Kentucky Derby 151 guide to everything you need to know for Oaks and Derby Days

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville and Churchill Downs are the center of thoroughbred horse racing, as the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby happens on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

The Run for the Roses is the crowning event where the most elite horses, jockeys and trainers in the world race to the finish line in the "most exciting two minutes in sports."

The spring meet opens with a week of events and racing leading up to the Derby including Friday's pink-out for the Survivors Parade and the Kentucky Oaks, which crowns a fillie with a silver trophy and a Garland of Lilies.

Welcome to the most exciting two weeks in Kentucky! We put together this guide to cover the fashion, food, gambling, bourbon, celebrity galas and of course, the horses.

Happy Derby, everybody!

Watch WDRB Mornings live from the track

The WDRB Mornings team is live Derby week from the Churchill Downs backside from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. each morning through Friday's Kentucky Oaks morning.

Join Candyce Clifft, Lindsay Allen, Jude Redfield, Keith Kaiser and the whole team on Kentucky Derby morning from 6 a.m. to noon. We will be getting you ready for the event talking to trainers and spotlighting the fashion, food and history of the 151st Run for the Roses.

Stream WDRB News

The full day of broadcasting will be on our WDRB.com website, the WDRB News app, the WDRB+ TV anywhere app for your phone, and the WDRB+ streaming app on your Fire, Apple or Roku TV.

Here's a link to learn how to download the apps. Click here.

Get to know the Derby contenders

The road to the 151st Kentucky Derby took many horses across the United States. From New York to Florida to California and in between, trainers gear up their horses in prep races to build up points and qualify for a trip to Churchill Downs.

Here are videos of the most prominent Derby prep races with results and full replay videos. And to see the real-time Derby points standings, click here.

Watch all the prep races in the story below:

Watch all the replay videos of Kentucky Derby 151 prep races on the road to the roses

From New York to Florida to California and in between, trainers are gearing up their horses in prep races to build up points and qualify for a trip to Churchill Downs.

Derby week schedule at Churchill Downs

Opening night of the Spring Meet

Saturday, April 26, 2025
Gates Open at 4 p.m.
First Race at 5 p.m.
Ticket information: Starting at $27.75 (plus tax & fees) for general admission.
Oaks and Derby Post Position draws on the 2nd Floor Terrace at 7 p.m.
Derby week parking information
There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.

Start the horse racing season in Louisville at Churchill Downs opening night, as the track brings the spirit of the roaring twenties to life with a Great Gatsby-inspired evening. Dress in your finest 1920s attire to watch the post position draws for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

Dawn at the Downs

Thursday, April 24 to Wednesday, April 30
Free of charge daily
6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Oaks and Derby horses only from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Derby week parking information
Ticket & dining information
Guests will need to follow the facilities updated security parameters upon entry to Churchill Downs.

Racing fans gather to watch Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks contenders during their morning workouts, all while selecting their favorites for the weekend's races.

Onsite Parking is available for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis in the Yellow lot. Access via Longfield Ave. Onsite parking lots will open at 5:45 am. Each vehicle must leave Churchill Downs by 10:30 a.m. that day. Additional maps and directions can be found here.

502's Day

Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Gates open 11:30 a.m.
First Race 12:45 p.m.
$5 general admission
Ticket information
Derby week parking information
There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.

502's Day is back as Louisville's day at the races. The event this year pays tribute to The GOAT - Louisville native Muhammad Ali. There will be a "Float Like a Butterfly" live art project, a celebration of local champions and a chance to win prizes with Muhammad Ali trivia.

Wins Day

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Gates open 11:30 a.m.
First Race: 12:45 p.m.
Ticket information
De rby week parking information
There is no offsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
All taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will happen onsite at Kentucky Derby Drive between Queen and Thornberry.
There is no parking at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on this day.

New for 2025 Winsday debuts as a day to shine the spotlight on Louisville’s nonprofit community. In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, local nonprofit organizations will be invited to fundraise and highlight the work they do. By purchasing Winsday tickets through a registered nonprofit, guests will directly contribute to these vital agencies, with a portion of each ticket sale benefiting their work.

Thurby

Thursday, May 1, 2025
Gates open: 11:30 a.m.
First Race: 12:45 p.m.
Ticket information
Derby week parking information
There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby.
This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.
Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.

Thurby is all about Kentucky and immersing in the spirit of the Bluegrass state. The event is a must-attend for history buffs, music lovers, and racing enthusiasts alike, this event encapsulates Kentucky's spirited music, deep-rooted traditions, and vibrant atmosphere.

Kentucky Oaks

Friday, May 2, 2025
Gates open: 9 a.m.
First Race: 11 a.m.
Kentucky Oaks Post time: 5:51 p.m. (11th race)
Survivors' Parade (time to be announced)
National Anthem by Gina Miles (The Voice Winner)
Riders Up! by champion gymnast Olivia Dunne
Ticket information
Infield General Admission (no frontside access): $79.80 (plus tax & fees)
Walkaround tickets (no seat with access to the frontside): $280.84 (plus tax & fees)
Derby week parking information
There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby.
This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.
Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.

The 151st Kentucky Oaks is the premier race for 3-year-old fillies. Held each year the day before the Kentucky Derby, the Oaks offers a $1.5 million purse and awards the winner the iconic 'Lilies for the Fillies' garland. The event is filled with traditions including the "Pink Out" and Survivors Parade to highlight breast cancer awareness.

151st Kentucky Derby

Saturday, May 3, 2025

Gates open: 9 a.m.
First Race: 11 a.m.
151st Kentucky Derby Post time: 6:57 p.m.
National Anthem by Grace Potter
Riders Up! by Olympic champion Simone Biles
Derby week parking information
Ticket information
Infield General Admission (no frontside access): $120.65 (plus tax & fees)
Walkaround tickets (no seat with access to the frontside): $500.94 (verified resale) (plus tax & fees)
There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium beginning on Thursday/Thurby.
This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.
Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.

Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs is a spectacle of colorful outfits, celebrities, betting and more than a few tasty beverages including the signature mint julep. The Run for the Roses pits 20 of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds against each other in the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Parking Derby Week, Oaks and Derby

All onsite parking at Churchill Downs is reserved in advance and available for pre-purchase as long as inventory is available. Parking within each reserved lot is first-come, first-served including ADA spaces. If you do not have pre-purchased parking, you will not be able to purchase it onsite.

Shuttles:

The Kentucky Exposition Center will have free parking with free shuttles going to and from Churchill Downs on Opening Night, 502’sDay, Winsday, and Thurby.

On the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby days, if you do not already have onsite parking, but have reserved seating with frontside access, there is parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center which is included with your ticket.

Please present your ticket upon entry. This includes FREE shuttle service to and from Churchill Downs with drop-off and pick-up in the Black Lot outside of the Paddock Gate.

Paid parking is available Thurby, Oaks and Derby at the L&N Stadium lots. Check Derby week parking information on the Churchill Downs site for complete information.

Road closings and no parking areas

Louisville Metro Police posted a long list of no parking areas and road closings around Churchill Downs. Here are links to the official list:

Oaks and Derby interstate and street closures (April 30 - May 3)

Oaks and Derby street closures (No parking areas)

Churchill Downs has gone cashless

Bring your credit or debit card, if you plan to spend money at the track. Churchill Downs has gone cashless except for wagering.

The track is encouraging guests to have a credit card available as all food and beverage is now a cashless service. During the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby guests with frontside access will have an All-Inclusive Experience.

CHURCHILL DOWNS FACILITY MAP 2025.jpg — A facility map of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Courtesy Churchill Downs April 23, 2025

Security measures at the track

All patrons are subject to metal detector scans before entry to the track on all of Derby Week (Opening Night- Derby Day). Oaks and Derby patrons are advised to arrive early to accommodate search procedures at all admission gates.

Guests will be required to return any prohibited items to their vehicles or discard them before entering the facility. Churchill Downs will not be responsible for any items left near the entrances and such items may be thrown away. There is no re-entry after exiting the facility; patrons are not permitted to leave Churchill Downs and return on the same ticket.

Patrons are reminded: 'If you see something, say something.' If you see something unusual please immediately call 502-636-4526 to report it.

Kentucky Derby Week Bag Policy

Churchill Downs Racetrack will enforce a restricted bag policy from Saturday, April 26th, 2025 through Derby Day (Saturday, May 3rd, 2025). Each guest is permitted one bag no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″.

Prohibited items at Churchill Downs

Items prohibited at Churchill Downs Derby Week (Opening Night- Derby Day)

Air Horns
Alcoholic beverages
Backpacks
Bags larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″
Balloons and inflatables
Balls
Banners and/or signs, unless pre-approved
Cameras with detachable lenses, or equipped with a lens that is 6” or larger
Canopies
Cans (any size or type)
Collapsible Chairs (Please see below exceptions for Infield Gate Only)
Collapsible Chairs without canopies
Confetti
Coolers
Chains
Duffel Bags
Drones and remote controlled aircraft
Firearms
Fireworks
Food (Opening Night -- Thurby) *see below exceptions
Frisbees
Glass Bottles or containers
Grills
Hoverboards, skateboards and scooters
Illegal Substances
Knives
Laser lights/pointers
Luggage
Mace
Noise Makers
Pepper Spray
Personal music players without head-phones
Pets, except for trained service animals
Poles or sticks of any size
Portable speakers/sound systems
Projectile Items
Seat Cushions that are larger than 15″ X 15″ that contain metal arms and/or backs, zippers, pockets or flaps
Selfie Sticks
Tents
Thermoses
Tripods
Umbrellas of any size
Wagons
Weapons of any kind
Any items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate

Notable Exceptions that are Allowed in the FRONTSIDE GATES: Derby Week

Baby bag & Diaper bags, if accompanied by a child (subject to search)
Strollers, if accompanied by a child

Notable Exceptions that are Allowed in the FRONTSIDE GATES: Kentucky Oaks & Derby

Guests with specific dietary needs or restrictions may bring boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12″ X 6″ X 12″).
Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag (no trash bags).
Guests are restricted to one bag only – additional bags for food will not be permitted.

Items you can bring into the Infield

Boxed lunches or food items in clear plastic bags or containers that do not exceed the maximum size (12″ X 6″ X 12″). Boxed lunches or food items must fit in the guest's bag or one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag (no trash bags). Guests are restricted to one bag only – additional bags for food will not be permitted.
Bottled water that is in a sealed, clear and unopened plastic bottle- limit of two 24 oz. bottles per person
Collapsible camping chairs without canopies (must be removed from bag during search)
Tarpaulins (“Tarps”) and Picnic Blankets that are smaller than 10’ x 10’. Once inside the gate, tarps may not be secured to the infield fence or any other permanent structure.

"My Old Kentucky Home"

Whether you're from the Bluegrass or are visiting for the race, the state song plays an emotional part of Kentucky Derby Day. Many people get a little misty when the chorus starts with "Weep no more, my lady!"

The song is performed by the University of Louisville Marching Band for the crowd to singalong. It was written by Stephen Foster during the years before the Civil War. The original lyrics were changed in 1986 to what is performed today. Here are the lyrics you'll need to sing the song with the crowd of up to 150,00 at Churchill Downs.

My Old Kentucky Home by Stephen Collins Foster

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home,

Tis summer, the people are gay;

The corn-top's ripe and the meadow's in the bloom

While the birds make music all the day.

The young folks roll on the little cabin floor

All merry, all happy and bright;

By 'n by hard times comes a knocking at the door

Then my old Kentucky home, Good-night!

Chorus:

Weep no more my lady.

Oh! Weep no more today!