2025 Kentucky Derby Photos
Trainer D. Wayne Lukas and American Promise on Thursday morning
Photos courtesy of Amber Chalfin of Downthestretchphotos.com.
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Date: 5/01/2025
Thursday morning two days before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs was busy and the track was listed as fast. Conditions were overcast during training hours with the temperature in the low 70's. Trainer Bob Baffert scratched Rodriguez from the Derby, allowing also-eligible Baeza to draw into the field. Baffert said, "We had to take Rodriguez out of the Derby; nothing serious. He had a little foot issue after his last work. We'll just need a few days to get him right and then we are going to the Preakness."
- Sovereignty rules in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) - Saturday at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty came six wide in the mud to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 1 1/2 lengths over favorite Journalism with Baeza third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
- Kentucky Derby Undercard Stakes Results- There were 7 other graded stakes on the card with the Derby, including the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) won by Spirit of St Louis, the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) won by Simply in Front, the Derby City Distaff (G1) won by Kopion, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) won by Mindframe, the American Turf (G2) won by Zulu Kingdom, the Pat Day Mile (G2) won by Macho Music, and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) won by Think Big. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- Good Cheer wins the 2025 Kentucky Oaks (G1) - Friday at Churchill Downs, favorite Good Cheer rallied to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by a 2 1/4 lengths in the mud over Drexel Hill and Bless the Broken. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
- Kentucky Oaks Undercard Stakes Results - There were 6 other stakes on the card today with the Oaks, including the La Troienne (G1) won by Raging Sea, the Alysheba (G2) won by Fierceness, the Eight Belles (G2) won by Look Forward, the Edgewood Stakes (G2) won by Nitrogen, and the Modesty (G3) won by She Feels Pretty. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Analysis - Our annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there is tie for first, but the favorite isn't up there!
- 2025 Thurby Results - Thursday before the Kentucky Derby is known as Thurby and there were three stakes on the card today: the Opening Verse, Kentucky Juvenile, and St Matthews Stakekes won by Brilliant Berti, Pinky Finger, and Fort Bragg on Thurby. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Wednesday 4/30 at Churchill Downs was busy with many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track, including American Promise, Journalism, and Tiztastic. Photos and comments for 13 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Tuesday 4/29 at Churchill Downs was warmer and saw many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track, including Rodriguez, Final Gambit, and Sandman. Photos and comments for 11 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Monday 4/28 at Churchill Downs saw two Kentucky Derby horses on the track with timed works, Citizen Bull and Coal Battle. Photos and comments for 9 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Sunday 4/27 at Churchill Downs saw six Kentucky Derby horses on the track with timed works, including East Avenue, Rodriguez, and Publisher. Photos and comments for 11 Derby and 5 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Saturday 4/26 at Churchill Downs saw five Kentucky Derby and six Oaks horses on the track with timed works, including Journalism, Sovereignty, and La Cara. Photos and comments for 13 Derby and 6 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Friday 4/25 at Churchill Downs saw many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track with several timed works, including Journalism, Tenma, and Burnham Square. Thorpedo Anna also made an appearance. Photos and comments for 10 Derby and 6 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Entries - On Saturday the post positions were drawn for the 151st Kentucky Derby and a full field of 20 3-year-old colts plus one also-eligible, with 3-1 morning line favorite Journalism drawing post 8. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
- 2025 Kentucky Oaks Entries - On Saturday the post positions were drawn for the 151st Longines Kentucky Oaks and a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies, with 6-5 morning line favorite Good Cheer drawing post 11. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
Video for this morning's work can be viewed here on YouTube. Videos of individual horses in timed works can be found here.
Below are photos and comments for 12 Derby horses and 4 Oaks fillies plus Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show.
Kentucky Derby
American Promise – galloped 1 1/2 miles under Tayja Smith for trainer D. Wayne Lukas during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses. "We thought we would probably be back (rather quickly)," said cooowner John Bellinger, who arrived in Louisville Tuesday from San Antonio. "We knew we had three good colts and we have Perfect Force and Innovator in the Pat Day Mile (GII) on Saturday plus American Promise in the Derby.
"Wayne has done a wonderful job."
Chunk of Gold – galloped at 7:15 a.m. with trainer Ethan West in the saddle. Following Chunk of Gold's training session, West had some special visitors come to his barn – WWE Superstars Maxxine Dupri and Natayla. "Of course I have to pick a horse with the name ‘gold' in it," Dupri said. "He's my Derby horse."
Citizen Bull – galloped 1 1/4 miles under exercise rider Humberto Gomez.
East Avenue - galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Stephen Dolan for trainer Brendan Walsh.
Final Gambit – galloped at 7:15 under Joel Osorio for trainer Brad Cox.
Flying Mohawk – galloped at 7:15 under Maurilio Garcia aboard with jockey Joe Ramos and co-owner Jayson Werth (right) looking on.
Journalism – put in a solid 1 1/4 mile gallop with exercise rider Marc Witkowski. Jockey Umberto Rispoli said, "I try to treat it just like I do all other races. At the end of the day it is just another race."
Luxor Cafe – warmed up in the mile chute and then at 7:15 moved to the main track and galloped under Naoto Suzuki for trainer Noriyuki Hori.
Neoequos – galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
Render Judgment – galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Robby Albarado for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Sandman – jogged a mile under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse during the 7:15-7:30 training window.
Sovereignty – galloped 1 1/4 mile under exercise rider Javier Cardona. Trainer Bill Mott said, "We'll take him around the paddock a few times this morning, then gallop him around the track. Yesterday we took him to the paddock in the afternoon and he did OK. He got a little hot, but nothing special. We gave him some extra for lunch and he ate it all up. He ate up last night, too. The routine is good and so is he."
Kentucky Oaks
Ballerina d'Oro galloped at 7:15 for trainer Chad Brown.
Five G was scratched from the Oaks after trainer George Weaver was not satisfied with how she was training coming into the race.
Fondly galloped 1 1/2 mile under William Humphrey during the 7:15-7:30 training period for trainer Graham Motion. "I'd like to see a nice, clean trip," said Motion. "I would like to see her a little more forwardly placed but I am leaving it all up to Irad."
Quickick galloped 1 1/2 mile under Rafael Rustrian during the 7:15-7:30 training window for trainer Tom Amoss. Amoss said, "I would like to see a sub :23 first quarter from La Cara."
Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show at the barn of trainer Brad Cox. Cox said, "He's screaming to get back. It's cool to see a horse go over there and bring them back and show so much energy."
Photos courtesy of Amber Chalfin of Downthestretchphotos.com.
2025 Triple Crown quick links:
- Preakness Entries - A field of only 9 was entered for the Preakness with Journalism the favorite at 8-5 from post 2 and Sandman second choice at 4-1 from post 8. Check out the horses with post positions, odds, and free past performances.
- Sovereignty rules in the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) - Saturday at Churchill Downs, Sovereignty came six wide in the mud to win the Kentucky Derby (G1) by 1 1/2 lengths over favorite Journalism with Baeza third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
- Kentucky Derby Undercard Stakes Results- There were 7 other graded stakes on the card with the Derby, including the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) won by Spirit of St Louis, the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) won by Simply in Front, the Derby City Distaff (G1) won by Kopion, the Churchill Downs Stakes (G1) won by Mindframe, the American Turf (G2) won by Zulu Kingdom, the Pat Day Mile (G2) won by Macho Music, and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) won by Think Big. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- Good Cheer wins the 2025 Kentucky Oaks (G1) - Friday at Churchill Downs, favorite Good Cheer rallied to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by a 2 1/4 lengths in the mud over Drexel Hill and Bless the Broken. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
- Kentucky Oaks Undercard Stakes Results - There were 6 other stakes on the card today with the Oaks, including the La Troienne (G1) won by Raging Sea, the Alysheba (G2) won by Fierceness, the Eight Belles (G2) won by Look Forward, the Edgewood Stakes (G2) won by Nitrogen, and the Modesty (G3) won by She Feels Pretty. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- 2025 Thurby Results - Thursday before the Kentucky Derby is known and Thurby and there were three stakes on the card today: the Opening Verse, Kentucky Juvenile, and St Matthews Stakes won by Brilliant Berti, Pinky Finger, and Fort Bragg on Thurby. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Entries - On Saturday the post positions were drawn for the 151st Kentucky Derby and a full field of 20 3-year-old colts plus one also-eligible, with 3-1 morning line favorite Journalism drawing post 8. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
- 2025 Kentucky Oaks Entries - On Saturday the post positions were drawn for the 151st Longines Kentucky Oaks and a full field of 14 3-year-old fillies, with 6-5 morning line favorite Good Cheer drawing post 11. Get the horses, post positions, and free past performances here.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Analysis - Our annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. This year there is tie for first, but the favorite isn't up there!
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Thursday 5/1 at Churchill Downs busy again with lots of Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses out for a gallop, including Citizen Bull, Final Gambit, and Luxor Cafe. Photos and comments for 13 Derby horses, 4 Oaks fillies, plus Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Wednesday 4/30 at Churchill Downs was busy with many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track, including American Promise, Journalism, and Tiztastic. Photos and comments for 13 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Tuesday 4/29 at Churchill Downs was warmer and saw many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track, including Rodriguez, Final Gambit, and Sandman. Photos and comments for 11 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Monday 4/28 at Churchill Downs saw two Kentucky Derby horses on the track with timed works, Citizen Bull and Coal Battle. Photos and comments for 9 Derby horses and 6 Oaks fillies.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Sunday 4/27 at Churchill Downs saw six Kentucky Derby horses on the track with timed works, including East Avenue, Rodriguez, and Publisher. Photos and comments for 11 Derby and 5 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Saturday 4/26 at Churchill Downs saw five Kentucky Derby and six Oaks horses on the track with timed works, including Journalism, Sovereignty, and La Cara. Photos and comments for 13 Derby and 6 Oaks horses.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby Photos - Friday 4/25 at Churchill Downs saw many Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses on the track with several timed works, including Journalism, Tenma, and Burnham Square. Thorpedo Anna also made an appearance. Photos and comments for 10 Derby and 6 Oaks horses.
- Kentucky Derby Winners and Auction Prices - Bigger may seem better, but in the case of Kentucky Derby horses who sold at auction, less is more. Here is a look at how (badly) high priced auction purchases have done in the Kentucky Derby and the auction prices for this year's top Derby horses.
- Derby Weather Forecasts - up to 15 days in advance
- Kentucky Derby Points List - this is what determines which horses can get in the Kentucky Derby field.
- 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby - All the point earning races on the Triple Crown Trail leading up to the Kentucky Derby with results and winners updated as they are run.
- Kentucky Derby Tickets - See what is for sale on Ebay. Includes tickets and parking.
- 2025 Kentucky Derby And Oaks Security - New enhanced stricter rules with no onsite parking were enforced in 2018, and are in effect again this year. Be sure to read the rules if you are attending. There will still be magnetic wand searches of all patrons and many things are no longer allowed. Check here to make sure you don't bring anything they will confiscate.
- Kentucky Derby Future Wager - This year there were 6 pools starting in November of 2024 plus a single pool for the Oaks.
- Kentucky Derby Prep Races - What races should a horse prep in to win the Kentucky Derby? Some races may seem obvious, but have not produced a Derby winner in many years. Find out which races are the best preps here.
- Derby prep race charts - free from DRF
- Kentucky Derby Traditions - Find out all about the big Derby Traditions: the rose garland, the trophy, the Twin Spires, mint juleps, singing "My Old Kentucy Home", fancy hats, celebrities and the annual Derby glasses.
- Fillies in the Kentucky Derby - a look at the 39 fillies who have contested the Run for the Roses and how they did. So far there have been 3 wins, 2 seconds, and 5 thirds.
- Kentucky Derby official site - lots of good info and the latest news here
- Louisville Courier Journal coverage - one of your best news sources for the Derby
- Blood Horse Triple Crown Mania - lots of good info here
- DRF Kentucky Derby Special - Lots of good info like past winners preps, contenders, past performances, and latest news.
- Review: Kentucky Derby Greatest Moments - Commemorative DVD from Churchill Downs with video from 27 different runnings along with interviews, photos, and historical info. Definitely recommended for any racing fan!
- Review: Churchill Downs - America's Most Historic Racetrack by Kimberly Gatto. An entertaining and informative account of the history of the track and it's most famous race, the Kentucky Derby, with lots of photos. Definitely recommended.
- Review: Kentucky Derby Glasses Price Guide - A Comprehensive Guide to Collecting Kentucky Derby Mint Julep Glasses and Shot Glasses edited by Judy Marchman
- Triple Crown Trivia Quiz - test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
- Buy advance tickets for the Derby and Oaks - from Churchill Downs and save $5 over the gate price on general admission
- Kentucky Derby Tickets on Ebay
- Triple Crown Trivia Quiz - test your knowledge of the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont and compete with others.
- Send this page to a friend - know someone who would like to see this page? Click here to send them the link.
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American Promise – galloped 1 1/2 miles under Tayja Smith for trainer D. Wayne Lukas during the 7:15-7:30 training window for Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses. "We thought we would probably be back (rather quickly)," said cooowner John Bellinger, who arrived in Louisville Tuesday from San Antonio. "We knew we had three good colts and we have Perfect Force and Innovator in the Pat Day Mile (GII) on Saturday plus American Promise in the Derby.
"Wayne has done a wonderful job."
Chunk of Gold – galloped at 7:15 a.m. with trainer Ethan West in the saddle. Following Chunk of Gold's training session, West had some special visitors come to his barn – WWE Superstars Maxxine Dupri and Natayla. "Of course I have to pick a horse with the name ‘gold' in it," Dupri said. "He's my Derby horse."
Citizen Bull – galloped 1 1/4 miles under exercise rider Humberto Gomez.
East Avenue - galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Stephen Dolan for trainer Brendan Walsh.
Final Gambit – galloped at 7:15 under Joel Osorio for trainer Brad Cox.
Flying Mohawk – galloped at 7:15 under Maurilio Garcia aboard with jockey Joe Ramos and co-owner Jayson Werth (right) looking on.
Journalism – put in a solid 1 1/4 mile gallop with exercise rider Marc Witkowski. Jockey Umberto Rispoli said, "I try to treat it just like I do all other races. At the end of the day it is just another race."
Luxor Cafe – warmed up in the mile chute and then at 7:15 moved to the main track and galloped under Naoto Suzuki for trainer Noriyuki Hori.
Neoequos – galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.
Render Judgment – galloped during the 7:15-7:30 training window under Robby Albarado for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Sandman – jogged a mile under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse during the 7:15-7:30 training window.
Sovereignty – galloped 1 1/4 mile under exercise rider Javier Cardona. Trainer Bill Mott said, "We'll take him around the paddock a few times this morning, then gallop him around the track. Yesterday we took him to the paddock in the afternoon and he did OK. He got a little hot, but nothing special. We gave him some extra for lunch and he ate it all up. He ate up last night, too. The routine is good and so is he."
Ballerina d'Oro galloped at 7:15 for trainer Chad Brown.
Five G was scratched from the Oaks after trainer George Weaver was not satisfied with how she was training coming into the race.
Fondly galloped 1 1/2 mile under William Humphrey during the 7:15-7:30 training period for trainer Graham Motion. "I'd like to see a nice, clean trip," said Motion. "I would like to see her a little more forwardly placed but I am leaving it all up to Irad."
Quickick galloped 1 1/2 mile under Rafael Rustrian during the 7:15-7:30 training window for trainer Tom Amoss. Amoss said, "I would like to see a sub :23 first quarter from La Cara."
Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show at the barn of trainer Brad Cox. Cox said, "He's screaming to get back. It's cool to see a horse go over there and bring them back and show so much energy."