Kentucky Derby 2025: Dates, drama, dapper hats and the people to watch
It’s almost that magical time of year again, when mint juleps flow, outrageous hats defy gravity, and elite horses sprint for glory in under two minutes.
Yep, the 2025 Kentucky Derby is galloping our way, ready to kick off the greatest three-part horse party in America: the Triple Crown.
Held at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the Derby is where dreams are made, records are chased, and someone inevitably spills a drink on their white pants.
The race covers 10 furlongs (that’s fancy talk for 1.25 miles), and it’s worth a whopping $5 million - which is also roughly the cost of one of those trackside box seats with champagne service.
So, what’s the deal with this year’s edition? Who’s hot, who’s back, and where can you watch it all without stepping in actual horse manure?
Sports News Blitz takes a trot through the details.
🐎 When’s it happening?
Circle Saturday, May 3 on your calendar (and maybe start breaking in your dress shoes now).
The Derby will be the third-to-last race on a 14-race mega-card, with the main event firing off at 6:57pm local time (11:57pm in the UK) - right in time for a late-night snack and some equine excitement.
The day before, don’t miss the Kentucky Oaks, which is like the Derby’s stylish sister.
And if you’re in Louisville early, brace yourself for the Kentucky Derby Festival, featuring everything from North America’s biggest fireworks display to a good old-fashioned steamboat race. Because why not?
🎩 Trainers to keep on your radar (and their horses)
Bob Baffert is back, baby. After a three-year timeout (aka suspension), the silver-haired icon returns chasing history.
With six Derby wins already under his belt, he’s aiming to officially dethrone 1940s legend Ben Jones.
One of Baffert’s star runners? The fabulously named Citizen Bull, a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ.
Steve Asmussen - who sounds like he should own a BBQ joint but actually trains racehorses - is also in the mix.
He has won just about everything except the Derby. Maybe this is his year? (Third time’s the charm, Steve.)
Todd Pletcher has racked up eight Eclipse Awards (basically horse racing’s Oscars), and he has got two horses ready to go.
So does Brad Cox, winner of the 2021 Derby, and Bill Mott, who brings Sovereignty, a classy colt running for the very serious folks at Godolphin.
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🏇 Jockeys who might steal the spotlight (and the roses)
John Velazquez is basically Derby royalty at this point - he has won the thing twice since 2016, which is impressive when you consider how chaotic these races can get.
Meanwhile, Irad Ortiz Jr. is racking up Eclipse Awards like they’re Pokémon cards - five in seven years. He hasn’t won the Derby yet, but with his record, you’d be brave to bet against him.
Last year’s winner, Brian Hernandez Jr., pulled a historic double by also winning the Kentucky Oaks.
This time, he’s got a shot at becoming just the fifth jockey ever to win back-to-back Derbys. No pressure, Brian.
Also galloping into contention: Victor Espinoza, who pulled off the rare repeat in 2014 and 2015, and stylish Frenchman Flavien Prat, who has made a name for himself since moving to the U.S. and stealing the Derby in 2019 on Country House - a win so controversial it had more replays than a VAR decision in the Premier League.
📺 Where to watch the madness
In the U.S.:
Tune into NBC or USA Network from 2:30 - 7:30 PM ET for the main event.
FanDuel TV will be going strong from 10:30 AM ET, in case you need a full-day Derby binge.
In the UK:
Catch all the action (plus those gloriously dramatic American ads) on Sky Sports Racing (Channel 415) if you’re a Sky Sports subscriber. Perfect Saturday night telly.
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