Kentucky Derby 2025: What You Need to Know About the Iconic Horse Racing Event
It’s almost time for the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
There’s nothing quite like the First Saturday in May – especially on Peacock, the streaming home of the Kentucky Derby. Young or old, a newbie or a lifelong fan, there will be something for everyone when the Kentucky Derby takes place Saturday, May 3.
What do I need to know about the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will set off for the 151st time this year, maintaining its title as the oldest continuously running sporting event in the U.S. The race takes place at Churchill Downs in the shadows of the iconic Twin Spires, and an elite field of Thoroughbred horses will race over 1 1/4 miles.
What’s at stake in the Kentucky Derby?
A $5 million purse, a blanket of roses, and a spot in history. But also, a shot at the elusive Triple Crown. Winning the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes is a sure-fire way of galloping into the history books, as the races all take place within a few weeks of each other.
How do you qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
Every year, 20 3-year-old Thoroughbred horses are selected to run in the Kentucky Derby. The horses race in qualifying Kentucky Derby Prep Races in the months leading up to the big event.
Who do I need to know for this year’s Kentucky Derby?
Let’s meet some of the names to know ahead of this year’s race:
Journalism, a bay horse out of California is certainly one to watch. Of the five races he’s been in so far, he’s won four (including the Santa Anita Derby) and placed third in one. His father (“sire” in horse-racing speak) is two-time Horse of the Year Curlin.
Mike McCarthy, Journalism’s trainer, was impacted by the Southern California fires in January. But he hasn’t let that stop him from pursuing his first Kentucky Derby victory.
Veteran Bob Baffert seeks his seventh career Kentucky Derby win. After a three-year suspension from Churchill Downs, Baffert fields two contenders for this year’s race. Rodriguez will be ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith. Smith and Baffert were the same pair behind 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. Baffert’s other entry is Citizen Bull, who was named last year’s Champion 2-Year-Old Male Horse.
Another horse to watch is Burnham Square, named for a quilting pattern. He had a great showing in his last time out, winning the Blue Grass Stakes in Kentucky. His jockey, Brian Hernandez Jr., looks to win his second-straight Kentucky Derby.
There are several horses likely to run in the Kentucky Derby with Triple Crown fathers: Luxor Cafe, Publisher, and American Promise. Luxor Cafe and Publisher are both sons of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and American Promise is the son of Justify. Neither Triple Crown victor has yet to sire a Kentucky Derby winner. Could this be the year?
The sport of horse racing continues to grow in Japan, and this year, two horses with Japanese connections could make a bid for the roses. Admire Daytona was born in Japan and won the UAE Derby in his most recent race. Luxor Cafe was born in the U.S. but has raced exclusively in Japan. He gallops into the First Saturday in May on a hot, four-race winning streak.
Which horse racing legends were born at the Kentucky Derby?
In over 150 years of the Kentucky Derby, many horse racing legends have graced the dirt at Churchill Downs. Here are a few names throughout Derby history:
Secretariat is perhaps the most well-known racehorse in the world. He won the Triple Crown in 1973, captivating a nation as he set speed records in all three races that still stand today. After retiring from racing, Secretariat went on to have a successful career at stud and can be found in the pedigree of numerous champions.
Just one year ago, Mystik Dan won the 2024 Kentucky Derby, and 150 years earlier in 1875, a horse named Aristides won the very first Kentucky Derby. Aristides won $2,850 in prize money. In 2025, the purse will be $5 million, with over $3 million going to the horse that crosses the finish line first.
A decade ago, American Pharoah took home $1.4 million for winning the 2015 Kentucky Derby. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, becoming the first horse in 37 years to win the Triple Crown.
Besides American Pharoah, there have been 12 other Triple Crown winners: Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), and Justify (2018).
The Kentucky Derby has seen many dominant racehorses, but everyone loves an underdog (or underhorse). In 1913, a 91-1 longshot named Donerail walked three miles to Churchill Downs (since he was stabled further away from the rest of the horses due to limited space) and threw down a blistering race to become the longest shot to ever win the Run for the Roses. Rich Strike cemented a similar place in history when he won the 2022 Kentucky Derby at 80-1 odds.
How can I watch the Kentucky Derby on Peacock?
It’s easy to get a little fomo every year from the festivities you see on TV during the Kentucky Derby, but there are ways to celebrate and bring a bit of the bluegrass into your own home. Take it one step further by finding a local party or event at a nearby restaurant or bar. Or when in doubt, throw your own party! Don’t forget the Kentucky Derby traditions like wearing a big-brimmed hat, rocking a bright blazer, dressing to the nines, and having a mint julep (or a mocktail version) in hand.
Make this your weekend plans by streaming the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3, on Peacock, as well as the Kentucky Oaks the day before on Friday, May 2.
