Kentucky Derby Schedule, Horses, Odds, Purse

It comes back after the 151st Kentucky Derby scheduled to Churchill Downs here in Louisville, Kentucky on Saturday, May 3, 2025, that is also fondly called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” as it heads to be a remarkable event-the most viewed and most awaited event in American horse racing. As the first leg of the prestigious Triple Crown, this race promises a full field, a hefty Kentucky Derby purse, and terrific public interest in it.

The Kentucky Derby schedule is programmed to take off at 6:57 p.m. ET. It will be televised starting 2at :30 p.m. ET by NBC and its cable channels, as well as by the NBC Sports website and the NBC Sports app, or through Peacock. The length of the event is 1¼ miles on dirt, and it is a Grade I stakes race exclusively for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds.

The Kentucky Derby purse is again 5 million dollars, following the record set in 2023 and continued in 2024. The winner takes home a whopping 3.1 million dollars, while the next runner receives 1 million. This distribution of prizes says much about the importance of the event and the winnings for both winning and strong placings.

Twenty horses have qualified for this year’s race through the Road to the Kentucky Derby schedule, a points-based system derived from specific prep races. One of the chief candidates-Journalism-is indeed the morning-line favorite at 3-1. This colt, under Michael McCarthy’s training, has shown good form lately, including a win in the Santa Anita Derby. After Journalism comes Sovereignty at 5-1; he has been consistent, running well in several important races. Sandman, at 6-1, comes off an Arkansas Derby win, yet analysts have speculated about his inconsistency in other races. Rodriguez, Baffert’s charge, is at 12-1. The colt was an impressive performer at the Wood Memorial, rightly placing him as a contender. Another horse trained by Bob Baffert will headline from the rail, with Citizen Bull at 20-1.

International contenders include Admire Daytona of Japan and Luxor Café, who is sired by the legendary American Pharaoh. With participation from these far-off horses comes the added dimension of excitement for this race, as the event becomes somewhat of an international affair.

The most famous of these horses is Publisher, a 45-to-1 long shot trained by Steve Asmussen. Publisher not only hasn’t won a race but will also try to become the first horse to do something in the last 75 years-by winning as a horse without any wins at its back. Although Asmussen is one of the winningest trainers in North American horse racing history, he has yet to take home a Kentucky Derby schedule trophy, and Publisher could change that for him at least once.

Bob Baffert, returning to the Kentucky Derby schedule after serving a suspension related to a disqualification in 2021, will look to make history with his two Derby entries, Rodriguez and Citizen Bull. Baffert is aiming for his record-breaking seventh Derby win, and his horses are among the favorites to contend for the title.

Steve Asmussen will also be in the spotlight with his horses Tiztastic and Publisher. Asmussen is the winningest trainer in North America, but his lack of a Derby win remains a notable aspect of his career. Tiztastic, with 20-1 odds, and Publisher, a long shot, represent Asmussen’s latest attempt to claim the elusive Kentucky Derby schedule victory.

Post positions for the race have already been drawn, with Journalism starting in a favorable spot. Sandman will start from the middle of the field, while Citizen Bull has the disadvantage of starting from the rail. In the early goings of the race, the rail path is usually considered as a difficult position because of the horses clustering up.

The conditions of the track will depend on weather as resounding to the event regarding the Kentucky Derby purse. Currently, there are no major weather concerns reported for Louisville but this is always subject to change. Rail path is often a very tough place to be at this early stage of a race as a result of the bunching of horses. Besides having a great effect on a horse’s performance, the condition of the track also means that trainers and jockeys must keep their ears to the ground with regard to the skies as it gets closer to race day.

The Kentucky Derby purse is among the oldest sporting races held continuously, having started in 1875. It is also known for being the longest-holding sporting competition in history. Its significance surpasses that of pure athletics, and it consistently draws the attention of people worldwide as a cultural event. The pageantry, the mint juleps, and the race excitement combine to create an ambiance of their own.

The race is set to go live on NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET, with the Kentucky Derby schedule post time at 6:57 p.m. ET. It can also be streamed on Peacock, NBC Sports’ website, and on the NBC Sports application. The Kentucky Derby purse is a moment in life when everyone gathers together on race day, whether at the track, at a party, or at home, to celebrate and enjoy sweet horse racing.

The Kentucky Derby purse will once again bring together top contenders, respected trainers, and a history of racing tradition. As the horses take their positions and the gates open, all eyes will be on Churchill Downs as the race to the finish unfolds.