The Kentucky Derby, known as ‘The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports’, is not just a horse race – it’s a celebration of heritage, pageantry and athletic excellence. Held at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, this American classic is the longest continuously held sporting event in the country.
In 2025, the 151st edition of the Derby will take place on 3rd May, with an all-time-high purse of $5m. The race itself invites up to 20 of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds within racing to be the quickest over 10 furlongs and claim the huge prize on offer.
Not only is it the most attended horse race in the world, but many believe that it is also the best across the globe. In 2024, over 156,000 people attended the event.
For Irish horse racing fans, the Kentucky Derby offers a thrilling insight into the pinnacle of US flat racing, and this year’s lineup of contenders is one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Irish punters appreciate the value in US markets, particularly when backing longshots or exotics (Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta). Irish-trained horses occasionally attempt to qualify through the European Road to the Derby, and although none made the 2025 field, the interest in the main event remains strong.
Before we look at the 2025 entries, let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how the race began and how it has developed over time.
History of the Kentucky Derby
Founded in 1875 by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the Kentucky Derby was in fact inspired by England’s Epsom Derby. Held in Louisville, Kentucky, the racetrack is named after the Churchill family, who provided the land to Clark.
As the event quickly grew in popularity, the Derby soon became a staple of American sporting culture. Over time, it has developed into a global event, drawing interest and participation from top horses and stables around the world.
The Kentucky Derby’s prize pot has always been significant, which is why the best trainers send their horses to compete within the race. It was back in 1996 that the race first offered $1m in prize money, but this had doubled by 2005. In 2019, the purse had increased to $3m, and in 2025, it is at $5m.
With such a big prize pot attached to the race, it’s no surprise that some of the greatest names in horse racing history – Secretariat, Citation and American Pharoah among them – have etched their legacies at Churchill Downs.
For many racing fans and professionals in the sport, the Derby is the dream destination, often described as the race that defines a generation of thoroughbreds.
How horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby
Qualification for the Derby is not based on earnings or trainer reputation alone. Instead, it’s earned through a points system called the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’. This system includes 37 races across North America, Europe and Japan, with points awarded to the top four finishers in each race.
The competition intensifies in the spring with higher-stakes races such as the Florida Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, Santa Anita Derby and Arkansas Derby.
Only the top 20 point earners are guaranteed entry into the Derby. Four alternate horses (21st to 24th on the list) are also named, just in case any of the top 20 withdraws.
For Irish fans familiar with the European qualification model for races such as the Epsom Derby, this American system adds a strategic layer to the preparation and selection of horses.
Runners to watch in 2025
Below, we take a look at some of the most eye-catching contenders for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, starting with the clear market favourite who has been the talk of the town.
Journalism: 7/2 favourite
Trained by Bill Mott, Journalism has made a steady rise through the ranks with a reputation for tactical speed and adaptability. His breakout moment came with a powerful performance in the Gotham Stakes, where he displayed poise under pressure as well as sharp acceleration in the final furlong to burst through and lead.
A colt with an intelligent racing style, Journalism is especially dangerous if the early pace unfolds to his liking. This is the horse to keep an eye on – and the one expected to come out on top.
Trainer profile: A Hall of Fame conditioner, Bill Mott is best known for training Cigar and Country House (promoted to Derby winner in 2019). Renowned for his patience and precision, Mott excels in getting his horses to peak at exactly the right time.
Sovereignty: 7/1 main contender
Sovereignty is a dynamic, late-developing colt who has impressed with his maturity and strong finishes in deep fields. Trained by Kenneth McPeek, he gained attention after a gritty performance in the Blue Grass Stakes where he showed determination despite traffic issues. With stamina in abundance and the ability to sustain a drive, he looks like a real contender if the race turns into a war of attrition.
Trainer profile: Kenneth McPeek is a respected figure in American racing, known for taking unconventional routes with his horses. His past runners include Derby runner-up Commanding Curve and Preakness Stakes winner Swiss Skydiver.
Luxor Café: 10/1 market challenger
Luxor Café is trained by Michael McCarthy and brings a balance of speed and staying power to the Derby lineup. A visually impressive winner in allowance company earlier this season, he stepped up in class nicely with a game effort in the Santa Anita Derby. He’s still a bit of a wildcard, but his acceleration and smooth stride suggest that there’s more to come.
Trainer profile: Michael McCarthy, a former assistant to Todd Pletcher, broke out on his own with horses such as City of Light and Rombauer (2021 Preakness Stakes winner). He’s known for getting horses to peak when it counts.
Burnham Square: 14/1 podium possibilities
Trained by Ian Wilkes, Burnham Square has been a standout on the prep race circuit. After a strong juvenile campaign, he surged in the 2025 season with wins in both the Holy Bull Stakes and the Blue Grass Stakes. His front-running style and gritty determination make him a real threat, especially with a clean break from the gate.
Trainer profile: Ian Wilkes is a seasoned horseman from Australia known for his methodical approach and sharp instincts. Having worked under Carl Nafzger (trainer of Derby winner Street Sense), Wilkes is no stranger to Derby glory.
Tappan Street: 12/1 challenger
A newer name on the scene, Tappan Street turned heads when winning the Florida Derby with a commanding stretch run. Trained by Brad Cox, this Into Mischief colt has raw talent and has shown that he can handle both fast and muddy tracks – a key trait given Kentucky’s unpredictable spring weather.
Trainer profile: Brad Cox, a Louisville native, has had a meteoric rise in US racing. He trained 2021 Derby winner Mandaloun and is known for having his horses stripped and ready for the big occasions.
Tiztastic: 20/1 each-way shout
This colt has flown under the radar but made a splash with a thrilling late rally in the Louisiana Derby. A closer with stamina to spare, Tiztastic will be hoping for a hot pace to set up his closing kick. His racing style is ideal for bettors seeking a longshot who can light up the tote board. Tiztastic will benefit from a crowded, speed-heavy field.
Trainer profile: Steve Asmussen is one of the most prolific trainers in the US, known for conditioning champions such as Curlin and Gun Runner. Although a Derby win has eluded him, Asmussen’s horses are always well-prepared and can often be dangerous.
Rodriguez: 20/1 outsider
Rodriguez, conditioned by Todd Pletcher, is a late-blooming contender with a big engine and relentless drive. After a relatively quiet juvenile season, he made headlines with a strong finish in the Arkansas Derby, closing from deep in the field to grab a place. He thrives on stamina and appears well-suited to the Derby’s classic 1¼-mile distance.
Trainer profile: Todd Pletcher is one of America’s most successful trainers, with two Kentucky Derby victories and a deep stable. Known for his ability to prepare horses for big races, Pletcher’s influence looms large once again in 2025.
Citizen Bull: 25/1 hopeful
The powerhouse colt Citizen Bull hails from the barn of legendary trainer Bob Baffert. Despite Baffert’s recent restrictions with Churchill Downs, the horse remains a top contender. Wins in the American Pharoah Stakes and a strong run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile cemented his reputation.
Sired by Into Mischief, his pedigree suggests both speed and stamina – a dangerous combination at 1¼ miles. Watch him stalk the pace and look to unleash a late charge if finding a clear gap.
The role of trainers and jockeys
The Kentucky Derby is not won by horses alone – it’s the culmination of months of careful planning by top-tier trainers and the split-second decisions made by elite jockeys.
The 20-horse field is far larger than most races these horses will have faced, which makes positioning, patience and decision-making critical. Riders with Derby experience – such as Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat and John Velazquez – can make the difference between a good trip and a boxed-in disaster.
Keep up to date with Tonybet
The 2025 Kentucky Derby looks set to be a vintage renewal – both deep in quality and rich in storyline. With horses such as Journalism, Fierceness and Burnham Square topping the charts, and potential surprises from closers such as Tiztastic, fans are in for a captivating race.
For Irish fans, whether you’re watching for the thrill, analysing pedigrees or placing a bet, the Derby offers a unique blend of sport and spectacle. Use Tonybet to find the best odds, place your bets and enjoy the action unfold. There’s simply no better way to enjoy one of the greatest days in global racing.
Our betting strategy tips:
- Watch post draw: Horses breaking from post 1 or 2 are historically disadvantaged unless they have early speed.
- Weather check: Rain turns the dirt track sloppy – favour horses with wet-track pedigree.
- Look at the pace scenario: Too many front runners can set up for closers such as Tiztastic.
