The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby took place today, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This iconic event, often called "The Run for the Roses," brought together nineteen of the finest three-year-old Thoroughbred horses to compete over a distance of 1 1/4 miles on the dirt track. The atmosphere was electric, with approximately 150,000 spectators gathered under the Twin Spires, dressed in their finest attire and elaborate hats, all partaking in the traditions of mint juleps and the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home."
The morning-line favorite for the race was Journalism, with odds of 3-1. Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Journalism entered the Derby with a notable four-race winning streak, including a victory in the Santa Anita Derby. Other highly regarded contenders included Sovereignty, with 5-1 odds, known for consistent performances, and Sandman, at 6-1, recognized for his powerful late-closing style and win in the Arkansas Derby. The total purse for the 2025 Kentucky Derby was a substantial $5 million, with the winner set to take home $3.1 million of that prize money.
Adding an element of unpredictability to the day was the weather forecast, which indicated potential showers in Louisville. This raised the possibility of a sloppy track, which could have favored horses with strong late surges, such as Sandman. Notably, the 2025 Derby marked the return of legendary trainer Bob Baffert to Churchill Downs after a three-year suspension. He had one entry in the race, Citizen Bull, a 20-1 longshot. The Kentucky Derby remains a pinnacle event in American horse racing, kicking off the Triple Crown series and capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
