The highly anticipated 2025 Kentucky Derby is finally here, set to take place at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The field of 19 horses (following two scratches) are all vying for the prestigious garland of roses.
In the talented lineup for the 151st Run for the Roses, Journalism stands out as the favorite with odds of 7-2. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism is currently on a four-race winning streak, a feat that has caught the attention of horse racing enthusiasts as he heads into the Kentucky Derby.
Sovereignty, runner-up in the Florida Derby, now sits at 9-1, while Sandman has emerged as the strongest contender to Journalism with odds of 9-2.
The 2025 Derby lineup also includes Luxor Café, the offspring of the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. Luxor Café is currently on a four-race winning streak in Japan. Although no Japanese horse has ever won this American classic, his prominent heritage will surely draw attention.
Don’t miss a moment of the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Follow the action live with time, odds and results for the races.
Kentucky Derby start time
Post time for the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is 7:02 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 3.
Kentucky Derby TV coverage
The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on NBC, with coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Kentucky Derby live stream
For cord-cutters, the Kentucky Derby can be streamed on Peacock, with coverage starting at noon ET. You can also watch via Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users.
Kentucky Derby odds
Odds as of 10:55 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 3, according to KentuckyDerby.com
No. 1: Citizen Bull | Odds: 13-1
No. 2: Neoequos | Odds: 40-1
No. 3: Final Gambit | Odds: 15-1
No. 4: Rodriguez | SCRATCHED
No. 5: American Promise | Odds: 12-1
No. 6: Admire Daytona | Odds: 35-1
No. 7: Luxor Cafe | Odds: 9-1
No. 8: Journalism | Odds: 7-2
No. 9: Burnham Square | Odds: 16-1
No. 10: Grande | SCRATCHED
No. 11: Flying Mohawk | Odds: 30-1
No. 12: East Avenue | Odds: 37-1
No. 13: Publisher | Odds: 30-1
No. 14: Tiztastic | Odds: 20-1
No. 15: Render Judgment | Odds: 15-1
No. 16: Coal Battle | Odds: 24-1
No. 17: Sandman | Odds: 5-1
No. 18: Sovereignty | Odds: 9-1
No. 19: Chunk of Gold | Odds: 28-1
No. 20: Owen Almighty | Odds: 39-1
No. 21:Baeza | Odds: 18-1
Watch the Kentucky Derby with Fubo
Where to watch the Kentucky Derby today
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 7:02 p.m. ET (race starts) | 2:30 p.m. ET (TV coverage)
TV: NBC
Stream: Peacock, Fubo
Kentucky Derby weather in Louisville
There’ll be rain. Early arrivers are already sporting their ponchos. Churchill Downs doesn’t allow umbrellas.
But the good news (so far, at least) is that meteorologists expect it to be early. As of Saturday morning, National Weather Service in Louisville predicts a 100% chance of precipitation Saturday for the Kentucky Derby, with showers most likely to be prevalent before 5 p.m.
There’s still a chance of showers and a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Expect conditions to remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 63 and a North wind 3 to 6 mph. — Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal
Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
Churchill Downs is located in Louisville, Kentucky. It opened in 1875 and has hosted the Kentucky Derby ever since.
Kentucky Derby parade of roses
As the rain slowed into a steady drizzle over Churchill Downs, dozens gathered outside the main gates to watch the parade of roses. The Garland of Roses which will be donned on the winner of the Kentucky Derby were unloaded from a Kroger ice box truck and paraded through the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza. Race fans oh’d and ah’d as members of the military carried the bright red roses into the track. Along with the garland, dozens of bouquets of Kroger roses were carried into the track as well. — Louisville Courier Journal
How big is Churchill Downs?
Churchill Downs occupies 147 acres and it features a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven-furlong turf racecourse. It is also has barns behind the racetrack, which ‘house more than 1,400 horses each year,’ according to the facility.
