Kentucky Derby 2025: Watch Live Stream for Free, Odds, Start Time

The excitement is building as the 151st Kentucky Derby kicks off today at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. If you’re ready to join in the fun, grab your mint julep and your fancy hat, because this iconic horse racing event is not to be missed. Luckily, you can catch all the action for free on NBC and Peacock, with the main race set to start around 6:57 p.m. Eastern time.

Can’t get to a TV? No problem! You can still watch the thrilling races by taking advantage of free trials from streaming services like Fubo and DirecTV Stream. Plus, new Sling TV subscribers can enjoy a special offer of half off their first month. Here’s a quick rundown of the streaming options available:

– DirecTV Stream: $74.99 per month, 5-day free trial
– Fubo: $84.99 per month, 5-day free trial with $30 off the first month
– Sling TV: $45.99 per month, no free trial but new subscribers get half off the first month
– Peacock: $7.99 per month, no free trial but lots of great content

With 14 races scheduled for the day, starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time, there’s plenty of excitement leading up to the main event in the evening. The favorite to win the 2025 Kentucky Derby is Journalism at 3-1 odds, followed by Sovereignty at 5-1 and Sandman at 6-1.

Wondering how the horses qualify for the main event? Well, they’ve been competing in qualifying races since September 2025 to earn their spot at the starting gate. Only the top 20 horses with the highest scores based on their performance make it to the coveted lineup.

Exciting news for country music fans – the late Toby Keith, who sadly passed away from stomach cancer, has a horse in the race this year. Look out for No. 15 Render Judgement as one to watch. And yes, the controversial trainer Bob Baffert is back in the game with his horse, Citizen Bull, after serving a three-year ban for previous infractions.

As for the forecast, expect temperatures around 63 degrees with rain showers and a 69% chance of rain. Winds could be gusting up to 15 mph, so be prepared for some wet and wild action at the track.

So, whether you’re a seasoned horse racing fan or just looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday, don’t miss out on the 151st Kentucky Derby. Tune in to NBC, Peacock, or one of the streaming services mentioned above to catch all the heart-pounding action live from Churchill Downs.