The 2025 Kentucky Derby schedule takes place on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025. This will be the 151st time the Derby takes place. The race is always scheduled for the first Saturday in May. Post time for the main race is approximately 6:57 PM Eastern Time. The Kentucky Derby features the largest purse of all thoroughbred races at approximately $2,000,000 USD. We’ll take you through the schedule and all about the race and more.
What Time is the Kentucky Derby?
A question that comes up every year is what time is the Kentucky Derby? The race or post time for the event this year is 6:57 PM Eastern Time (3:57 PM Pacific Time). The main race follows a full day of racing at Churchill Downs, so you can see the time vary slightly from year-to-year, but generally goes down on time from my experience. The 151st Running for the Roses as the Derby is called is always one of the biggest to watch every year.
How Do Horses Qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
The field for the Kentucky Derby finalizes in April. In order to participate in the race, a horse must have one or placed high in one of the qualifying races. Those races for the 2025 Kentucky Derby include: the Arkansas Derby, Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass, Florida Derby, UAE Derby, and the Louisiana Derby. The Virginia Derby was added to the qualifying circuit this season.Qualifying for the race is covered by the Road to the KY Derby.
2025 Kentucky Derby Weekend Schedule (May 1st-2nd)
The 2024 Kentucky Derby has three days of events. On Thursday, May 1st is Thurby. For those who haven’t been before, I definitely recommend it from my past experiences at the Derby. Iit combines racing, Bluegrass music, and lots of bourbon and more. The races start at Churchill Downs at 1245 PM and go until 6:47 PM or so.
On Friday, May 2nd is the Kentucky Oaks. It doesn’t get as much press as the Kentucky Derby; however, with a $1.5 million purse it is the richest race for phillies in racing. The Oakes is a 1 1 / 8 mile race and always has a decent field.
2025 Kentucky Derby Schedule, Post Time, and TV Coverage
If this is your first time going to the Kentucky Derby, there are races all day before the big race. The gates at Churchill Downs typically open at 9 a.m. It starts to get busy after lunch (a lot of people stay out late the night before after the Oaks).
For those looking for the Kentucky Derby TV schedule, it starts at 5PM Eastern Time. The race coverage starts nationwide on NBC. The post time is set for 6:57 PM ET (3:57 PM Pacific Time). It normally takes about two minutes for the complete race once it starts. Most other sports like the NHL and NBA Playoffs normally work around the Derby race time with scheduling their games. Sometimes you can see some overlap, but that is unusual most years.
When are the Post Positions and Kentucky Derby Odds Posted for 2025?
For the 2024 Kentucky Derby, the race organizers will post positions and we’ll get the morning lining odds on Saturday, April 26th, 2024. The Kentucky Derby kicks off the first leg of the Horse Racing Triple Crown.
What were the 2025 Kentucky Derby Payouts?
So, if you are the type who likes to see or take part in the odds. Some of the 2024 Kentucky Derby payouts were:
- A $2 win bet on Mystik Dan paid $39.22.
- A $2 exacta bet on Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone paid $258.56.
What Location Should You Get Tickets for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
First, if you have never been to the Kentucky Derby, just going to watch the race anywhere checks off the bucket list in my opinion. Depending on how late you wait to get tickets, there are some options for you. The Grandstand seats are less expensive and let you have a limited view of the horses around the final turn to crossing the finish. If you are able to get clubhouse seating, you are closer to the action and in a little more of a “prestigious” environment near Millionaires Row. At Churchill Downs, the higher the seats are, the better the view of the race (and higher the cost normally).
What are the Premium Options for Seating at the Kentucky Derby?
For those looking to maximize their Derby experience, a table for eight in Millionaires Row is one of the poshest locations to check out the race. Premium indoor dining, great views of the full track, gourmet buffet, private wagering stations, and of course TV coverage of the race are included. If you want to go down a level or two, you can also check out the Stakes Room or Homestretch Club. Both of these have great food, drink, and gambling options with TV coverage. You also never know who from the rich and famous that you’ll run into at the Derby.
How Long is the Kentucky Derby Race?
A common question that comes up is how long is the Kentucky Derby? The race is 10 furlongs, or 1 1 / 4 miles long. The race generally takes around two minutes, and that is why it is also known as ‘the most exciting two minutes in sports.”
How Fast do the Horses Run in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is a long race. The horses normally run around 37 MPH in this race. The top measured speed for a horse that is official is just under 44 MPH (not recorded at the Derby).
Who are the Kentucky Winners (Last 10 Years?)
- 2024 – Mystic Dan
- 2023 – Mage
- 2022 – Rich Strike
- 2021 – Medina Spirit
- 2020 – Authentic
- 2019 – Country House
- 2018 – Justify
- 2017 – Always Dreaming
- 2016 – Nyquist
- 2015 – American Pharoah
- 2014 – California Chrome
What is the “Official” Kentucky Derby Drink?
The Mint Julep is the “official” drink of the Kentucky Derby. Well, unofficially 
It is made with Kentucky bourbon, fresh mint leaves, and simple syrup. The track serves more than 120,000 of these every year to patrons.
Watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby (Full Race)
That’s all we have for now for the 2025 Kentucky Derby schedule. We’ll leave you with a replay of the 2024 Kentucky Derby to get ready for this year’s race.
