Countdown begins for Kentucky Derby 151: What to know before race day

Here’s everything to know whether you’ll be in the grandstands, watching from Keeneland, at a party, or at home to enjoy the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”

When is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May. The 151st “Run for the Roses” will occur on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

“This year marks the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than just a horse race, it’s a tradition steeped in history and held in the heart of America. It’s a way of life, representing the hopes and dreams of millions across the globe,” Churchill Downs wrote.

Gates open at 9 a.m. on May 3. 14 races are set to run at Churchill Downs on Derby Day, with the first call to post at 11 a.m. The Kentucky Derby is the twelfth race, with a 6:57 p.m. post time.

Where is the Kentucky Derby?

Louisville has been home to the Kentucky Derby since 1875, when Oliver Lewis rode Aristides in a field of 15 horses in front of a crowd of 10,000 spectators. According to Churchill Downs, back then, the track was known as the Louisville Jockey Club and was dubbed Churchill Downs in 1883.

The racetrack is located at 700 Central Avenue, and parking is limited. Click here for more travel information.

Kentucky Derby tickets

Tickets for the 2025 Kentucky Derby went on sale in October.

The 151st Kentucky Derby will showcase the new Starting Gate Courtyard, seating options, and a redesigned paddock at Churchill Downs.

Churchill Downs offers single-day tickets, two-day packages, and experience packages. Click here for ticketing information.

Kentucky Derby horses

For a horse to run in the Kentucky Derby, it must qualify by competing in the Road to the Kentucky Derby races. According to Derby officials, points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race, and the 20 horses with the most points earn their spot in the starting gate to “Run for the Roses.”

Burhnam Square’s last-to-first win in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland secured a top spot on the leaderboard with 130 points.

According to Derby officials, the leaderboard is still finalizing as the road to the Kentucky Derby comes to a close. But these are the top five contenders to watch as we inch closer to Derby Day:

• Burnham Square: 130 points, ridden by Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr., trained by Ian R. Wilkes
• Sandman: 129 points, ridden by Jose L. Ortiz, trained by Mark E. Casse
• Journalism: 122.5 points, ridden by Umberto Rispoli, trained by Michael W. McCarthy
• Rodriguez: 121.25 points, ridden by Mike E. Smith, trained by Bob Baffert
• Tiztastic: 119 points, ridden by Joel Rosario, trained by Steven M. Asmussen

The last opportunity to earn qualifying points is on April 12 at Keeneland in Lexington (GIII).

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.