LOUISVILLE, Ky. — We are just days away from the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, and this year's event is setting up to be the biggest one yet.
Officials are expecting well over 100,000 people to attend the milestone race. Churchill Downs unveiled its new $200 million paddock this week, which boasts 12,000 square feet and new luxury areas for spectators.
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Derby 150 will also include the largest purse ever awarded to the winner.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's Kentucky Derby.
When is the race?
The 150th Run for the Roses is Saturday, May 4. Call to post is typically 6:45 p.m. EST. The race is scheduled to begin at 6:57 p.m.
Where is the race?
The race is held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Can I still get tickets?
Tickets through Churchill Downs are sold out. However you can find tickets on various re-selling sites.
But be prepared to pay a premium. The cheapest general admission ticket available on StubHub as of Friday, April 26, is $111.
Who is the favorite?
The betting favorite is Fierceness. The 3-year-old colt won the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita Park and was named champion juvenile of 2023.
This year he won the Grade I Florida Derby by a record 13.5 lengths.
He is the current favorite to win the Derby at 6-1, followed by Catching Freedom and Forever Young.
Fierceness drew post number 17 with 5-2 odds. The Todd Pletcher-trained horse will have to overcome that position if he wants to make a great showing in the Derby.
You can see up-to-the-minute odds here.
How can I bet on the race?
Churchill Downs offers various locations at the track to place your bets.
Watching from home? There are several approved sportsbook apps in Kentucky, including:
- Bet365
- BetMGM
- FanDuel
- DraftKings
- Casesars Sportsbook
- Fanatics
- ESPN Bet
How much money does the winner receive?
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will feature the richest purse in race history.
Churchill Downs announced in January this year's purse will be a record $5 million. The winner will receive $3.1 million.
The purse is a $2 million increase from 2023.
Are there any new safety protocols at Churchill Downs?
In addition to updating equine safety procedures, Churchill Downs also enhanced their safety and security policies for guests.
There will be a total of 33 paramedics and EMTs, 11 nurses and four doctors onsite, as well as five first aid stations around Churchill Downs. They will be at the Executive Gate, the First Floor Clubhouse, the Jockey Club Suites, the Finish Line Suites and the Infield.
A minimum of 14 ambulances will be on standby with more in the immediate area if necessary.
More than 30 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies will be on site as well.
When is the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Next year's race will be Saturday, May 3. You can find ticket information here.
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