The first Saturday in May means it’s time to pour a mint julep and pull your biggest hat out of the closet. The Kentucky Derby is back at Churchill Downs.
Last year’s run for the roses saw a three-way photo finish in one of the most dramatic ends to the race in years. It was the first nose margin victory since 1996 – and it leaves big horseshoes for this year’s race to fill.
With its May 3 post time, it’s an event that’s often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” And while it’s a thrilling race, it’s one that’s so short it can be easy to miss.
Not sure if you’ll be near your couch when the bell rings? Here are some alternate ways to watch – and dates and times to know.
When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3. Traditionally, it’s held on the first Saturday in May each year.
When is post time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Like the Super Bowl, there’s an extensive pre-game for the Derby. If you’d prefer to skip all of that, post time is estimated to take place at 6:57 p.m. ET. Remember: It’s a short race, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve got your mint julep and you’re settled in a few minutes before that.
Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby?
NBC will once again carry the Derby. Coverage will begin on USA Network and Peacock from 12:00 p.m. ET and run through 2:30 p.m. ET. NBC (and Peacock) will pick up the baton then, carrying the race and all pre-race activities from 2:30 p.m. ET through 7:30 p.m. ET.
Can I watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby online?
You can. NBC will offer a live stream on NBCSports.com.
You could also try one of the following services:
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service carries a $8 or $14 monthly charge—and the service has recently done away with its free trial. (An annual plan starts at $80.)
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $27 per month for no ads on Hulu and Disney+).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $83 per month ($96 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $83 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $61 per month. The seven-day free trial is no longer offered.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
Soon to be part of the Disney family, this cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $85 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Which horse is favored to win this year’s Kentucky Derby?
The favored winner this year is Journalism (really!), which has 3-1 odds. Sovereignty is next with 5-1 and Sandman enters the race at 6-1 odds.
When are the other two races in the Triple Crown?
After the Derby is over, The Preakness Stakes is up next. It takes place on May 17 at 2:00 p.m. ET at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The final leg of the Triple Crown – The Belmont Stakes – will be run on June 8 at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
