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The Kentucky Derby is finally here, and few things are more iconic than the annual Run for the Roses.
Held at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby, also known as "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," is a big (big!) race. The 2025 Kentucky Derby purse will once again be $5 million, matching the record-breaking payout from Derby 150 in 2024. With $3.1 million going to the winner and sizable payouts for the top five finishers, the Kentucky Derby remains the richest race in the Triple Crown series — cementing its place as the most coveted prize in Thoroughbred racing, according to the Kentucky Derby website.
In addition to the main event, with a post time this year of 7:02 p.m., there are endless things to do and see at the Kentucky Derby from watching (and betting!) the races, to the food, drinks, celebrity sightings, and more.
Don't miss Olympian Simone Biles say "Riders Up" or hear Grace Potter sing the national anthem before the Kentucky Derby race Saturday evening. And be sure to check out some of the new guest experiences from Ford, Woodford Reserve, Longines, Vineyard Vines and more.
The Courier Journal has a team covering every aspect of the 151st Kentucky Derby, from the fashion and the food, to the celebrities, the racing, and more, so follow along for live updates whether you're at the track or not. And be sure to download our 2025 Kentucky Derby betting guide!
Happy Derby, y'all!
Sovereignty won the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Journalism was second and Baeza came in third.
—Josh Wood
The official attendance for Kentucky Derby 151 was around 147,400, according to Churchill Downs officials. Last year, Derby Day drew in around 156,700.
The record Derby attendance remains in 2015 that drew in around 170,500.
— Hannah Pinski
Louisville native Blair Bell is enjoying one of her highlights of the year with a visit to Churchill Downs for the 151st Kentucky Derby.
“This is my favorite week out of the entire year. You’ve got the energy, the people, anything goes,” she said. “It’s just infectious.”
The born and raised Louisvillian said she’s extremely proud of the city – especially around Derby Week.
“I love the fashion. I love that everyone has a smile on their face,” Bell said. “It’s the energy from the people and I’m so proud of our city this time of year.”
Bell, who is attending with her husband, said she’s betting on Tiztastic for the Run for the Roses and that rain or shine, Derby Day is always a fun experience. She encourages those to embrace the weather with some good rain gear and a drink.
“A great poncho and also a cocktail and just knowing that it’s going to be okay,” she said. “You got to lean in and rain or shine, you’re just going to have a good time.”
— Marina Johnson
Less than an hour before running of the 151st Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Metro Police Department said a multi-vehicle crash on I-65 S had in Louisville had been cleared.
“Update: As of 6:05pm on 5-3-25 our Traffic Unit & First Division have REOPNED the roadway,” LMPD wrote on X.
A crash involving a semi truck and at least three other vehicles occurred on I-65 S at the Kennedy Bridge hours earlier, shutting down I-65 S and diverting traffic to I-64.
—Josh Wood
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles — who will do the “Riders Up” call before the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby tonight — said Chunk of Gold is her pick in the race.
She made the comments during an interview with NBC.
While Chunk of Gold is not the favorite with 26-1 odds, there’s something about his name that might be attractive to Olympians.
In videos broadcast by NBC before Biles gave her pick, several other Olympians said they were rooting for the gray/roan colt.
“As an Olympian, I had to pick Chunk of Gold. It was the obvious option,” said freestyle skier Alex Hall.
Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor shared that sentiment saying: “Chunk of Gold, because that’s what I plan on winning in the 2026 Olympics.”
Fellow bobsledder Kaillie Humphries said she was backing Chunk of Gold, as did figure skating pair Evan Bates and Madison Chock.
—Josh Wood
Chris Jones last attended the Kentucky Derby in 2019 — and for the 2025 race, his money is on Journalism.
The Lexington resident makes it a point to visit Churchill Downs for the Run for the Roses every five years or so, often seeing some of his friends who live local.
“I have good friends that live here and we actually got free tickets,” he said.
The Kentucky native loves horse racing, frequently visiting Keeneland in his hometown.
Grace Potter was tapped to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" this year. Some viewers loved it, some hated it.
One X user said the singer let them down. "Zero Inspiration," they wrote on the social media site. "Darn."
But another user said she "nailed" the anthem. "My grandma said that it gave her goosebumps," they wrote.
Read more hot takes in the link below.
Derby performance: Grace Potter sings national anthem Kentucky Derby 2025. How did she she do?
— Katie Wiseman
After the race, fans can stay in the Derby spirit with a new Hallmark movie premiering at 8 p.m. ET.
The movie stars Holly Robinson Peete as a socialite, and the actress said she took inspiration for her character from a socialite deep in Kentucky Derby culture.
Watch "Hats Off to Love" on the Hallmark Channel.
— Cheryl Jackson
Watch the trailer: Hallmark Channel movie inspired by Kentucky Derby and socialite debuts tonight
Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth never got to swing a torpedo bat, but he told USA TODAY Sports Network he wanted one decades ago.
"It's about 20 years too late," he said.
Hillerich & Bradsby, the makers of the iconic Louisville Slugger bat, gifted Werth two bats — a torpedo bat and a model he used during his 15-year MLB career — following a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory on May 2.
Both bats were in the silk green of his Derby-contending horse, Flying Mohawk.
"To do a bat in our silk colors with our logo was really neat," he said. "And for it to be on my exact model bat, which was unique bat because of my wrist injury. But it had a knob. I never knew that was what Roberto Clemente used."
Roberto Clemente, the teammate to Werth's grandfather, John Richard "Ducky" Schofield, on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ducky helped the Pirates win a World Series in 1960.
Werth said he saw the grandfather and uncle's name on the wall at the Museum.
Dick Schofield, his uncle, also had a lengthy MLB career (14 season) at shortstop. He won the 1993 World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
"It was really cool of the Louis—," Werth paused and laughed.
He was about to say the name, but stopped to correct himself over the debated pronunciation of the Derby City.
"Looeyville, Lou-uh-vul, I don't even know how to say it — other than Louisville Slugger."
—Stephanie Kuzydym
Kevin and Stacey Northup turned the 151st Run for the Roses into a couple’s outing on May 3, sitting in a box in section 322 of the grandstands.
The two, local to Louisville in the Hurstbourne area, said they frequently visit the track during Derby Week – always sitting in the same spot for the races.
“We come a lot of years. Sometimes we’ll do a couple’s thing, which is what we’re doing today,” Kevin said. “Last year, she did a girl’s day on Oaks and I did a guy’s day on Derby. This is the box we use. Most years we’re out here and enjoying the festivities.”
Stacey said she and her husband continue to attend because of the energy at the track.
“It’s so fun and there’s nothing like it, really,” Stacey said. “It’s just a festive environment.”
The two said they are still determining their picks for the big race slated for 7:02 p.m.
“The nice thing is – they give you an hour and a half between the race before, and that’s when I’ll probably do most of my handicapping,” Kevin said. “Obviously, I’ve read about the favorites and Journalism, but I’ll dive into it during that hour and a half.”
They also emphasized the intense weather conditions, saying that while they have covered seats, the weather is putting a damper on the experience for many in the crowds.
“It’s a little rough,” he said. “Up here on the third floor, especially if you’re mostly covered, you're kind of lucky, so the hardest part for us is walking in from the car and walking out. It’s just sad because it really eats into a lot of that, and you know Churchill isn’t loving this weather.”
— Marina Johnson
Some of Kentucky’s political figures are weighing in on who they hope will win Kentucky Derby 151.
Kentucky Republican state Sen. Max Wise said in a post, on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he will be cheering for Chunk of Gold.
Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell is also rooting for Chunk of Gold and hosted his Pre-Kentucky Derby luncheon early this week at the U.S. Capitol, according to a press release.
Meanwhile, Scott Jennings, a political commentator on CNN, is hoping Render Judgment wins but is also rooting for Journalism and Sovereignty.
— Hannah Pinski
We’re less than three hours from post time at the Kentucky Derby and a trend is emerging, if you’re superstitious.
The No. 7 horse has won each of the past four races at Churchill Downs:
Most of them were among the favorites, although Macho Man wasn’t necessarily expected to finish in the money. Could that trend continue?
In Race 10, the Derby City Distaff, No. 7 horse Vahva is among the favorites, with 4-1 odds as of this post. And in Race 11, the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic, No. 7 horse Running Bee is currently looking at 5-1 odds.
And in Race 12, the Kentucky Derby, Luxor Café will be in the No. 7 gate. The Japanese Horse currently has 8-1 odds and is a trendy pick to take home the garland of roses.
—Lucas Aulbach
Aaron Grace said this is his first year attending the Kentucky Derby, and the event has lived up to his expectations so far.
Grace, who is from Arizona, also went to Oaks yesterday, where joked that he enjoyed the weather “a lot better” as a steady rain poured down in the paddock.
Kentucky Oaks 2025: Relive our favorite moments from Friday of Derby week
Dressed in a bright green suit with racing horses, Grace said his wife picked out his Derby attire. He said he’ll bet on Render Judgment, because it’s Toby Keith’s horse.
— Hannah Pinski
Alex and Helen Montano are taking in Churchill Downs on Derby Day as a birthday gift from their children.
“Our kids bought us tickets for a birthday,” she said, saying hers was earlier this year on Jan. 24. The two traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah to enjoy the event – a first-time experience for the married couple.
The two said while they aren’t quite equipped for the weather, they are looking forward to enjoying the food and drinks, as well as the Derby atmosphere. Helen says she plans to bet on Journalism, while Alex is undecided.
— Marina Johnson
David Sloan last wore his blue jacket from Value City that he “bedazzled” with roses, gems and a large horse head on the back in 2018.That year, Justify ran through the slop to win the first leg of an eventual Triple Crown year.But Sloan grew up on the corner of Henry and Camden, just outside of Churchill Downs. As a kid who grew up near the legendary backside, no amount of rain was going to keep him from watching the race from the rail far from the frontside.
Sloan and his family, who were invited to this year's race by a family friend, were going in and out of watching from their car, which was parked on the backside. Sloan said while he liked Sandman, Coal Battle seemed to like the slop.“But I think this jacket is cursed and brings the rain,” he said.Not far from the rail, tucked inside the office of a barn, David and Erin Kuntzweiler sat watching the races on TV with the heater on, drying out from the rain.
The Kuntzweilers had walked on the track with their daughter, trainer Greta Kuntzweiler, after she walked a horse to the paddock for the fourth race, but the muddy track made it difficult.
“I almost lost my shoe,” David said with a laugh, his Brooks sneakers caked with dirt.
—Stephanie Kuzydym
Westbound lanes on Interstate 264 near Poplar Level Road are reopened after a semitruck accident caused an extended closure, Louisville Metro Police officials said on social media.
A jackknifed semi forced officials to close multiple lanes and backed up traffic in the area, which is just a few exits east of Churchill Downs.
LMPD officials said traffic is still heavy in the area.
— Killian Baarlaer
Kelly Will and Sarah Ahmad have been coming the Kentucky Derby for years.
While they love the fun fashion, with Will sporting a rose inspired top hat she won at the Hats for Hope Auction and a red cape and Ahmad wearing a custom made purple hat, the duo are most excited to support their friend who has a horse in the Derby race.
Diana Robbins is a part owner of the Bob Baffert trained Citizen Bull this year. And Robbins is no newbie to the sport, she also had an ownership stake in former Derby winners Justify and Authentic.
Robbins said Citizen Bull has a bit of a tough race ahead coming out of the number one post, but “anything can happen in the Derby.”
— Olivia Evans
As the Kentucky Derby crept closer this year, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg still did not have a Derby pick — or know who the frontrunner was — with the race less than two weeks out.
Asked at a press conference on April 22 which Derby horse he was betting on, Greenberg said: “I haven’t started paying attention to this year’s field — I’ve been focused on floods, getting ready for my budget address on Thursday, so I’ve got to admit, I’ve not yet paid too close of attention to the Derby field. I will be ready by next week.”
Following that, a Courier Journal reporter told Greenberg there was a horse named Journalism in the race.
“Is there? Is that a Derby horse? That sounds good, I’ll put two bucks on it for you,” he said.
By Derby week, it was clear the mayor had done his homework.
Enter a horse named Sandman.
“I loved watching the opening Derby draw. I know he didn’t get the greatest post position, but I’m still going with Sandman,” Greenberg said in a video from Derby’s opening night on April 26 that was later shared on Instagram.
However, speaking to The Courier Journal the same day, Greenberg also said: "I'm still doing a little bit of handicapping. Right now, I'm looking heavily at American Promise."
As Derby week progressed, any waffling that may have existed appeared to end with the mayor doubling down his support for the gray colt Sandman.
“I’m going with Sandman this year,” he said on WHAS-TV on Thursday.
And on the night of Oaks, Greenberg posted a photo on social media alongside TikTok star and Sandman minority owner Griffin Johnson with the caption: “We’ll be rooting for you tomorrow, Sandman!!”
—Josh Wood
Kaitlen Zeidler, who celebrated her 29th birthday on Thursday, traveled from the Illinois side of St. Louis to attend her first ever Kentucky Derby.
She put in a ton of research refining her look and checking out resale pieces, before settling on a striking pink and orange flower hat that could not have matched the pink and orange flowers on her dress more perfectly.
“I love this,” she said, of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby experience. “It’s beautiful and it’s the best place to go to people watch. I have the passion for the bourbon and [my partner] has the passion for the bourbon. This is the perfect place for us.”
She was looking forward to two things. The first was seeing Derby favorite Sandman race, and the second was coming back to Churchill Downs with their daughters, who are 10, 9 and 2, once they turn 21.
—Maggie Menderski
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles walked the red carpet with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, both in head-to-toe purple outfits and hats.
“We love being able to do events together because it’s not super common when we’re in the same room at the same time celebrating something so special,” Biles said.
Biles will be giving the "riders up" call ahead of the Derby race, but the seven-time gold medalist said she doesn’t need to practice the announcement. The command, which comes around 19 minutes before the start of the race, has been previously done by other celebrity honorees, including Jack Harlow, Martha Stewart and Patrick Mahomes.
“I’ll just go off the rip!” she laughed.
Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Paul Humphrey said the organization is cheering on Sandman for the 151st Kentucky Derby – and LMPD has ties to the horse’s trainer.
“Lt. Joel Casse is the son of trainer Mark Casse who is the trainer of Sandman, so that’s going to be the police pick for the week,” he said.
Humphrey said he’s enjoying the experience, even with the scattered rainfall, and said weather is keeping the crowds pretty mellow.
“It’s been a good day even though it’s been raining,” he said. “I’d rather it be sunshine and everybody looking great in their Derby outfits, but I think the rain is keeping the crowd down, keeping it calm.”
He also said safety efforts have run efficiently throughout the week outside of situations considered pretty standard to law enforcement around Derby.
“With the exception of the usual stuff — people getting lost and forgetting where they parked their cars — things have been running really smoothly,” he said. “Crowds have been cooperative, so if everybody just remembers to be patient, we’ll get where we need to go. Understand its going to take a little bit of time to get where you need to go, but we’ll get you there safely.”
Humphrey said he’s looking forward to experiencing Kentucky Derby as the chief, with no assignment to a specific post and the ability to chat with the crowds and check-in on his officers. He said he first started working at Derby years ago directing traffic before spending much of his time on the SWAT team.
Former NFL defensive end Chase Winovich showed up on Churchill Downs' red carpet in a custom light blue striped suit with button detailing from Javelin in Williamsburg, New York City.
“We were going back and forth over some of the designs, and I said it’s the end of the game, we’ve got the Derby on the line," he said. "If you take the shot, you can’t miss.”
Winovich said coordinating his outfit with his date’s dress was a little last-minute, and for good reason. They only met a month ago, when she was his flight attendant.
“I love Delta, big fan,” Winovech said, looking over at his date. “I think it’s the best airline, they have the best flight attendants.”
— Kirby Adams & Keely Doll
American restaurateur and author Guy Fieri stopped on the red carpet to talk about his experience in the Winner's Circle when Animal Kingdom won the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
"It was one of the craziest things I've seen. One, we lost our minds ... we all take off and we run down and they're just getting ready to close to gate and we do not have the right credentials to be down there. But as we get to the gate, they're like 'chef' and I'm like 'yeah that's my buddy's horse,' and they're like, 'ok, go!'"
Fieri said that's the magic of the Derby.
"I'm telling you, any chance you can get to come to the Derby and experience this, everything from the hats to the history, you've got to do it."
—Kirby Adams
Derby horses: Charismatic? Real quiet? Your 2025 vibe is the Kentucky Derby winner the year you were born
Tim Cooper stood smoking a cigar and enjoying a mixed drink the afternoon of the 151st Kentucky Derby. He said that while he’s not a whiskey and bourbon drinker, he’s opting for a mint julep for his next drink.
“I don’t like whiskey myself, but I’m probably going to have a mint julep after this,” he said. “You got to have one.”
The Minnesota resident, originally from Chicago, said he and his colleague, also a close friend, decided after a night of drinks to attend the Run for the Roses for the first time.
“We do crazy stuff all the time. We bet on random stuff so we were like ‘We should go to the Kentucky Derby,’” he said. “We got drunker that night and just bought tickets.”
Cooper said that although they’d just recently arrived, he was enjoying the atmosphere and crowds.
“It’s once in a lifetime,” he said. “The whole spectacle of the thing is great.”
The red carpet at Churchill Downs was heating up Saturday ahead of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, including celebrities such as Chris Tucker, Guy Fieri, Billy Gilman, Brantley Gilbert, Ciara O' Doherty, Dylan Dreyer and Miss America Abbie Stockard.
Also spotted were Lee Brice, Steve Wilson, Gail Simmons and Wilmer Valderrama, as well as special appearances from the Kentucky Derby Winner's Gold Cup and the NBA Finals Trophy.
April Koenig, of Cincinnati, had a fashion emergency Saturday afternoon.
The hem of her dress came undone right as she arrived at the race track.
Gail OBannon with Churchill Downs guest services stepped in with a fresh roll of silver duct tape, and 15 minutes later, Koenig’s hem was back in place. OBannon also came through with a clear garbage bag to shield Koenig’s hat from the rain.“Our job is to make sure our guests have a comfortable experience, a good experience, no matter what the issue is, we're supposed to be prepared,” OBannon said.
Koenig and her husband, Stuart, attended the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, as well as the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. “It's kind of like when you're in high school and you get ready for the prom,” April Koenig said. “It's almost like the getting ready and the anticipation … It's just like all the things that lead up to the Derby.”It had been a number of years since their first Derby, but they were glad to be back and see everyone’s fashions.“The Derby, we always joke about it: There's so many clothes, so much work, and by the time you're done, it's like the most expensive weekend on planet Earth,” Stuart said.
—Matt Glowicki
Of an array of dishes available inside Club SI, a luxury dining area at Churchill Downs, such as hand-sliced prime rib roast, patrons gravitated to witness Sarah Kaufmann’s cheese carving in action. Also known as the “Cheese Lady,” the San Diego-based cheese artist returned for her third Kentucky Derby on Saturday to share her “edible entertainment” in the form of mild Wisconsin cheddar.
“I'm really proud to be here as one of the entertainment pieces for the Derby guests,” she told the Courier Journal. “It’s the most prestigious thing in the world.”
After sculpting a scene of woman wearing a hat adorned with lilies on Friday for the Kentucky Oaks, Kaufmann planned to spend several hours finalizing a Derby-themed cheese creation, including a horse and jockey.
“People will come back multiple times to watch my progress and talk to me and taste the cheese,” she said. “They come back and visit and get a picture. It’s wonderful."
— Amanda Hancock
While filling up his first plate, of several more “rounds” planned, inside Club SI at Churchill Downs, the TikTok-famous chef Joshua Weissman said Saturday marked two personal firsts.
This marked Weissman’s first time to the Kentucky Derby and first visit to the state. He brought along his mom, dad, and wife for the trip to Louisville.
“Just the historic level of the Derby, it already feels like such an honor,” he told the Courier Journal. “I think that there's a whole culture here that I'm just excited to be involved with.”
The content creator with 7 million followers on TikTok and 10 million subscribers on YouTube, teamed up with Churchill Downs to create the 2025 "Kentucky Derby At-Home" menu and two specialty items served up on Saturday, including Kentucky Bourbon Hot Honey Pork Belly and a Kentucky twist on Challah French Toast.
“The number one thing I’m looking forward to is the food for today,” Weissman said, balancing a plate full of potatoes, rib roast and bourbon French toast. “That being said, of course, the race, but honestly, the most fun part is being around a bunch of people having a great time.”
When cooking up menu ideas, Weissman joked his main inspiration was “bourbon.”
“Sometimes it's hard to explain a feeling in food, but I do think there's a certain energy in the type of food that should be served at the Derby,” he said. “I just tried my best to bring that same energy while also bringing my style.”
Weissman, who also traveled with a videographer, said he’s excited to share some of his experience at Churchill Downs with his online followers.
“This is one of those events where it's like, if you don't know what it is and you haven't seen it, you need to,” he said. “I think it will be kind of a pivotal moment for them when they see it.”
It was shaping up to be a big moment for him, too.
“I didn't realize how massive this is,” he said. “I'm having a good time. I'm going to come back.”
— Amanda Hancock
Kentucky Derby at Home: Popular TikTok chef teams up with Churchill Downs for 2025 menu
The two right-hand lanes on westbound Interstate 264 near Poplar Level Road are blocked following a jackknifed semi truck, Louisville Metro Police officials said.
The accident involved a semi and another car, but no injuries have been reported, LMPD said in a social media post.
The scene is expected to be cleared in roughly an hour, according to TRIMARC. It could cause delays for fans en route to Churchill Downs, which is just a few exits west of the accident.
— Killian Baarlear
Craig Blumenthal calls himself a “diehard Chicago Cubs fan since forever,” and he wanted to show that at this year’s Kentucky Derby.It’s Blumenthal’s first Derby, and he said he was most excited to bet and try the drinks at Churchill Downs.
So far, he has tried a mint julep and Woodford Spire.
He also said he knows that he wants to bet on Sandman and Toby Keith’s horse, Render Judgment, because Blumenthal loves country music.Blumenthal, who is from California, added that he’s explored other parts of Kentucky while visiting for Derby.“We've been going on tours, taking in the beauty of Kentucky. It's pretty amazing,” Blumenthal said.
—Hannah Pinski
Heather Vernisie and Paul Oliva have come to the Kentucky Derby together for the past seven years.
The duo, dressed in outfits inspired by the Garland of Roses given to the winning horse, said they just love the annual racing event.
As much as Olivia enjoys the racing element, he loves the fashion, too. This year, Oliva spent a handful of days hand-sewing his own blanket of roses to wear along with pants that mimicked grass.
“I do a different outfit every year,” Oliva said. “So this is what I came up with this year, and I’m pretty proud of it.”
— Olivia Evans
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, his wife Britainy and their two children walked the red carpet on Saturday at the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
"It's so exciting to be able to do this as a full family. This is now our third year we've gotten to come here all together. They were a lot shorter when we started," he said of his children, Lila and Will.
"This is what the Derby is about. It's about creating amazing memories as a family and with friends, so excited to be here. We're not going to let the rain keep us down. We're going to have a great Derby welcoming millions upon millions of people from around the world watching and a couple of hundred thousand of our closest friends right here with us today."
Beshear also showed off his "Kentucky surprise," where the lining of his custom Derby jacket included little blue images of the state of Kentucky.
"I've got a tailor named Tyler Brown, who is actually an officer in the National Guard who put this together. So, service in a lot of ways."
— Kirby Adams
Brian Hernandez Jr., the Derby and Oaks winning jockey from Derby 150, grabbed a hose and sprayed down his jockey boots that were caked with mud, before walking to the jockey room to change into another set of silks that were both clean and dry.
Hernandez's white smile gleamed through his face, covered in the brown mud of Churchill Downs' sloppy track.
"It’s another day at the office," Hernadez said with a laugh.
As spectators pulled on their ponchos and left their umbrellas at the gate (they aren't allowed inside the famed TwinSpires), fellow jockey Gabe Saez held a black hose in the paddock tunnel and sprayed down his boots, too.
Riding in a muddy race comes with a job of being a jockey, but what's it really like to ride in it?
"It's like if you go out in the yard and someone throws stuff at you," Hernandez said, "except you've got piles of mud coming at you at 40 miles an hour."
By now, Hernandez said he's used to it. He has, after all, rode in more than 7,000 dirt races.
But he's developed a secret across all those mounts, besides wearing multiple pairs of goggles.
During his first ride of Derby Day, in the second race aboard Dallas Stewart-trained Tapit Quick, Hernandez wore four pairs to protect his eyes from the dirt.
"But we use this plastic," he said, pointing to his jockey cap and the goggles layered on top of each other..
The plastic was the kind of plastic wrap a host would use to cover a dish on a holiday.
"For some reason, the mud doesn't stick to the plastic," he said with a shrug. "It just falls right off."
— Stephanie Kuzydzym
In a statement sent out by the White House on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump praised the Kentucky Derby as “an iconic American institution and an elegant celebration of our culture, customs, and unwavering competitive spirit.”
The president, who last attended the Derby in 2022, pointed to the distant past in his statement, saying “the promise of Manifest Destiny was beating in the hearts of the 10,000 spectators” gathered at Churchill Downs for the first Run for the Roses in 1875.
“Now, as our Nation gathers for that same Derby 150 years later — and 1 year before we celebrate 250 years of independence — we recognize that we are in the early days of a new Golden Age,” he said.
Trump’s statement gave no indication as to whether he would be attending this year’s race.
[IMG alt="President Donald Trump reacts to the crowd before the beginning of the 148 Kentucky Derby.
May 07, 2022"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/cincinnati-com-the-enquirer/e7b222c3d2aac13184e3659cb2fdb2da[/IMG]
Trump attended Derby 148 in 2022 as part of a fundraiser hosted by a Trump-aligned super PAC.
In February, Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, but left at halftime.
Read the full statement below.
— Josh Wood
Protect Our Care has a message they want Republican U.S House Republican Rep. Brett Guthrie to hear on Derby Day: Don’t touch Medicaid.
According to a press release, the organization is flying a plane between 2 to 6 p.m., with a banner reading: “Tell Brett Guthrie: Hands Off Medicaid!”
The banner is supposed to encourage Guthrie, who is chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, to reject potential cuts to the program.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will potentially hold its markup on a mega bill that could change the Medicaid program next week, including a proposal that could cap federal Medicaid payments to states.
Horse trainer Larry Demeritte waited for Grace on Grace following the second race of Derby Day, standing on the edge of the sloppy track following the heavy morning rain.
Demeritte spent the morning, though, training his horses in the rain some avoided.
"Some trainers walk their horses on rainy days," he said. "I don't. I'm old school."
His thinking is this: what if it's muddy come race time, like it will be throughout this first Saturday in May, with rain in the forecast all day.
"What do you do if you don't know if your horse can handle the mud?" Demeritte said. "That's why we train in it."
— Stephanie Kuzydym
Kentucky Derby odds: What are current odds ? Who is favorite to win? Live odds, field, jockeys
Even with the damp skies Melanie and James Dycus, of San Antonio, were excited for their first Kentucky Derby.
Coming to the Run for the Roses had always been a bucket list item for Melanie, who grew up around horses. They’d been fortunate to get tickets this year through a connection James had from his two decades of service in the U.S Army.
As they stood indoors, near the 300 section, just after the first race, they tried to recall the name of a horse James had his eye on for the Old Forester Turf Classic.
“Was it Queen for a Day?” she asked genuinely.
“No, that’s you baby,” he said wryly, before scrolling through his phone to find its name — Gold Phoenix.
— Maggie Menderski
Shoppers streamed out of pop-up shops with rain ponchos, long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts as temperatures dropped in Louisville following a heavy downpour just as the gates opened for Derby Day.
One Churchill Downs groundskeeper used a push broom to spread puddles of water.
But a whole lot of liquid sunshine was not about to dampen the spirits of one Connecticut family.
"This is a bucket list item for me," Francis Luperella, who retired a year ago from TV broadcast.
The family began planning the trip more than a year ago. They enjoyed Oaks yesterday from the First Turn Club.
"Rain or shine, we were going to come," Aubrey Sepko said.
Sepko and her husband John, sister Taylor Kintop and her husband Bryan Cardinelli as well as Luperella's wife Donna Kintop were all tucked into ponchos but full of smiles. They said they were enjoying their time in Louisville, calling the employees and the locals "kind."
"It's exceeded our wildest dreams," Luperella said. "And we haven't even seen the Derby run yet."
The entire family is already planning to be back next year.
— Stephanie Kuzydym
Dozens gathered outside the main gates of Churchill Downs to watch the parade of roses be carried into the track as a steady drizzle fell. The Garland of Roses, which will be donned by the winner of the Kentucky Derby, was unloaded from a Kroger ice box truck and paraded through the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza. Race fans watched and cheered as members of the military carried the bright red roses into the track. Along with the garland, dozens of bouquets of Kroger roses were carried into the track, as well.
Yes. There'll be rain. Early arrivers are already sporting their ponchos. Churchill Downs doesn't allow umbrellas.
But the good news (so far, at least) is that meteorologists expect it to be early. As of Saturday morning, National Weather Service in Louisville predicts a 100% chance of precipitation Saturday for the Kentucky Derby, with showers most likely to be prevalent before 5 p.m.
There's still a chance of showers and a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Expect conditions to remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 63 and a North wind 3 to 6 mph.
— Chris Sims
On Friday night, celebrities gathered for the Unbridled Eve Gala, which benefits 15 charities. Yung Gravy, Richie Sambora and others walked the red carpet at the event.
“It’s Derby Eve,” TikToker Colin McFarland said at the event. “Where else would you want to be?”
The other place to be last night was the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, which hosted Simone Biles, MGK, Tracy Morgan and more.
"Topping previous year's lists is never easy. In the past we've hosted Janet Jackson, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but take a look at who is coming this year," Barnstable-Brown, who co-hosts the party with her son, Chris Barnstable-Brown, at her private mansion in Louisville, told the Courier Journal. "I am so thrilled."
— Matthew Glowicki & Kirby Adams
We're tracking the odds ahead of this year's Run for the Roses. Follow along here.
The official Kentucky Derby post time is 7:02 p.m., Saturday, May 3. The 151st Run for the Roses will be race No. 12 of the 14-race slate.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast or streamed on numerous platforms, including FanDuel TV, NBC, NBC Sports app (Apple Store/Google Play), NBCSports.com, Peacock and USA TV Network.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on FanDuel TV from 10:30-noon, on USA and Peacock from noon to 2:20 p.m. and on NBC and Peacock from 2:30-7:30 p.m.
Click on a horse's name to learn more:
1. Citizen Bull, Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia, 20-1
2. Neoequos, Saffie Joseph Jr., Flavien Prat, 30-1
3. Final Gambit, Brad Cox, Luan Machado, 30-1
5. American Promise, D. Wayne Lukas, Nik Juarez, 30-1
6. Admire Daytona, Yukihiro Kato, Christophe Lemaire, 30-1
7. Luxor Café, Noriyuki Hori, Joao Moreira, 15-1
8. Journalism, Michael McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli, 3-1
9. Burnham Square, Ian Wilkes, Brian Hernandez Jr., 12-1
10. Grande, Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 20-1
11. Flying Mohawk, Whit Beckman, Joe Ramos, 30-1
12. East Avenue, Brendan Walsh, Manny Franco, 20-1
13. Publisher, Steve Asmussen, Irad Ortiz Jr., 20-1
14. Tiztastic, Steve Asmussen, Joel Rosario, 20-1
15. Render Judgment, Kenny McPeek, Julien Leparoux, 30-1
16. Coal Battle, Lonnie Briley, Juan Vargas, 30-1
17. Sandman, Mark Casse, Jose Ortiz, 6-1
18. Sovereignty, Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, 5-1
19. Chunk of Gold, Ethan West, Jareth Loveberry, 30-1
20. Owen Almighty, Brian Lynch, Javier Castellano, 30-1
21. Baeza, John Shirreffs, Flavien Prat, 12-1
Kentucky Derby horses: Rodriguez scratched from Kentucky Derby 2025: Baeza to run for roses at Churchill Downs
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 2025 live updates: Sovereignty wins 151st race
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Held at the Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, the Kentucky Derby, also known as "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," is a big (big!) race. The 2025 Kentucky Derby purse will once again be $5 million, matching the record-breaking payout from Derby 150 in 2024. With $3.1 million going to the winner and sizable payouts for the top five finishers, the Kentucky Derby remains the richest race in the Triple Crown series — cementing its place as the most coveted prize in Thoroughbred racing, according to the Kentucky Derby website.
In addition to the main event, with a post time this year of 7:02 p.m., there are endless things to do and see at the Kentucky Derby from watching (and betting!) the races, to the food, drinks, celebrity sightings, and more.
Don't miss Olympian Simone Biles say "Riders Up" or hear Grace Potter sing the national anthem before the Kentucky Derby race Saturday evening. And be sure to check out some of the new guest experiences from Ford, Woodford Reserve, Longines, Vineyard Vines and more.
The Courier Journal has a team covering every aspect of the 151st Kentucky Derby, from the fashion and the food, to the celebrities, the racing, and more, so follow along for live updates whether you're at the track or not. And be sure to download our 2025 Kentucky Derby betting guide!
Happy Derby, y'all!
Sovereignty wins Kentucky Derby, with Journalism close behind
Sovereignty won the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Journalism was second and Baeza came in third.
—Josh Wood
How many people came to the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The official attendance for Kentucky Derby 151 was around 147,400, according to Churchill Downs officials. Last year, Derby Day drew in around 156,700.
The record Derby attendance remains in 2015 that drew in around 170,500.
— Hannah Pinski
Kentucky Derby 2025 needs: Ponchos and cocktails
Louisville native Blair Bell is enjoying one of her highlights of the year with a visit to Churchill Downs for the 151st Kentucky Derby.
“This is my favorite week out of the entire year. You’ve got the energy, the people, anything goes,” she said. “It’s just infectious.”
The born and raised Louisvillian said she’s extremely proud of the city – especially around Derby Week.
“I love the fashion. I love that everyone has a smile on their face,” Bell said. “It’s the energy from the people and I’m so proud of our city this time of year.”
Bell, who is attending with her husband, said she’s betting on Tiztastic for the Run for the Roses and that rain or shine, Derby Day is always a fun experience. She encourages those to embrace the weather with some good rain gear and a drink.
“A great poncho and also a cocktail and just knowing that it’s going to be okay,” she said. “You got to lean in and rain or shine, you’re just going to have a good time.”
— Marina Johnson
LMPD: I-65 crash cleared, roadway reopened
Less than an hour before running of the 151st Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Metro Police Department said a multi-vehicle crash on I-65 S had in Louisville had been cleared.
“Update: As of 6:05pm on 5-3-25 our Traffic Unit & First Division have REOPNED the roadway,” LMPD wrote on X.
A crash involving a semi truck and at least three other vehicles occurred on I-65 S at the Kennedy Bridge hours earlier, shutting down I-65 S and diverting traffic to I-64.
—Josh Wood
Simone Biles, other Olympians, pick Chunk of Gold
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Olympic gymnast Simone Biles — who will do the “Riders Up” call before the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby tonight — said Chunk of Gold is her pick in the race.
She made the comments during an interview with NBC.
While Chunk of Gold is not the favorite with 26-1 odds, there’s something about his name that might be attractive to Olympians.
In videos broadcast by NBC before Biles gave her pick, several other Olympians said they were rooting for the gray/roan colt.
“As an Olympian, I had to pick Chunk of Gold. It was the obvious option,” said freestyle skier Alex Hall.
Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor shared that sentiment saying: “Chunk of Gold, because that’s what I plan on winning in the 2026 Olympics.”
Fellow bobsledder Kaillie Humphries said she was backing Chunk of Gold, as did figure skating pair Evan Bates and Madison Chock.
—Josh Wood
Lexington fan makes occasional Derby trips
Chris Jones last attended the Kentucky Derby in 2019 — and for the 2025 race, his money is on Journalism.
The Lexington resident makes it a point to visit Churchill Downs for the Run for the Roses every five years or so, often seeing some of his friends who live local.
“I have good friends that live here and we actually got free tickets,” he said.
The Kentucky native loves horse racing, frequently visiting Keeneland in his hometown.
Grace Potter sings national anthem. What did people think?
Grace Potter was tapped to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" this year. Some viewers loved it, some hated it.
One X user said the singer let them down. "Zero Inspiration," they wrote on the social media site. "Darn."
But another user said she "nailed" the anthem. "My grandma said that it gave her goosebumps," they wrote.
Read more hot takes in the link below.
Derby performance: Grace Potter sings national anthem Kentucky Derby 2025. How did she she do?
— Katie Wiseman
New Derby-themed Hallmark movie, 'Hats Off to Love,' on tonight
After the race, fans can stay in the Derby spirit with a new Hallmark movie premiering at 8 p.m. ET.
The movie stars Holly Robinson Peete as a socialite, and the actress said she took inspiration for her character from a socialite deep in Kentucky Derby culture.
Watch "Hats Off to Love" on the Hallmark Channel.
— Cheryl Jackson
Watch the trailer: Hallmark Channel movie inspired by Kentucky Derby and socialite debuts tonight
Flying Mohawk co-owner Jayson Werth gifted torpedo bat on Derby trip
Former Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth never got to swing a torpedo bat, but he told USA TODAY Sports Network he wanted one decades ago.
"It's about 20 years too late," he said.
Hillerich & Bradsby, the makers of the iconic Louisville Slugger bat, gifted Werth two bats — a torpedo bat and a model he used during his 15-year MLB career — following a tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory on May 2.
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Both bats were in the silk green of his Derby-contending horse, Flying Mohawk.
"To do a bat in our silk colors with our logo was really neat," he said. "And for it to be on my exact model bat, which was unique bat because of my wrist injury. But it had a knob. I never knew that was what Roberto Clemente used."
Roberto Clemente, the teammate to Werth's grandfather, John Richard "Ducky" Schofield, on the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ducky helped the Pirates win a World Series in 1960.
Werth said he saw the grandfather and uncle's name on the wall at the Museum.
Dick Schofield, his uncle, also had a lengthy MLB career (14 season) at shortstop. He won the 1993 World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
"It was really cool of the Louis—," Werth paused and laughed.
He was about to say the name, but stopped to correct himself over the debated pronunciation of the Derby City.
"Looeyville, Lou-uh-vul, I don't even know how to say it — other than Louisville Slugger."
—Stephanie Kuzydym
Louisville couple turns Derby Day into date night
Kevin and Stacey Northup turned the 151st Run for the Roses into a couple’s outing on May 3, sitting in a box in section 322 of the grandstands.
The two, local to Louisville in the Hurstbourne area, said they frequently visit the track during Derby Week – always sitting in the same spot for the races.
“We come a lot of years. Sometimes we’ll do a couple’s thing, which is what we’re doing today,” Kevin said. “Last year, she did a girl’s day on Oaks and I did a guy’s day on Derby. This is the box we use. Most years we’re out here and enjoying the festivities.”
Stacey said she and her husband continue to attend because of the energy at the track.
“It’s so fun and there’s nothing like it, really,” Stacey said. “It’s just a festive environment.”
The two said they are still determining their picks for the big race slated for 7:02 p.m.
“The nice thing is – they give you an hour and a half between the race before, and that’s when I’ll probably do most of my handicapping,” Kevin said. “Obviously, I’ve read about the favorites and Journalism, but I’ll dive into it during that hour and a half.”
They also emphasized the intense weather conditions, saying that while they have covered seats, the weather is putting a damper on the experience for many in the crowds.
“It’s a little rough,” he said. “Up here on the third floor, especially if you’re mostly covered, you're kind of lucky, so the hardest part for us is walking in from the car and walking out. It’s just sad because it really eats into a lot of that, and you know Churchill isn’t loving this weather.”
— Marina Johnson
Politicians make their Derby picks
Some of Kentucky’s political figures are weighing in on who they hope will win Kentucky Derby 151.
Kentucky Republican state Sen. Max Wise said in a post, on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he will be cheering for Chunk of Gold.
Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell is also rooting for Chunk of Gold and hosted his Pre-Kentucky Derby luncheon early this week at the U.S. Capitol, according to a press release.
Meanwhile, Scott Jennings, a political commentator on CNN, is hoping Render Judgment wins but is also rooting for Journalism and Sovereignty.
— Hannah Pinski
Lucky Number Seven
We’re less than three hours from post time at the Kentucky Derby and a trend is emerging, if you’re superstitious.
The No. 7 horse has won each of the past four races at Churchill Downs:
- Macho Man won in an upset in Race 6, the Pat Day Mile, landing $29.86 for a $2 bet to win.
- Think Big came in first in Race 7, scoring $6.84 on a $2 bet to win.
- Mindframe won Race 8, with bettors who put $2 down to win bringing back $9.08.
- And in Race 9, the American Turf, Zulu Kingdom came in first, bringing back $6.34 on a $2 bet.
Most of them were among the favorites, although Macho Man wasn’t necessarily expected to finish in the money. Could that trend continue?
In Race 10, the Derby City Distaff, No. 7 horse Vahva is among the favorites, with 4-1 odds as of this post. And in Race 11, the Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic, No. 7 horse Running Bee is currently looking at 5-1 odds.
And in Race 12, the Kentucky Derby, Luxor Café will be in the No. 7 gate. The Japanese Horse currently has 8-1 odds and is a trendy pick to take home the garland of roses.
—Lucas Aulbach
Rain and more rain on Oaks, Derby days
Aaron Grace said this is his first year attending the Kentucky Derby, and the event has lived up to his expectations so far.
Grace, who is from Arizona, also went to Oaks yesterday, where joked that he enjoyed the weather “a lot better” as a steady rain poured down in the paddock.
Kentucky Oaks 2025: Relive our favorite moments from Friday of Derby week
Dressed in a bright green suit with racing horses, Grace said his wife picked out his Derby attire. He said he’ll bet on Render Judgment, because it’s Toby Keith’s horse.
— Hannah Pinski
A belated birthday gift draws Salt Lake City couple to Louisville
Alex and Helen Montano are taking in Churchill Downs on Derby Day as a birthday gift from their children.
“Our kids bought us tickets for a birthday,” she said, saying hers was earlier this year on Jan. 24. The two traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah to enjoy the event – a first-time experience for the married couple.
The two said while they aren’t quite equipped for the weather, they are looking forward to enjoying the food and drinks, as well as the Derby atmosphere. Helen says she plans to bet on Journalism, while Alex is undecided.
— Marina Johnson
A view from Churchill Downs' backside on a wet Derby Day
David Sloan last wore his blue jacket from Value City that he “bedazzled” with roses, gems and a large horse head on the back in 2018.That year, Justify ran through the slop to win the first leg of an eventual Triple Crown year.But Sloan grew up on the corner of Henry and Camden, just outside of Churchill Downs. As a kid who grew up near the legendary backside, no amount of rain was going to keep him from watching the race from the rail far from the frontside.
Sloan and his family, who were invited to this year's race by a family friend, were going in and out of watching from their car, which was parked on the backside. Sloan said while he liked Sandman, Coal Battle seemed to like the slop.“But I think this jacket is cursed and brings the rain,” he said.Not far from the rail, tucked inside the office of a barn, David and Erin Kuntzweiler sat watching the races on TV with the heater on, drying out from the rain.
The Kuntzweilers had walked on the track with their daughter, trainer Greta Kuntzweiler, after she walked a horse to the paddock for the fourth race, but the muddy track made it difficult.
“I almost lost my shoe,” David said with a laugh, his Brooks sneakers caked with dirt.
—Stephanie Kuzydym
I-264 reopened after semi crash, but Derby traffic still heavy
Westbound lanes on Interstate 264 near Poplar Level Road are reopened after a semitruck accident caused an extended closure, Louisville Metro Police officials said on social media.
A jackknifed semi forced officials to close multiple lanes and backed up traffic in the area, which is just a few exits east of Churchill Downs.
LMPD officials said traffic is still heavy in the area.
— Killian Baarlaer
'Anything can happen in the Derby'
Kelly Will and Sarah Ahmad have been coming the Kentucky Derby for years.
While they love the fun fashion, with Will sporting a rose inspired top hat she won at the Hats for Hope Auction and a red cape and Ahmad wearing a custom made purple hat, the duo are most excited to support their friend who has a horse in the Derby race.
Diana Robbins is a part owner of the Bob Baffert trained Citizen Bull this year. And Robbins is no newbie to the sport, she also had an ownership stake in former Derby winners Justify and Authentic.
Robbins said Citizen Bull has a bit of a tough race ahead coming out of the number one post, but “anything can happen in the Derby.”
— Olivia Evans
Which Derby horse is Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg betting on?
As the Kentucky Derby crept closer this year, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg still did not have a Derby pick — or know who the frontrunner was — with the race less than two weeks out.
Asked at a press conference on April 22 which Derby horse he was betting on, Greenberg said: “I haven’t started paying attention to this year’s field — I’ve been focused on floods, getting ready for my budget address on Thursday, so I’ve got to admit, I’ve not yet paid too close of attention to the Derby field. I will be ready by next week.”
Following that, a Courier Journal reporter told Greenberg there was a horse named Journalism in the race.
“Is there? Is that a Derby horse? That sounds good, I’ll put two bucks on it for you,” he said.
By Derby week, it was clear the mayor had done his homework.
Enter a horse named Sandman.
“I loved watching the opening Derby draw. I know he didn’t get the greatest post position, but I’m still going with Sandman,” Greenberg said in a video from Derby’s opening night on April 26 that was later shared on Instagram.
However, speaking to The Courier Journal the same day, Greenberg also said: "I'm still doing a little bit of handicapping. Right now, I'm looking heavily at American Promise."
As Derby week progressed, any waffling that may have existed appeared to end with the mayor doubling down his support for the gray colt Sandman.
“I’m going with Sandman this year,” he said on WHAS-TV on Thursday.
And on the night of Oaks, Greenberg posted a photo on social media alongside TikTok star and Sandman minority owner Griffin Johnson with the caption: “We’ll be rooting for you tomorrow, Sandman!!”
—Josh Wood
A Derby birthday bash at Churchill Downs
Kaitlen Zeidler, who celebrated her 29th birthday on Thursday, traveled from the Illinois side of St. Louis to attend her first ever Kentucky Derby.
She put in a ton of research refining her look and checking out resale pieces, before settling on a striking pink and orange flower hat that could not have matched the pink and orange flowers on her dress more perfectly.
“I love this,” she said, of Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby experience. “It’s beautiful and it’s the best place to go to people watch. I have the passion for the bourbon and [my partner] has the passion for the bourbon. This is the perfect place for us.”
She was looking forward to two things. The first was seeing Derby favorite Sandman race, and the second was coming back to Churchill Downs with their daughters, who are 10, 9 and 2, once they turn 21.
—Maggie Menderski
Simone Biles walks the red carpet, speaks about giving the famed 'riders up' command
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles walked the red carpet with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, both in head-to-toe purple outfits and hats.
“We love being able to do events together because it’s not super common when we’re in the same room at the same time celebrating something so special,” Biles said.
Biles will be giving the "riders up" call ahead of the Derby race, but the seven-time gold medalist said she doesn’t need to practice the announcement. The command, which comes around 19 minutes before the start of the race, has been previously done by other celebrity honorees, including Jack Harlow, Martha Stewart and Patrick Mahomes.
“I’ll just go off the rip!” she laughed.
LMPD chief shares his pick for Kentucky Derby 2025 and safety tips
Louisville Metro Police Department Chief Paul Humphrey said the organization is cheering on Sandman for the 151st Kentucky Derby – and LMPD has ties to the horse’s trainer.
“Lt. Joel Casse is the son of trainer Mark Casse who is the trainer of Sandman, so that’s going to be the police pick for the week,” he said.
Humphrey said he’s enjoying the experience, even with the scattered rainfall, and said weather is keeping the crowds pretty mellow.
“It’s been a good day even though it’s been raining,” he said. “I’d rather it be sunshine and everybody looking great in their Derby outfits, but I think the rain is keeping the crowd down, keeping it calm.”
He also said safety efforts have run efficiently throughout the week outside of situations considered pretty standard to law enforcement around Derby.
“With the exception of the usual stuff — people getting lost and forgetting where they parked their cars — things have been running really smoothly,” he said. “Crowds have been cooperative, so if everybody just remembers to be patient, we’ll get where we need to go. Understand its going to take a little bit of time to get where you need to go, but we’ll get you there safely.”
Humphrey said he’s looking forward to experiencing Kentucky Derby as the chief, with no assignment to a specific post and the ability to chat with the crowds and check-in on his officers. He said he first started working at Derby years ago directing traffic before spending much of his time on the SWAT team.
From in-flight meet-cutes to the Derby in a matter of weeks
Former NFL defensive end Chase Winovich showed up on Churchill Downs' red carpet in a custom light blue striped suit with button detailing from Javelin in Williamsburg, New York City.
“We were going back and forth over some of the designs, and I said it’s the end of the game, we’ve got the Derby on the line," he said. "If you take the shot, you can’t miss.”
Winovich said coordinating his outfit with his date’s dress was a little last-minute, and for good reason. They only met a month ago, when she was his flight attendant.
“I love Delta, big fan,” Winovech said, looking over at his date. “I think it’s the best airline, they have the best flight attendants.”
— Kirby Adams & Keely Doll
'From the hats to the history,' Guy Fieri on the magic of Derby
American restaurateur and author Guy Fieri stopped on the red carpet to talk about his experience in the Winner's Circle when Animal Kingdom won the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
"It was one of the craziest things I've seen. One, we lost our minds ... we all take off and we run down and they're just getting ready to close to gate and we do not have the right credentials to be down there. But as we get to the gate, they're like 'chef' and I'm like 'yeah that's my buddy's horse,' and they're like, 'ok, go!'"
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Fieri said that's the magic of the Derby.
"I'm telling you, any chance you can get to come to the Derby and experience this, everything from the hats to the history, you've got to do it."
—Kirby Adams
Derby horses: Charismatic? Real quiet? Your 2025 vibe is the Kentucky Derby winner the year you were born
Kentucky Derby a 'once in a lifetime' spectacle
Tim Cooper stood smoking a cigar and enjoying a mixed drink the afternoon of the 151st Kentucky Derby. He said that while he’s not a whiskey and bourbon drinker, he’s opting for a mint julep for his next drink.
“I don’t like whiskey myself, but I’m probably going to have a mint julep after this,” he said. “You got to have one.”
The Minnesota resident, originally from Chicago, said he and his colleague, also a close friend, decided after a night of drinks to attend the Run for the Roses for the first time.
“We do crazy stuff all the time. We bet on random stuff so we were like ‘We should go to the Kentucky Derby,’” he said. “We got drunker that night and just bought tickets.”
Cooper said that although they’d just recently arrived, he was enjoying the atmosphere and crowds.
“It’s once in a lifetime,” he said. “The whole spectacle of the thing is great.”
Chris Tucker, Guy Fieri and more spotted on Kentucky Derby red carpet
The red carpet at Churchill Downs was heating up Saturday ahead of the 2025 Kentucky Derby, including celebrities such as Chris Tucker, Guy Fieri, Billy Gilman, Brantley Gilbert, Ciara O' Doherty, Dylan Dreyer and Miss America Abbie Stockard.
Also spotted were Lee Brice, Steve Wilson, Gail Simmons and Wilmer Valderrama, as well as special appearances from the Kentucky Derby Winner's Gold Cup and the NBA Finals Trophy.
Fashion emergency! Churchill Downs staff member rescues Derby dress
April Koenig, of Cincinnati, had a fashion emergency Saturday afternoon.
The hem of her dress came undone right as she arrived at the race track.
Gail OBannon with Churchill Downs guest services stepped in with a fresh roll of silver duct tape, and 15 minutes later, Koenig’s hem was back in place. OBannon also came through with a clear garbage bag to shield Koenig’s hat from the rain.“Our job is to make sure our guests have a comfortable experience, a good experience, no matter what the issue is, we're supposed to be prepared,” OBannon said.
Koenig and her husband, Stuart, attended the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, as well as the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. “It's kind of like when you're in high school and you get ready for the prom,” April Koenig said. “It's almost like the getting ready and the anticipation … It's just like all the things that lead up to the Derby.”It had been a number of years since their first Derby, but they were glad to be back and see everyone’s fashions.“The Derby, we always joke about it: There's so many clothes, so much work, and by the time you're done, it's like the most expensive weekend on planet Earth,” Stuart said.
—Matt Glowicki
Live cheese carving provides 'edible entertainment' at track
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Of an array of dishes available inside Club SI, a luxury dining area at Churchill Downs, such as hand-sliced prime rib roast, patrons gravitated to witness Sarah Kaufmann’s cheese carving in action. Also known as the “Cheese Lady,” the San Diego-based cheese artist returned for her third Kentucky Derby on Saturday to share her “edible entertainment” in the form of mild Wisconsin cheddar.
“I'm really proud to be here as one of the entertainment pieces for the Derby guests,” she told the Courier Journal. “It’s the most prestigious thing in the world.”
After sculpting a scene of woman wearing a hat adorned with lilies on Friday for the Kentucky Oaks, Kaufmann planned to spend several hours finalizing a Derby-themed cheese creation, including a horse and jockey.
“People will come back multiple times to watch my progress and talk to me and taste the cheese,” she said. “They come back and visit and get a picture. It’s wonderful."
— Amanda Hancock
'Looking forward to the food.' Tiktok chef shares what's on his plate at Churchill Downs
While filling up his first plate, of several more “rounds” planned, inside Club SI at Churchill Downs, the TikTok-famous chef Joshua Weissman said Saturday marked two personal firsts.
This marked Weissman’s first time to the Kentucky Derby and first visit to the state. He brought along his mom, dad, and wife for the trip to Louisville.
“Just the historic level of the Derby, it already feels like such an honor,” he told the Courier Journal. “I think that there's a whole culture here that I'm just excited to be involved with.”
The content creator with 7 million followers on TikTok and 10 million subscribers on YouTube, teamed up with Churchill Downs to create the 2025 "Kentucky Derby At-Home" menu and two specialty items served up on Saturday, including Kentucky Bourbon Hot Honey Pork Belly and a Kentucky twist on Challah French Toast.
“The number one thing I’m looking forward to is the food for today,” Weissman said, balancing a plate full of potatoes, rib roast and bourbon French toast. “That being said, of course, the race, but honestly, the most fun part is being around a bunch of people having a great time.”
When cooking up menu ideas, Weissman joked his main inspiration was “bourbon.”
“Sometimes it's hard to explain a feeling in food, but I do think there's a certain energy in the type of food that should be served at the Derby,” he said. “I just tried my best to bring that same energy while also bringing my style.”
Weissman, who also traveled with a videographer, said he’s excited to share some of his experience at Churchill Downs with his online followers.
“This is one of those events where it's like, if you don't know what it is and you haven't seen it, you need to,” he said. “I think it will be kind of a pivotal moment for them when they see it.”
It was shaping up to be a big moment for him, too.
“I didn't realize how massive this is,” he said. “I'm having a good time. I'm going to come back.”
— Amanda Hancock
Kentucky Derby at Home: Popular TikTok chef teams up with Churchill Downs for 2025 menu
Traffic report: Semi accident causes lane closures ahead of Kentucky Derby
The two right-hand lanes on westbound Interstate 264 near Poplar Level Road are blocked following a jackknifed semi truck, Louisville Metro Police officials said.
The accident involved a semi and another car, but no injuries have been reported, LMPD said in a social media post.
The scene is expected to be cleared in roughly an hour, according to TRIMARC. It could cause delays for fans en route to Churchill Downs, which is just a few exits west of the accident.
— Killian Baarlear
Love for Chicago Cubs on display with Derby outfit
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Craig Blumenthal calls himself a “diehard Chicago Cubs fan since forever,” and he wanted to show that at this year’s Kentucky Derby.It’s Blumenthal’s first Derby, and he said he was most excited to bet and try the drinks at Churchill Downs.
So far, he has tried a mint julep and Woodford Spire.
He also said he knows that he wants to bet on Sandman and Toby Keith’s horse, Render Judgment, because Blumenthal loves country music.Blumenthal, who is from California, added that he’s explored other parts of Kentucky while visiting for Derby.“We've been going on tours, taking in the beauty of Kentucky. It's pretty amazing,” Blumenthal said.
—Hannah Pinski
Garland of Roses inspires Derby outfits
Heather Vernisie and Paul Oliva have come to the Kentucky Derby together for the past seven years.
The duo, dressed in outfits inspired by the Garland of Roses given to the winning horse, said they just love the annual racing event.
As much as Olivia enjoys the racing element, he loves the fashion, too. This year, Oliva spent a handful of days hand-sewing his own blanket of roses to wear along with pants that mimicked grass.
“I do a different outfit every year,” Oliva said. “So this is what I came up with this year, and I’m pretty proud of it.”
— Olivia Evans
'We're not going to let the rain keep us down.' Beshear arrives on red carpet
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, his wife Britainy and their two children walked the red carpet on Saturday at the 2025 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
"It's so exciting to be able to do this as a full family. This is now our third year we've gotten to come here all together. They were a lot shorter when we started," he said of his children, Lila and Will.
"This is what the Derby is about. It's about creating amazing memories as a family and with friends, so excited to be here. We're not going to let the rain keep us down. We're going to have a great Derby welcoming millions upon millions of people from around the world watching and a couple of hundred thousand of our closest friends right here with us today."
Beshear also showed off his "Kentucky surprise," where the lining of his custom Derby jacket included little blue images of the state of Kentucky.
"I've got a tailor named Tyler Brown, who is actually an officer in the National Guard who put this together. So, service in a lot of ways."
— Kirby Adams
'Another day at the office' at Churchill Downs
Brian Hernandez Jr., the Derby and Oaks winning jockey from Derby 150, grabbed a hose and sprayed down his jockey boots that were caked with mud, before walking to the jockey room to change into another set of silks that were both clean and dry.
Hernandez's white smile gleamed through his face, covered in the brown mud of Churchill Downs' sloppy track.
"It’s another day at the office," Hernadez said with a laugh.
As spectators pulled on their ponchos and left their umbrellas at the gate (they aren't allowed inside the famed TwinSpires), fellow jockey Gabe Saez held a black hose in the paddock tunnel and sprayed down his boots, too.
Riding in a muddy race comes with a job of being a jockey, but what's it really like to ride in it?
"It's like if you go out in the yard and someone throws stuff at you," Hernandez said, "except you've got piles of mud coming at you at 40 miles an hour."
By now, Hernandez said he's used to it. He has, after all, rode in more than 7,000 dirt races.
But he's developed a secret across all those mounts, besides wearing multiple pairs of goggles.
During his first ride of Derby Day, in the second race aboard Dallas Stewart-trained Tapit Quick, Hernandez wore four pairs to protect his eyes from the dirt.
"But we use this plastic," he said, pointing to his jockey cap and the goggles layered on top of each other..
The plastic was the kind of plastic wrap a host would use to cover a dish on a holiday.
"For some reason, the mud doesn't stick to the plastic," he said with a shrug. "It just falls right off."
— Stephanie Kuzydzym
Trump hails Derby as 'elegant celebration of our culture' in statement
In a statement sent out by the White House on Saturday morning, President Donald Trump praised the Kentucky Derby as “an iconic American institution and an elegant celebration of our culture, customs, and unwavering competitive spirit.”
The president, who last attended the Derby in 2022, pointed to the distant past in his statement, saying “the promise of Manifest Destiny was beating in the hearts of the 10,000 spectators” gathered at Churchill Downs for the first Run for the Roses in 1875.
“Now, as our Nation gathers for that same Derby 150 years later — and 1 year before we celebrate 250 years of independence — we recognize that we are in the early days of a new Golden Age,” he said.
Trump’s statement gave no indication as to whether he would be attending this year’s race.
[IMG alt="President Donald Trump reacts to the crowd before the beginning of the 148 Kentucky Derby.
May 07, 2022"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/cincinnati-com-the-enquirer/e7b222c3d2aac13184e3659cb2fdb2da[/IMG]
Trump attended Derby 148 in 2022 as part of a fundraiser hosted by a Trump-aligned super PAC.
In February, Trump attended the Super Bowl in New Orleans, but left at halftime.
Read the full statement below.
— Josh Wood
Group tells politician: 'Hands Off Medicaid!' during 2025 Kentucky Derby
Protect Our Care has a message they want Republican U.S House Republican Rep. Brett Guthrie to hear on Derby Day: Don’t touch Medicaid.
According to a press release, the organization is flying a plane between 2 to 6 p.m., with a banner reading: “Tell Brett Guthrie: Hands Off Medicaid!”
The banner is supposed to encourage Guthrie, who is chair of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, to reject potential cuts to the program.
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce will potentially hold its markup on a mega bill that could change the Medicaid program next week, including a proposal that could cap federal Medicaid payments to states.
Can your favorite horse handle mud?
Horse trainer Larry Demeritte waited for Grace on Grace following the second race of Derby Day, standing on the edge of the sloppy track following the heavy morning rain.
Demeritte spent the morning, though, training his horses in the rain some avoided.
"Some trainers walk their horses on rainy days," he said. "I don't. I'm old school."
His thinking is this: what if it's muddy come race time, like it will be throughout this first Saturday in May, with rain in the forecast all day.
"What do you do if you don't know if your horse can handle the mud?" Demeritte said. "That's why we train in it."
— Stephanie Kuzydym
Kentucky Derby odds: What are current odds ? Who is favorite to win? Live odds, field, jockeys
'Queen for a Day' at Churchill Downs
Even with the damp skies Melanie and James Dycus, of San Antonio, were excited for their first Kentucky Derby.
Coming to the Run for the Roses had always been a bucket list item for Melanie, who grew up around horses. They’d been fortunate to get tickets this year through a connection James had from his two decades of service in the U.S Army.
As they stood indoors, near the 300 section, just after the first race, they tried to recall the name of a horse James had his eye on for the Old Forester Turf Classic.
“Was it Queen for a Day?” she asked genuinely.
“No, that’s you baby,” he said wryly, before scrolling through his phone to find its name — Gold Phoenix.
— Maggie Menderski
Families enjoying Derby atmosphere despite rainy weather
Shoppers streamed out of pop-up shops with rain ponchos, long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts as temperatures dropped in Louisville following a heavy downpour just as the gates opened for Derby Day.
One Churchill Downs groundskeeper used a push broom to spread puddles of water.
But a whole lot of liquid sunshine was not about to dampen the spirits of one Connecticut family.
"This is a bucket list item for me," Francis Luperella, who retired a year ago from TV broadcast.
The family began planning the trip more than a year ago. They enjoyed Oaks yesterday from the First Turn Club.
"Rain or shine, we were going to come," Aubrey Sepko said.
Sepko and her husband John, sister Taylor Kintop and her husband Bryan Cardinelli as well as Luperella's wife Donna Kintop were all tucked into ponchos but full of smiles. They said they were enjoying their time in Louisville, calling the employees and the locals "kind."
"It's exceeded our wildest dreams," Luperella said. "And we haven't even seen the Derby run yet."
The entire family is already planning to be back next year.
— Stephanie Kuzydym
Kroger delivers the Garland of Roses to Churchill Downs
Dozens gathered outside the main gates of Churchill Downs to watch the parade of roses be carried into the track as a steady drizzle fell. The Garland of Roses, which will be donned by the winner of the Kentucky Derby, was unloaded from a Kroger ice box truck and paraded through the Woodford Reserve Paddock Plaza. Race fans watched and cheered as members of the military carried the bright red roses into the track. Along with the garland, dozens of bouquets of Kroger roses were carried into the track, as well.
Will it be a rainy Saturday in Louisville?
Yes. There'll be rain. Early arrivers are already sporting their ponchos. Churchill Downs doesn't allow umbrellas.
But the good news (so far, at least) is that meteorologists expect it to be early. As of Saturday morning, National Weather Service in Louisville predicts a 100% chance of precipitation Saturday for the Kentucky Derby, with showers most likely to be prevalent before 5 p.m.
There's still a chance of showers and a thunderstorm after 5 p.m. Expect conditions to remain mostly cloudy, with a high near 63 and a North wind 3 to 6 mph.
— Chris Sims
Celebrities walk the red carpet at Kentucky Derby eve galas
On Friday night, celebrities gathered for the Unbridled Eve Gala, which benefits 15 charities. Yung Gravy, Richie Sambora and others walked the red carpet at the event.
“It’s Derby Eve,” TikToker Colin McFarland said at the event. “Where else would you want to be?”
The other place to be last night was the Barnstable Brown Derby Eve Gala, which hosted Simone Biles, MGK, Tracy Morgan and more.
"Topping previous year's lists is never easy. In the past we've hosted Janet Jackson, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, but take a look at who is coming this year," Barnstable-Brown, who co-hosts the party with her son, Chris Barnstable-Brown, at her private mansion in Louisville, told the Courier Journal. "I am so thrilled."
— Matthew Glowicki & Kirby Adams
Kentucky Derby 2025 odds: Follow live today
We're tracking the odds ahead of this year's Run for the Roses. Follow along here.
When is the Kentucky Derby post time?
The official Kentucky Derby post time is 7:02 p.m., Saturday, May 3. The 151st Run for the Roses will be race No. 12 of the 14-race slate.
How to watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast or streamed on numerous platforms, including FanDuel TV, NBC, NBC Sports app (Apple Store/Google Play), NBCSports.com, Peacock and USA TV Network.
What is the 2025 Kentucky Derby TV schedule?
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on FanDuel TV from 10:30-noon, on USA and Peacock from noon to 2:20 p.m. and on NBC and Peacock from 2:30-7:30 p.m.
What are the Kentucky Derby horse names?
Click on a horse's name to learn more:
1. Citizen Bull, Bob Baffert, Martin Garcia, 20-1
2. Neoequos, Saffie Joseph Jr., Flavien Prat, 30-1
3. Final Gambit, Brad Cox, Luan Machado, 30-1
5. American Promise, D. Wayne Lukas, Nik Juarez, 30-1
6. Admire Daytona, Yukihiro Kato, Christophe Lemaire, 30-1
7. Luxor Café, Noriyuki Hori, Joao Moreira, 15-1
8. Journalism, Michael McCarthy, Umberto Rispoli, 3-1
9. Burnham Square, Ian Wilkes, Brian Hernandez Jr., 12-1
10. Grande, Todd Pletcher, John Velazquez, 20-1
11. Flying Mohawk, Whit Beckman, Joe Ramos, 30-1
12. East Avenue, Brendan Walsh, Manny Franco, 20-1
13. Publisher, Steve Asmussen, Irad Ortiz Jr., 20-1
14. Tiztastic, Steve Asmussen, Joel Rosario, 20-1
15. Render Judgment, Kenny McPeek, Julien Leparoux, 30-1
16. Coal Battle, Lonnie Briley, Juan Vargas, 30-1
17. Sandman, Mark Casse, Jose Ortiz, 6-1
18. Sovereignty, Bill Mott, Junior Alvarado, 5-1
19. Chunk of Gold, Ethan West, Jareth Loveberry, 30-1
20. Owen Almighty, Brian Lynch, Javier Castellano, 30-1
21. Baeza, John Shirreffs, Flavien Prat, 12-1
Kentucky Derby horses: Rodriguez scratched from Kentucky Derby 2025: Baeza to run for roses at Churchill Downs
What to know about the 2025 Kentucky Derby
- Which horses will run in the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Contenders, favorites and post positions
- Best post position for Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs? See where winners have come from
- Your Kentucky Derby pick is likely wrong. Why each horse can, can't win Run for the Roses
- Churchill Downs closes its sportsbook. Can you still place a bet on the Kentucky Derby?
- Kentucky Derby 2025 betting guide: Everything to know about placing an online bet
- Kentucky Derby 2025 betting tips: How to read a racing form
- Grace Potter to perform national anthem at the 2025 Kentucky Derby. Here's what to know
- Simone Biles, Livvy Dunne will command 'Riders Up' for 2025 Kentucky Derby, Oaks
- Fascinators to blazers: The ultimate guide to Kentucky Derby outfits for 2025
- Here's what you can eat and drink at Churchill Downs during 2025 Kentucky Derby Week
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky Derby 2025 live updates: Sovereignty wins 151st race
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