The Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby features a series of prep races offering qualifying points for “The Run for the Roses”, which will take place in just a few months, on Saturday, May 3. The top five finishers in each race earn points, and the 20 horses with the most points will secure a starting spot in the Kentucky Derby. See below for answers to all of your questions about the “fastest two minutes in sports” — including key dates, qualification details, standings, and how you can keep up with all the horse racing action on Peacock.
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When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
The 151st annual Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, at historic Churchill Downs.
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How many horses can qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
Only 20 horses earn a spot in the starting gate.
What makes a horse eligible for the Kentucky Derby?
The Road to the Kentucky Derby features three paths: the American Road, the Japan Road, and the European/Middle East Road. Prep races for the Derby begin in September and run through mid-April.
Horses that finish in the top five earn points. The horses with the most total points on the American road earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby, and invites will be extended to the top point earners on both the Japan and European/Middle East roads.
2025 Kentucky Derby Leaderboard Standings:
As the excitement for the “Run for the Roses” rises, so does the competition. Click here to see the current 2025 Kentucky Derby standings.
2025 Kentucky Derby Prep Races Full Schedule:
Click here to find the full schedule of races on the road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby. You can catch the following events on Peacock:
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2025 1/ST Racing Tour – Saturday, March 1 at 5 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
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2025 Louisiana Derby and Jeff Ruby Steaks – Saturday, March 22 at 6 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
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2025 Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby – Saturday, March 29 at 6 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
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2025 Santa Anita Derby – Saturday, April 5 at 7 PM ET on CNBC and Peacock
How to watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby:
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When: Saturday, May 3
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Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY
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Time: Live coverage begins at 12 PM ET
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TV: USA Network, NBC
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Live Stream: Peacock
Who won last year’s Kentucky Derby?
Mystik Dan was crowned the winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby, in a thrilling three-horse photo finish at Churchill Downs.
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