When is the Kentucky Derby 2025? Everything to know ahead of the Run for the Roses

Posted by author January 23, 2025 Horse Racing

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The 151st Kentucky Derby to be held on May 3, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky

The 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs will be here before you know it, so it’s time to start thinking about your outfit and how you’re going to try to win some money.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Run for the Roses in 2025:

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The 151st Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Where is the Kentucky Derby held?

The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs, located at 700 Central Ave., in Louisville, Kentucky.

What TV channel is the Kentucky Derby on?

Last May, NBC Sports announced a partnership with Churchill Downs to present the Kentucky Derby on NBC and Peacock through 2032.

The extension includes multiplatform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Derby and Oaks Day programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, USA Network and additional NBCU platforms.

Day-by-day programming will be announced at a later date.

What time is the Kentucky Derby?

While not yet official, the post time for the 151st Kentucky Derby will be around 6:57 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.

When is Kentucky Oaks 2025?

Kentucky Oaks, the race for 3-year-old fillies, will be held Friday, May 2, 2025.

When is the Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw?

The 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks Post Position Draw will take place on Saturday, April 26 at Churchill Downs on the Second Floor Terrace. The time has not yet been announced.

How much are tickets to the Kentucky Derby?

Many tickets for the 151st Kentucky Derby are already sold out, but here are some examples of prices for the 151st Run for the Roses:

To find Derby tickets, visit kentuckyderby.com/seating-experiences.

Who won the Kentucky Derby in 2024?

Mystik Dan – at 18-1 odds – finished the 1 ¼ miles in 2:03.34 to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Mystik Dan and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. held off late charges by Sierra Leone and Forever Young to win by a nose in front of 156,710 fans at Churchill Downs.

What other events take place the week of the Derby?

Derby Week racing begins on Saturday, April 26, and will lead up to the 151st Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 3.

Here is a list of events that will take place before the Kentucky Derby:

Opening Night: Saturday, April 26: Kick off Derby Week during a Great Gatsby-inspired evening. Dress in your finest 1920s attire for a night that sets the stage for a week filled with excitement, tradition and celebration.
Dawn at the Downs: Sunday-Monday, April 27-28: Spend the morning at Churchill Downs to watch Derby and Oaks contenders warm up on the track.
502’sDay, Tuesday, April 29: 502’s Day celebrates the community and also will recognize the 20th anniversary of the Muhammad Ali Center, honoring the legacy of Louisville’s own Muhammad Ali.
WinsDay, Wednesday, April 30: Churchill Downs will spotlight the efforts of local non-profit organizations.
Thurby, Thursday, May 1: Enjoy bourbon and horse racing as well as other parts of Kentucky’s culture.
Kentucky Oaks, Friday, May 2: Witness America’s top race for 3-year-old fillies.
Kentucky Derby, Saturday, May 3: Witness the 151st Run for the Roses.

How does betting work in the Kentucky Derby?

There are three main bet types from which to choose – win, place and show.

Here’s what each bet means:

WIN – If your horse finishes first, you win.
PLACE – If your horse finishes first or second, you win.
SHOW – If your horse finishes first, second, or third, you win.

Payouts depend on several factors, including the amount of money in the pool and the odds.

There also are more involved wagers with even higher payouts, like exacta — predicting who will finish first and second; trifecta — predicting who will finish first, second and third; and superfecta — predicting who will finish in the top four positions.

Have more questions regarding the 151st Kentucky Derby in 2025? Send your questions to Jason Frakes at jfrakes@courier-journal.com or message him on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.