactical versatility, making him well-suited for the 1¼-mile Kentucky Derby distance. Other top contenders include Sovereignty at 5-1 odds and Sandman at 6-1.
| Horse | Odds | Trainer | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journalism | 3-1 | Mike McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli |
| Sovereignty | 5-1 | William I. Mott | Manuel Franco |
| Sandman | 6-1 | – | – |
The Japanese contingent is also noteworthy, led by Luxor Cafe at 15-1 odds, a son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. With a four-race winning streak, Luxor Cafe represents the growing international influence on the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Odds and Predictions
As the Kentucky Derby 2025 approaches, the odds are starting to take shape, with Journalism emerging as the morning-line favorite at 3-1. Sovereignty is next at 5-1, followed closely by Sandman at 6-1.
Current Betting Odds
The top contenders are followed by Luxor Cafe (15-1), Burnham Square (12-1), and Baeza (12-1), who could potentially upset the favorites. Expert handicapper Jody Demling is fading Sandman, citing concerns about the horse’s maturity.
Betting platforms like TwinSpires and FanDuel are offering special promotions, including the DERBY25 promo code for new customers. The actual odds will fluctuate on race day, creating value opportunities for bettors.
Trainers and Jockeys to Watch
As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, the focus is on the trainers and jockeys who will shape the outcome of the race. The trainer-jockey combinations will be crucial to watch, as communication and strategy between these partners often determine which horses get the perfect trip around Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
Bob Baffert’s Quest for History
Legendary trainer Bob Baffert is chasing history with his horse, Citizen Bull, in the 2025 Kentucky Derby field. With a 33% win rate this year, Baffert is seeking an unprecedented seventh Derby victory, breaking his tie with Ben Jones for the most wins by a trainer in the race’s 151-year history. Citizen Bull, at 20-1 odds, will break from the rail, a challenging position that hasn’t produced a Derby winner in nearly four decades.
The jockey colony features a mix of Derby veterans and rising stars, including experienced riders like Flavien Prat, Jose Ortiz, and John Velazquez, competing against talented international jockeys like Christophe Lemaire from Japan. Japanese trainer Noriyuki Hori also brings high expectations with Luxor Cafe, following Japan’s strong showing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby 2025
With the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaching, understanding how to bet on the event is crucial. The Kentucky Derby offers a variety of betting options, making it an exciting experience for both new and seasoned bettors.
Types of Kentucky Derby Bets
Betting on the Kentucky Derby is available through multiple platforms, with TwinSpires serving as the official wagering partner of Churchill Downs. First-time bettors can start with straightforward wager types like Win, Place, or Show, which offer higher probabilities of winning but with lower payouts.
More experienced bettors often explore exotic wagers like the Exacta, Trifecta, or the challenging Superfecta, which can yield substantial payouts. Online betting platforms, including TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and 1/ST BET, are offering special promotions for the Kentucky Derby.
When developing a betting strategy, consider factors like post positions, trainer and jockey statistics, recent performances in prep races, and how horses might handle the 1¼-mile distance and the unique Churchill Downs racing surface.
The Prize Money: Kentucky Derby 2025 Purse
The 2025 Kentucky Derby boasts a record-breaking $5 million purse, solidifying its position as one of the most prestigious events in horse racing. This significant prize money attracts top contenders from around the world, making it a highly competitive race.
$5 Million Purse Breakdown
The $5 million purse is distributed among the top five finishers. The winner receives $3.1 million, with the remaining amount divided as follows: $1 million for second place, $500,000 for third, $250,000 for fourth, and $150,000 for fifth. The winner’s share is further divided, with 80% going to the horse’s owner(s), 10% to the trainer, and 10% to the jockey.
The substantial purse not only rewards the winner but also reflects the race’s prestige and allure. It continues to attract the best three-year-old thoroughbreds, maintaining the Kentucky Derby’s status as a premier racing event in North America.
Winning the Kentucky Derby also has long-term benefits, significantly increasing a horse’s value for breeding purposes. Successful Derby winners can command high stud fees, often in the hundreds of thousands of dollars per breeding.
International Contenders in the 2025 Kentucky Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is set to feature a diverse field of horses, including strong international contenders. The event continues to attract top talent from around the world, with Japanese horses being a significant presence.
Japanese Horses: Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona
Two notable Japanese contenders are Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona. Luxor Cafe, sired by 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, enters Churchill Downs on a four-race win streak, including three stakes victories. Notably, Luxor Cafe defeated Admire Daytona in the Hyacinth Stakes earlier this year.
| Horse Name | Post Position | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor Cafe | 7 | 15-1 |
| Admire Daytona | 6 | 30-1 |
As racing enthusiasts anticipate the event, the presence of these international horses adds to the excitement. With their impressive credentials, Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona are sure to be among the top contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby Traditions and Experience
The Kentucky Derby is renowned not just for the horse racing, but for its rich traditions that make it a spectacle. Held at Churchill Downs, the event is a cultural phenomenon that combines sports, fashion, and entertainment.
The Derby experience is characterized by several iconic traditions. One of the most beloved is the mint julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, with nearly 120,000 served during Derby weekend. Fashion also plays a significant role, with attendees donning elaborate hats and outfits, particularly in the exclusive areas like Millionaires Row.
Mint Juleps and Fashion
The combination of mint juleps and fashionable attire is a hallmark of Derby Day. The event’s nickname, “The Run for the Roses,” is symbolized by the garland of roses presented to the winner, a tradition that dates back to 1932. The Derby is celebrated with friends and family, incorporating traditions like southern-inspired dishes and beautiful hats.
- The Kentucky Derby is a cultural event with traditions dating back to 1875.
- The mint julep is served in commemorative glasses, making it a collector’s item.
- Fashion is a central aspect, with elaborate hats and colorful suits.
- The winner receives a garland of over 400 red roses.
These traditions, along with the playing of “My Old Kentucky Home” and the winner’s circle celebration, make the Kentucky Derby a unique experience. As the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, attendees can look forward to another exciting celebration of these enduring customs at Churchill Downs.
Churchill Downs Renovations for the 151st Kentucky Derby
As the 151st Kentucky Derby approaches, Churchill Downs has undergone significant renovations to enhance the spectator experience. The renovations are designed to provide more comfort, better views, and immersive hospitality for attendees.
New Grandstand and Viewing Experiences
The new grandstand at Churchill Downs offers a completely redesigned viewing experience, preserving the historic character of the track while enhancing spectator comfort. The Skye Terrace provides premium viewing areas with panoramic sightlines of the track, giving guests unparalleled views of the homestretch.
The transformed Infield features improved amenities, including enhanced concession areas and additional restroom facilities, creating a more enjoyable experience for the tens of thousands of revelers on Derby day.
All reserved seating areas now feature all-inclusive packages, including food, beverages, and access to offsite parking. The Conservatory experience is a new premium offering, providing an elegant indoor/outdoor environment with exceptional hospitality services and prime viewing locations for both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.
Conclusion: The Road to Triple Crown Glory
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is poised to be an unforgettable experience, marking the beginning of the Triple Crown journey for the winning thoroughbred. On May 3, 2025, at 6:57 p.m. ET, the world’s top three-year-old horses will compete in “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
The event is not just about the race; it’s a celebration of traditions like mint juleps, fashion, and “My Old Kentucky Home.” With compelling storylines, including Journalism’s quest to validate his favoritism and Bob Baffert’s pursuit of a record seventh Derby victory, the Kentucky Derby promises to captivate audiences worldwide.
Victory at Churchill Downs positions the winning horse for a potential Triple Crown run, making the 2025 Kentucky Derby a pivotal event in the world of horse racing this year.
FAQ
What is the post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby?
The post time is typically around 6:45 p.m. ET, but it’s best to check the official Churchill Downs website for the most up-to-date information.
How can I watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The event will be broadcast on major television networks, including NBC, and can also be streamed online through various platforms.
Who are the top contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The field of contenders includes top horses like Citizen Bull and Luxor Cafe, with Admire Daytona also being a strong international contender.
What are the current odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The odds are subject to change, but you can check the latest betting odds on sportsbooks or the Churchill Downs website.
Who is the trainer to watch in the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Bob Baffert is a renowned trainer with a history of success at the Kentucky Derby, and his horses are always strong contenders.
What is the purse for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The purse is $5 million, with the winner receiving the largest share.
What are some of the traditions associated with the Kentucky Derby?
The event is known for its traditions, including the serving of Mint Juleps and the fashionable attire of attendees.
Are there any renovations at Churchill Downs for the 151st Kentucky Derby?
Yes, Churchill Downs has undergone renovations, including a new grandstand, to enhance the viewing experience for attendees.
