The stage is set at Churchill Downs for Saturday’s 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious event in horse racing.
Often called the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby draws racing fans, celebrities, and first-time visitors alike for a weekend of spectacle, tradition, and fierce competition.
The Derby also marks the start of the Triple Crown season, followed by the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course and the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga — a three-race series that defines American Thoroughbred racing.
This year’s Derby promises plenty of drama, but nature may add a twist. Rain is in the forecast for most of Saturday, raising the possibility of a muddy track that could shake up the results.
What to Expect
Fans heading to Louisville can expect a mix of fashion, food, and world-class horse racing.
The infield will be packed with revelers in casual attire braving the elements amid the rain, while the stands and boxes will feature the familiar sea of seersucker suits and wide-brimmed hats in covered seating. Attendance has been in the 150,000-range in recent years.
Many will have their eyes on the spectacle in the stands, but the action on the track is ultimately the biggest draw.
A field of 20 three-year-old Thoroughbreds will race over 1.25 miles for a purse of $5 million. Last year’s winner, Mystik Dan, is now racing as a four-year-old and is no longer eligible for the Derby — the race is strictly limited to three-year-old horses.
The Favorite: Citizen Bull
This year’s favorite is Citizen Bull, whose previous wins include the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Grade I American Pharoah Stakes. His trainer, Bob Baffert, brings a controversial history alongside a track record of success, boasting two Triple Crown winners: American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018).
This will be the fifth Kentucky Derby for Citizen Bull’s jockey, Martin Garcia, whose best finish at Churchill Downs was in 2015 with Dortmund.
But wet conditions could tilt the race in favor of a few horses with a track record of performing well in the mud, including Luxor Café, according to Bob Ehalt.
How to Watch: Kentucky Derby TV and Streaming
The post time for the Run of the Roses is 6:57 PM Eastern. But live coverage begins in the mid-afternoon on NBC at 2:30 PM Eastern.
The Kentucky Derby also streams live on Peacock, as well as the NBC Sports app and website.
Kentucky Derby Tickets — Which Seats Are Covered?
The public sale for the 2025 Kentucky Derby began last October, but plenty of tickets remain available on the resale market.
Prices vary widely depending on seating:
Infield General Admission: Offers the most affordable entry but no reserved seating — it’s a lively, festival-like atmosphere, and entirely uncovered.
Infield Final Turn General Admission: Located at the final turn of the track, this section offers a dedicated infield viewing area with upgraded amenities compared to general infield admission, but it is also uncovered.
Grandstand and Clubhouse Seats: Provide reserved seating with varying degrees of cover:
- Sections 114–117: Rows G and higher are covered.
- Sections 218–220: All seats in Section 218 are covered; in Section 220, Rows C and higher are under cover.
- Sections 221–225: Bleacher seats; Rows K and higher are under cover.
- Sections 226–228: Stadium-style seats with backs; Rows L and higher are under cover.
- Sections 312–325: Chairback seats; Rows D and higher are covered.
Luxury Suites and Boxes: Located on the upper levels, these offer premium amenities and are fully covered, providing excellent views of the finish line.
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