Contestants vying for the Triple Crown in horse racing trace their victories back to the Kentucky Derby, a tradition dating back to the event's inauguration.
Loose Cannon's How-Down on the Derby:
Christine Moore, the brains behind Cam Hats, graces the set of 'Fox & Friends' this fine morning, showcasing her quirky spin on Kentucky Derby headgear. The grand event kicks off in a few hours, and Churchhill Downs is already bustling with excitement.
Saturday marks the 151st running of the infamous horse race. Before the equine juggernauts make their final sprint through the iconic Churchill Downs track, there's a day packed with thrilling activities.
The competition to secure one of the coveted 20 starting spots isn't a walk in the park. Horses battle it out in races across the nation and beyond, obtaining sufficient points to qualify for the Derby.
This year, Journalism leads the pack as the odds-on favorite, after Justify managed to clinch the title in 2018, going on to snag the Triple Crown that year. Last year's "Run for the Roses" saw Mystik Dan edge out Sierra Leone and Forever Young in a nail-biting finish that left spectators breathless.
Here's a glance at the winners of the Kentucky Derby over the last few decades:
- 2024: Mystik Dan
- 2023: Mage
- 2022: Rich Strike
- 2021: Mandaloun
- 2020: Authentic
- 2019: Country House
- 2018: Justify
- 2017: Nyquist
- 2016: Nyquist
- 2015: American Pharoah
- 2014: California Chrome
- 2013: Orb
- 2012: I'll Have Another
- 2011: Animal Kingdom
- 2010: Super Saver
- 2009: Mine That Bird
- 2008: Big Brown
- 2007: Street Sense
- 2006: Barbaro
- 2005: Giacomo
- 2004: Smarty Jones
- 2003: Funny Cide
- 2002: War Emblem
- 2001: Monarchos
- 2000: Fusaichi Pegasus
You can find the complete list on the Kentucky Derby's official website.
Rain has been a potential concern for this year's derby, but it held off in 2024, though it did drizzle on Friday. If rain makes an appearance on Saturday, it might create a soggy battlefield for the contestants.
The races of 2018 and 2019 are the only instances in recent memory where horses and jockeys have had to cope with adverse weather conditions. Forecasters predict a mainly overcast day in Louisville with a 94% chance of rain, with temperatures expected to hover near the low 60s. The Kentucky Derby has never canceled due to weather alone.
The winner of this year's race will pocket a cool $3.1 million, with the runner-up collecting a $1 million prize, the third-place horse securing $500,000, and fourth and fifth-place finishers taking home $250,000 and $150,000 respectively.
Kick-off time is set for 6:57 p.m. ET from Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky. Stay tuned to our sports coverage on [X] and subscribe to our Sports Huddle newsletter. Chantz Martin, our dedicated sports writer, has you covered.
- Christine Moore's unique Kentucky Derby headgear is showcased on 'Fox & Friends' before the 2025 derby, which will take place at Churchhill Downs.
- Saturday will see the 152nd running of the horse-racing event, filled with exciting pre-race activities.
- The competition for the 20 starting spots is intense, with horses competing in races across the nation and beyond to qualify.
- In 2018, Journalism won the Derby with Justify, who later claimed the Triple Crown that year.
- Rain might pose a challenge for the 2025 derby, as it did in 2024, and a majority of the day is predicted to be overcast with a high chance of rain.
