Over $349 million wagered, attracting 147,000 attendees at the Kentucky Derby 2025.
The 2025 Kentucky Derby was a bloody good time – just ask the horse racing fanatics who packed Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, despite the pissing rain and mud. Sovereignty, the underdog with odds of 7-1, stole the show, trouncing favorite Journalism by a length and a half, thanks to jockey Junior Alvarado and trainer Bill Mott.
The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the 147,000 spectators present, many bedecked in colorful raincoats and waving umbrellas. The TV audience, too, swelled, reaching 17.7 million viewers – the highest number since 1989.
Betting Frenzy
The betting fever wasn't deterred by the weather, either. The total wagered on Kentucky Derby day clocked in at a staggering $349 million, representing an 8.5% increase from 2024. More than $234 million was bet on the main race alone. The official platform TwinSpires, owned by Churchill Downs Inc., took $108 million on the day, a 17% boost from last year.
The betting action continued throughout Derby week, reaching a record-breaking $473.9 million in total bets. It's clear that the Derby still packs a punch, attracting enthusiasts from both the US and around the globe.
Pinching Pennies
Despite the record-breaking betting and viewership, the event faced some financial hiccups. Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) expects adjusted earnings (EBITDA) to dip between $2 million and $4 million from last year's figure. Lower-than-projected ticket sales, particularly in new VIP seating areas, and bad weather dissuading last-minute visitors were culprits. Additionally, the company postponed $900 million worth of planned investments until 2028.
No Triple Crown for Sovereignty
With Sovereignty skipping the Preakness Stakes to focus on the Belmont Stakes, hopes for a 2025 Triple Crown champion will have to wait another year.
Ford's Derby Dash
Ford Motor Company took the financially savvy gamble of renewing its partnership with the Kentucky Derby through 2029. Ford will gain naming rights to premium areas, including the "Ford First Turn Club," and ramp up promotional activities in connection with the event.
Peeks at the Past
The Derby's not just a horse race – it's a cultural blowout. The hat game is serious, with larger-than-life hats being the order of the day. The signature drink? A mint julep, a concoction of bourbon, mint, sugar, and ice served in silver cups.
In case you missed it: The winning horse gets swaddled in a blanket made of around 400 red roses. This tradition,which dates back to 1896, has become a trademark of the event.
The Future Awaits
Despite the financial challenges, CDI remains positive about the event's future. The sky-high betting, dedicated fans, and commercial agreements suggest the Derby's still got gas in the tank. With Sovereignty bowing out of the Preakness Stakes, there's room for new horses to strut their stuff in upcoming races.
In short, the 2025 Kentucky Derby proved that, despite recipe for disaster (bad weather, a tough economy), tradition barrels on. Racing fans from far and wide witnessed the spectacle – whether in the stands, at home, or in betting houses. And let's face it: there's nothing quite like the thrill of the Kentucky Derby.
The betting frenzy at the 2025 Kentucky Derby was not swayed by the weather, with a total of $349 million wagered on the day and a staggering $17.7 million viewers tuning in – the highest number since 1989.
The presence of Ford Motor Company was also a significant part of the event, as they renewed their partnership with the Kentucky Derby, securing naming rights to premium areas like the "Ford First Turn Club."
Despite the financial hiccups faced by Churchill Downs Inc., the future of the Derby seems bright. The record-breaking betting, devoted fans, and commercial agreements indicate that the Derby is still a highly sought-after spectacle.
In 2025, the horse Sovereignty, the underdog with odds of 7-1, won the Derby, but unfortunately, it couldn't compete in the Preakness Stakes, ruling out a potential Triple Crown champion for the year.
