The Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby features a series of prep races offering qualifying points for “The Run for the Roses”, which will take place in just a few months, on Saturday, May 3. The top five finishers in each race earn points, and the 20 horses with the most points will secure a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby. See below for answers to all of your questions about the “fastest two minutes in sports” — including key dates, qualification details, standings, and how you can keep up with all the horse racing action on Peacock.

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When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?

The 151st annual Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, at historic Churchill Downs.

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How many horses can qualify for the Kentucky Derby?

Only 20 horses earn a spot in the starting gate.

What makes a horse eligible for the Kentucky Derby?

The Road to the Kentucky Derby features three paths: the American Road, the Japan Road, and the European/Middle East Road. Prep races for the Derby begin in September and run through mid-April.

Horses that finish in the top five earn points. The horses with the most total points on the American road earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby, and invites will be extended to the top point earners on both the Japan and European/Middle East roads.

2025 Kentucky Derby Leaderboard Standings:

As the excitement for the “Run for the Roses” rises, so does the competition. Click here to see the current 2025 Kentucky Derby standings.

2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races Full Schedule:

Click here to find the full schedule of races on the road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby. You can catch the following events on Peacock:

• 2025 1/ST Racing Tour – Saturday, March 1 at 5 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
• 2025 Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks – Saturday, March 22 at 6 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
• 2025 Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby – Saturday, March 29 at 6 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
• 2025 Santa Anita Derby – Saturday, April 5 at 7 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock

How to watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby:

• When: Saturday, May 3
• Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY
• Time: Live coverage begins at 12 PM ET
• TV: USA Network, NBC
• Live Stream: Peacock

Who won last year’s Kentucky Derby?

Mystik Dan was crowned the winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby, in a thrilling three-horse photo finish at Churchill Downs.

How can I watch horse racing on Peacock?

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What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.