The Kentucky Derby is one of America’s most prestigious and ritziest sporting events, drawing millions of viewers each year to witness “the most exciting two minutes in sports” on the first Saturday in May. As the first jewel of the Triple Crown, this iconic horse race offers rich tradition and heart-pounding action that captivates both dedicated racing fans and casual viewers alike.
We at StreamSafely have compiled our recommendations for how to watch the Kentucky Derby 2025 safely and legally from the comfort of your home. With last year’s race only lasting two minutes and three seconds, you won’t want to miss a moment! Avoid outages, lags, and dangerous pirated streams as we walk you through the official broadcast channels, legitimate streaming services, and tips for optimizing your viewing experience.
Race Overview
The Kentucky Derby, also known as the Run for the Roses, traces its origins back to 1875, when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. organized the first race after being inspired by the prestigious races he witnessed in England and France. What began as a local racing event in Louisville has evolved into a global spectacle combining southern traditions, high fashion, celebrity appearances, and world-class thoroughbred racing. The Derby’s iconic elements — from mint juleps to elaborate hats — have become just as popular as the race itself and are some of the most recognizable elements in American sports.
The Kentucky Derby Qualifying Process
The path to the Kentucky Derby requires three-year-old male thoroughbreds, known as colts, to prove themselves through a series of qualifying races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Each race, depending on its competitiveness, awards the top finishers a certain number of points, typically 10, 5, 3, 2, and 1 point for the top five finishers. Horses must accrue 40 points to gain an invitation to the Kentucky Derby. This points-based system ensures that only the most accomplished horses earn a spot in the paddocks at Churchill Downs.
However, these designated prep races’ point value tends to increase as Derby Day approaches, which means the final lineup of competing horses can change at the last minute. The top 20 point-earners will secure their coveted spots in the starting gate at the main event.
Race Conditions and Stakes
The Derby tests both horse and jockey more than ordinary races. At 1¼ miles (10 furlongs), the race length tests the stamina, heart, and training of each contender. For many of these thoroughbreds, it will be the longest race of their careers, demanding exceptional stamina and tactical racing.
With up to 20 horses crowding the gate, and the deafening roar of over 150,000 spectators in the grandstand, jockeys must navigate tight quarters, jostling for position while avoiding traffic that can cost them precious seconds. Weather and track conditions can vary widely at Churchill Downs, from sun-baked dirt to heavy, rain-soaked mud, adding another unpredictable element to the mix.
For those who can withstand the pressure and rise to the occasion, a win at the Kentucky Derby can mean superstardom, with the promise of the Triple Crown and racing immortality on the horizon.
Competing 2025 Derby Horses
For the 2025 Kentucky Derby, several standout thoroughbreds have already secured qualifying positions through impressive performances on the prep circuit. All of this year’s frontrunners are American thoroughbreds. As of writing, not a single European, Middle Eastern, or Japanese horse has hit the 40-point threshold. However, the Road to the Kentucky Derby isn’t over, and we at StreamSafely love to see an upset.
Leading the pack at 70 points is Coal Battle, trained by Lonnie Briley and ridden by Jaun P. Vargas. Coal Battle has had an impressive winning streak, including the Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs on November 8, 2024, the Remington Park Springboard Mile Stakes on December 13, 2024, and the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park on January 4, 2025. His most recent win earned him $1.25 million at the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park on February 23, 2025.
Other notable qualifiers include Owen Almighty at 65 points as well as Citizen Bull and Sovereignty tied at 60. From there, the points drop off dramatically to Flood Zone’s 50 points.
However, these qualifiers haven’t stopped some fans and experts from announcing their top picks for 2025. Jody Demling, who has accurately predicted the Derby-Oaks double 10 times in 16 years, has already locked in his 2025 favorites. His current favorite is 15:1 longshot Burnham Square, who currently ranks 11th among U.S. horses with 30 points. Be sure to keep an eye on the wagering site TwinSpires for live rankings, standings, and odds of all the race day hopefuls.
Cable Providers and Streaming Services
Selecting the right viewing option for the Kentucky Derby means you’ll experience every moment with the best quality and reliability, from the pre-race pageantry to the photo finish. Making informed choices about how you view sporting events not only enhances the experience but also protects you from the risks associated with unauthorized streams, including malware, data theft, and poor video quality.
StreamSafely is dedicated to helping sports fans navigate the sometimes confusing landscape of broadcasting rights and streaming options. Our comprehensive online sports database provides up-to-date information on where to legally watch major sporting events. For the Kentucky Derby specifically, we’ve analyzed all official broadcasting partners and streaming services to provide you with the best recommendations for various viewing preferences, so you can focus on enjoying the race rather than troubleshooting unreliable pirated streams.
Broadcast Information and Derby Schedule
The 151st Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, with post time expected around 6:57 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC and Peacock. Earlier races will be broadcast between USA Network and FanDuel TV. See the full event breakdown here.
The Kentucky Oaks will be held the day prior, Friday, May 2, 2025, with a post time at 5:51 p.m. Eastern Time on USA Network and Peacock. Earlier races will be aired on FanDuel TV. See the full event breakdown here.
Cable
NBC and NBC Sports hold exclusive broadcasting rights for the Kentucky Derby, so make sure your cable package includes it before the big day arrives. Similarly, USA Network is the sole broadcaster for the Kentucky Oaks. Earlier races and Derby week festivities — including Opening Night, 502’sDay, Champions Day, and Thurby coverage — will all be broadcast on FanDuel TV, so if you love fanfare, be sure this channel is on your must-have list.
To avoid disappointment on race day when you’re dressed in your Derby finest, take a moment to confirm your channel lineup with your service provider. You don’t want to be left scrambling at the last minute if your cable package doesn’t include the networks you think it does.
Streaming Platforms
For fans watching from home or on the go, here’s where you can catch every heart-pounding moment of this high-stakes race:
- Peacock: As the official streaming partner for both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, Peacock is a great option to catch the Opening Night festivities and all the best races. While no free trial is currently offered, subscribers will also gain access to series like “Saturday Night Live” and “Law & Order” along with a wide selection of movies and Peacock originals. Peacock Premium with ads starts at $7.99 per month, or opt for the ad-free experience with Peacock Premium Plus for $13.99 per month.
- YouTube TV: If you’re looking for economic access to the Kentucky Derby, YouTube TV makes it easy! The platform offers over 100 channels, including both NBC and USA Network for complete Derby weekend coverage. You can test out the service for 21 days for $0. Or sign up now and get your first six months for only $69.99 per month and $82.99 per month after for the YouTube TV Base Plan.
- Hulu + Live TV: For viewers seeking some of the best entertainment around, Hulu + Live TV delivers NBC and USA Network access alongside an impressive collection of additional content, like “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and “Shōgun.” Plus, you can easily bundle your service with Disney+ and ESPN+, offering something for every member of your Derby party. The platform offers a 3-day free trial so you can test the waters before you commit.
- Fubo: Particularly popular among dedicated sports enthusiasts, Fubo provides access to NBC, USA Network, and over 200 channels. New subscribers can take advantage of the 7-day free trial to experience the Run for the Roses on up to 10 screens. After the trial, you can enjoy the service for $64.99 per month for your first month and $84.99 per month afterward.
StreamSafely Resources for the Kentucky Derby and Beyond
The Kentucky Derby is not just a horse race. It’s an American tradition that brings together sports enthusiasts, casual viewers, gamblers, and fashionistas alike for an unforgettable experience. By choosing safe, legitimate viewing options, you’ll enjoy superior quality, reliability, and peace of mind while supporting the future of this iconic sporting event.
StreamSafely’s comprehensive databases extend beyond horse racing to include resources for movies, TV shows, and sporting events of all kinds. Our platform even highlights 100% free, legal viewing options for a wide variety of content to make sure that budget constraints never prevent you from enjoying premium entertainment. Whether you’re a dedicated racing enthusiast or simply looking to experience the pageantry of Derby Day, StreamSafely has the resources you need to make informed viewing choices for this event and countless others throughout the year. Happy streaming!
