Sat May 03 17:30:00 UTC 2025: **Rainy Day Doesn’t Dampen Spirits at Thrilling 2025 Kentucky Derby**

LOUISVILLE, KY – Despite a 100% chance of rain, the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3rd, drew massive crowds and delivered a nail-biting race. The highly anticipated event saw 19 horses compete for the coveted garland of roses, after two late scratches due to foot injuries.

Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy and boasting a four-race winning streak, entered as the 7-2 favorite. His main challenger was Sandman at 9-2 odds, while Sovereignty, runner-up in the Florida Derby, was at 9-1. Adding international intrigue, Luxor Café, a descendant of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and with a four-race win streak in Japan, also competed, though a Japanese horse has never previously won the Derby.

The race itself took place under a steady drizzle, with early attendees donning ponchos as umbrellas are prohibited at Churchill Downs. Despite the downpour, the atmosphere was electric, with approximately 165,000 spectators filling the venue. The post time was 7:02 p.m. ET, broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock and FuboTV.

The purse remained at $5 million, matching last year’s record-breaking amount. The winning horse’s owner received $3.1 million, with the jockey earning a 10% cut. Ticket prices soared this year, starting at $366 for general admission and reaching upwards of $135,000 for private suites.

While the results of the Derby itself are not included in the source text, the anticipation and atmosphere surrounding this year’s race made it a memorable event despite the inclement weather.

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