There’s something special about the Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or someone who just loves the tradition of oversized hats and bourbon in hand, Derby Day always delivers. And if you were trying to figure out how to watch the 2025 edition, chances are you weren’t alone.
This year’s Kentucky Derby took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and as always, it drew in millions of viewers across the country. But how exactly could you watch it? Here’s a straightforward breakdown, without all the fluff.
When Was the Kentucky Derby Race?
The main event—the one everyone waits for—started at 6:57 PM Eastern Time. The entire afternoon was packed with undercard races and pre-show coverage, but if you were only in it for the two-minute thrill, that’s the time you needed to remember.
Still, the real fans know the Kentucky Derby isn’t just about the race. It’s about the buildup. The energy. The crowd. The horses strutting in the paddock. And yes, the fashion moments that make headlines almost as often as the winning jockey.
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If You Have Cable or Satellite
The easiest way to watch was on NBC. The network has held Kentucky Derby rights for years, and their coverage is top-notch. From interviews with trainers to expert commentary and those classic slow-motion replays, NBC doesn’t miss a beat.
Coverage usually kicks off mid-afternoon and runs for several hours. It’s not just a broadcast—it’s a full experience.
Don’t Have Cable? You Still Had Options
If you’re someone who ditched cable a while ago (honestly, who hasn’t?), there were still plenty of ways to watch:
- Peacock: NBC’s own streaming service carried the race. A Peacock Premium subscription was all you needed to stream it live on just about any device—phone, tablet, smart TV, or even your laptop.
- Live TV Streaming Platforms: If you already subscribe to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV, you were covered. These services stream NBC in most areas, and many offer free trials, which made it easy to sign up just for Derby Day.
- NBCSports.com or NBC Sports App: If you still have a cable login (maybe from your parents?), you could stream the race directly through NBC’s app or website.
What About International Viewers?
For fans tuning in from outside the U.S., coverage depended on your region. In the UK, Sky Sports Racing handled the broadcast. Canadians could tune in via TSN, and some global horse racing platforms—like TwinSpires or TVG—also offered live streaming options, often with integrated betting features.
What Else Happened on Race Day?
Beyond the race itself, Kentucky Derby Day was packed with memorable moments. Olympic gymnast Simone Biles gave the iconic “Riders Up!” call just before the race began, and singer Gina Miles took the spotlight with a powerful national anthem.
Meanwhile, Churchill Downs was alive with color and style—bow ties, fascinators, seersucker suits, and sunglasses as far as the eye could see. For many, the people-watching was almost as fun as the racing.
Miss the Race? Here’s How to Watch the Replay
Couldn’t make it in time for the live broadcast? No worries. You can still catch the replay on Peacock, as well as highlights on the NBC Sports website or apps. YouTube and social media were also buzzing with race clips, interviews, and reactions within minutes of the finish.
And if you’re just here to see who won (no judgment), the official results were posted on KentuckyDerby.com almost immediately after the race wrapped up.
Final Thoughts
The Kentucky Derby is a lot of things: a race, a party, a fashion show, and a celebration of Southern tradition. Whether you watched it with friends at a backyard cookout or streamed it solo with your favorite snacks, one thing’s for sure—it’s an event that brings people together, even if just for two electrifying minutes.
So, did your pick cross the finish line first? Either way, there’s always next year.
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