Event Spotlight
Run for the Roses: A Complete Guide to the Kentucky Derby
Every year on the first Saturday in May, the world turns its attention to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, for one of the most iconic events in American sports: the Kentucky Derby.
A Storied History
The Kentucky Derby was first run in 1875, making it the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States. It was inspired by the Epsom Derby in England and established by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of explorer William Clark.
The race, now 1.25 miles long, is the first leg of the Triple Crown. Only 13 horses have achieved this feat, with Justify being the most recent in 2018.
Kentucky Derby 2025: Start Time and Event Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
- Post Time: 6:57 PM ET
- Broadcast: NBC (coverage begins 2:30 PM ET)
- Streaming: Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
2025 Derby Odds & Top Contenders
| Horse | Odds | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fierce Flight | 3-1 | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown |
| Thunderstrike | 5-1 | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Brad Cox |
| American Valor | 6-1 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
| Gold Dust | 8-1 | Tyler Gaffalione | Steve Asmussen |
| Midnight Bourbon | 10-1 | Luis Saez | Bob Baffert |
The Fashion
Men wear seersucker suits or pastels, while women flaunt elaborate hats and dresses. Derby fashion is part pageantry, part tradition.
Mint Julep: The Official Cocktail
Served since 1938, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are enjoyed each Derby weekend.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Kentucky bourbon
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
Instructions:
- Muddle 6–8 mint leaves with syrup in a cup.
- Fill with crushed ice.
- Add bourbon and stir until frosty.
- Garnish with mint. Serve with a straw.
Derby Day at Home: Tips from Wixenco
- Stream the race outdoors with a projector.
- Print racing forms for guests to choose horses.
- Host a best hat contest.
- Serve mint juleps and hot browns.
- Decorate with red roses.
Fun Facts
- The garland of roses includes over 400 blooms.
- Attendance exceeds 150,000 each year.
- The 2024 winner’s purse was $3 million.
Final Word
Whether you're placing bets or sipping bourbon, the Kentucky Derby is about more than horses — it's tradition, storytelling, and celebration.
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