Bet on The Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most anticipated American horse racing events to take place across the flat racing season. A key part of the triple crown, the Kentucky Derby is also called the run for the roses due to the blanket draped over the winning horse. It's also called the most exciting two minutes of sport within the US due to the fact it's run at such a breathtaking pace.

Kentucky Derby Odds

As the Kentucky Derby approaches, we'll have all of the key betting odds for all of the races set to take place at Churchill Downs. We'll also have the most up-to-date options for the Kentucky Derby, which may include runners for the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes later in the season.

When betting on one of the greatest races in American racing, fans will see multiple betting options shown on the odds page for the race. For those who have looked at betting on the course, if attending the event, you'll recognise that they use the pari-mutuel system. However, at Bet UK, we offer win bet, place betting, and forecast betting odds (horses finishing in the exact order of 1-2) in the Kentucky Derby.

As well as betting on the day of the race, we also offer morning line odds or ante post betting, which will be available after prep races have taken place in the closing of the previous season for two-year-olds.

Kentucky Derby Betting Tips

Before the feature race, you'll be able to browse our betting tips for the Kentucky Derby field and the other races, which will take place on the same day of the meeting at Churchill Downs. Our information will include the key Kentucky Derby contenders from across the US and beyond, which means you'll have all of the details you'll need to place a bet on the race.

Kentucky Derby History

Held annually on the first Saturday in May in Louisville at Churchill Downs racecourse, the Kentucky Derby is one of the foremost horse racing events in the US and across the world. Colloquially known as the run for the roses, many triple crown winners start their journey in the quick dash, which takes place on the feature day of the race meeting.

Categorised as a Grade 1 race, it's open to three-year-old thoroughbreds, which means winning the race is a once-in-a-career opportunity, just like the Triple Crown itself.

First contested in 1875 in front of 10,000 people, the race has gone on to become one of the most famous in American racing, and now offers a prize of $3 million purse if a horse can see off all the runners and win the race.

It's also the first race in the American Triple Crown, which includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes, which has been won in recent times by American Pharoah (2015) and Justify (2018).

Kentucky Derby Winners

There is a big draw to this race for horse racing betting fans, as they will get to see new talent take to the track for what could be an exciting season. There have been two notable big-price winners of the Kentucky Derby, one of them coming in 2022 with Rich Strike, so that is always a trend to note if you choose to place bets on the outcome of the race. However, if you're looking for this first leg of the triple crown to influence your bets for other races, taking a look at the previous winners and following their form could be important.

2024 - Mystik Dan

2023 - Mage

2022 - Rich Strike

2021 - Mandaloun

2020 - Authentic

2019 - Country House

2018 - Justify

2017 - Always Dreaming

2016 - Nyquist

2015 - American Pharoah

Kentucky Derby FAQS

What time is the Kentucky Derby?

The start time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:57 pm

What date is the Kentucky Derby?

The race will take place on the 3rd May 2025, and the morning line odds will be available before the post-position draw.

Where does the Kentucky Derby take place?

The race is held annually at Churchill Downs, which is located in Louisville in the state of Kentucky.

Is the Kentucky Derby open only to Colts?

No, fillies and geldings can also compete alongside colts in the Kentucky Derby. Fillies will be given a weight allowance which can sometimes be seen in the Kentucky Derby odds.