The Triple Crown Races Begin: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 Kentucky Derby

A Night of Speed, Style, and Suspense at Churchill Downs

What Time Does the 2025 Kentucky Derby Start? A Night to Remember

Alright, folks, let’s cut to the chase: the 2025 Kentucky Derby isn’t just another horse race. It’s the first leg of the legendary Triple Crown races , and trust me, the excitement is already building. If you’re wondering, “What’s the big deal?”—imagine the excitement of the Super Bowl combined with the sophistication of the Met Gala. That’s the Derby for you.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, at precisely 7:02 p.m. ET, the gates at Churchill Downs will open for the 151st Run for the Roses. This isn’t just any race—it’s the starting line for horses aiming to join the elite few who’ve conquered the Triple Crown races .

How to Watch the Derby: Channels, Streaming, and Why You Shouldn’t Miss a Second

Okay, so you’re sold on the date. Great! Now, where do you tune in? The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV, NBC, USA Network, and Peacock. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the mint juleps, these platforms have got you covered.

Honestly, the Derby isn’t just about the race itself—it’s about soaking in the atmosphere. Picture this: the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and those iconic oversized hats. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible. Therefore, please take a moment to prepare your preferred beverage, gather your family or your closest horse-racing companion, and make yourself comfortable. You will not want to miss a moment. You won’t want to blink.

Scratched Horses: When Plans Change

Now, here’s a plot twist: sometimes, even the best-laid plans go sideways. This year, Rodriguez and Grande won’t be charging down the track. Scratches happen in racing—they’re part of the game. However, there is still a wealth of talent in the field. Indeed, the remaining horses are more skilled than before, and the stakes seem to be at a higher level. After all, every contender here has their eyes on the prize: a shot at the Triple Crown races .

Meet the Horses: Stars of the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Let’s talk about the real MVPs—the horses. This year’s lineup reads like a who’s who of equine excellence. Here’s a sneak peek at the stars to watch:

Admire Daytona : A dark horse with a knack for surprises.
Citizen Bull : Consistent and fierce, this one’s a crowd favorite.
Sovereignty : Built for speed, with a pedigree that speaks for itself.
Render Judgment : Known for closing strong—never count this one out.

And those are just a few! The full list includes American Promise, Burnham Square, Chunk of Gold, Coal Battle, East Ave. , and more. Each name carries a story, a dream, and a chance to etch their legacy into Triple Crown races history.

Why the Kentucky Derby Matters: More Than Just Roses

So, why does the Derby matter so much? Firstly, the Derby’s significance extends beyond the $3 million prize, even though it’s an impressive sum. Winning the Kentucky Derby is like earning a golden ticket. It sets the tone for the next two legs of the Triple Crown races : the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

Honestly, pulling off a Triple Crown win is like hitting the jackpot in sports. Only 13 horses in history have done it. Think of legends like Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify. Their names are etched in history books—and that’s the kind of glory every Derby contender dreams of.

Odds, Expert Picks, and Betting Tips: Play Smart

Alright, let’s get practical for a second. If you’re planning to bet (or just want to sound smart at the Derby party), here’s what you need to know:

Check the odds regularly : They shift like sand, especially with scratches like Rodriguez and Grande.
Follow expert picks : Analysts like Chris Sims (a Louisville Courier Journal legend) break down the field daily.
Don’t ignore the underdogs : Sometimes, the biggest payouts come from the least expected horses.
But here’s the secret sauce: enjoy the ride. Betting adds spice, but the real thrill is in the race itself.

Derby Day Essentials: Hats, Hats, and More Hats

Let’s take a quick detour from the track to talk fashion. If there’s one thing the Kentucky Derby is famous for besides the horses, it’s the outrageous hats. Think giant sunflowers, feather explosions, and hats so bold they deserve their own trophy.

Honestly, if you’re attending in person, skip the baseball cap. Go all out! Channel your inner Daisy Buchanan from The Great Gatsby and embrace the madness. After all, when else can you wear a hat that looks like a UFO landed on your head?

The Triple Crown Races: A Journey, Not a Sprint

Okay, let’s circle back to the big picture. The 2025 Kentucky Derby is just the beginning. What’s next on the agenda? The Preakness Stakes, held in Baltimore on May 17, will be followed by the challenging Belmont Stakes on June 7. Together, these three races form the Triple Crown races , a challenge so tough that most horses never make it past the first hurdle.

Interestingly, the Derby’s 1¼-mile track is just a warm-up compared to the Belmont’s 1½ miles—a test of endurance that separates champions from the rest. So, while the Derby is all about speed and drama, the Triple Crown races demand heart, strategy, and a little luck.

Final Thoughts: Why We Love the Derby

At the end of the day, the Kentucky Derby isn’t just about horses. It’s about stories. It’s about the jockey who spent years chasing this moment, the owner who poured their life savings into a dream, and the horse that defied the odds.

So, whether you’re watching from Churchill Downs or your living room, take a second to soak it all in. The Triple Crown races aren’t just sports—they’re a celebration of grit, grace, and the unbreakable bond between humans and horses.