2025 Kentucky Derby Offers Record $5 Million Purse

The 151st Kentucky Derby is scheduled for May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs, with post time set for 6:57 p.m. ET and rainy weather expected. Journalism is the 3-1 morning-line favorite, followed by Sovereignty and Sandman among the top contenders, while recent years' upsets keep the field unpredictable. Prominent trainers, including Bob Baffert, are participating, and Olympic gymnast Simone Biles will give the traditional 'Riders Up!' call before the race. The Derby marks the first leg of the Triple Crown and offers a record $5 million purse, significantly boosting the stakes for competitors. Bettors can access substantial promotions from TwinSpires and FanDuel as horse racing apps experience high traffic. Fans are expected to attend in large numbers, maintaining the Derby’s longstanding tradition of fashion and spectacle.