There are plenty of horse races, but there’s only one Kentucky Derby.
In 1875, the Kentucky Derby was established and over the years, it has become the most well-attended horse racing event in the United States. It also marks the beginning of the Triple Crown series of races, which includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes held later in the year.
This year’s edition will be the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, showcasing the continued high level of interest in the event. The race is set to be covered extensively on various platforms including network TV, cable television, and even streaming services.
Watch With Us is here to help you get ready for this year’s race with everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby 2025.
When Is the 2025 Kentucky Derby Taking Place?
This year’s Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 3, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
How Can You Watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
For fans following the event from home, coverage will start at 12:00 p.m. EST/9:00 a.m. PST on the USA Network, with NBC taking over the broadcast at 2:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. PST. It’s a great opportunity for viewers to catch all the thrilling action of this historic horse race.
Can You Stream the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Yes! Peacock subscribers will be able to get coverage of the entire event from start to finish. That seems to be the preferred way to watch this year.
To stream the 2025 Kentucky Derby on Peacock, click here.
How Many Horses Will Be in the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Only 20 horses are eligible to run in the Kentucky Derby. To qualify for the race, the horses and their riders had to accumulate as many points as possible in the Road to the Kentucky Derby competitions that are split between three paths: the American Road, the Japan Road and the European/Middle East Road between September and April.
Which Horses Are Favored to Win the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The early line is that trainer Michael McCarthy‘s horse Journalism is the favorite to win. This will be McCarthy’s second Kentucky Derby, and he’ll be competing against several veteran trainers.
Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas has won the Kentucky Derby four times before, and the 89-year-old veteran is tying again this year with a horse called American Promise.
Another veteran trainer, Bob Baffert, initially had two horses in this year’s race before one was withdrawn over an injury. Baffert’s championship hopes lie with Citizen Bull. If that horse wins, it will mark Baffert’s seventh victory at the Kentucky Derby.
