Where to watch the Kentucky Derby 2025: schedule, participants, prize fund

Put on your best outfits and stylish Southern-inspired attire, because it’s time for the annual Kentucky Derby. The event, held in Louisville, Kentucky, at Churchill Downs racetrack, is America’s premier first-class stakes race. The real thrill is that the race lasts only two minutes, a stark contrast to other sporting events that can take hours or even weeks. Known as the most exciting two minutes in sports — and the most stressful for those placing bets — the Kentucky Derby will be available to watch on one channel. So on which channel can viewers watch the race?

Below are all the details on how to watch the Kentucky Derby live.

The race traditionally starts at 6:57 pm Eastern Time.

NBC will broadcast the Kentucky Derby live on their channel. Cable TV users can watch the event and daily coverage on NBC.

Yes, even if you don’t have cable TV, you can watch the Derby live on Peacock. Subscriptions start at $ 7.99 per month.

NBC and Peacock have already covered many sporting events, including the Olympic Games.

Below is a list of participants for this year:

1. Citizen Bull
2. Neoequos
3. Final Gambit
5. American Promise
6. Admire Daytona
7. Luxor Café
8. Journalism
9. Burnham Square
11. Flying Mohawk
12. East Avenue
13. Publisher
14. Tiztastic
15. Render Judgment
16. Coal Battle
17. Sandman
18. Sovereignty
19. Chunk of Gold
20. Owen Almighty
21. Baeza

According to many sources, Journalism has the best odds of winning this year’s Kentucky Derby.

The prize pool for the 2025 Kentucky Derby is $ 5 million, according to the race’s official website, with the winner expected to receive $ 3.1 million. Those who place second and fifth are also expected to receive a significant prize, but the exact amounts are unknown