Kentucky Derby live streaming: How to watch the 2025 Kentucky Derby Online for free

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Updated: May 3, 2025, 23:14 IST

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The 151st Kentucky Derby is set for May 3rd, 2025, at Churchill Downs, with coverage on USA Network and NBC. Viewers can stream the race via Peacock, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, or FuboTV. Journalism is the favorite, while Bob Baffert returns with Rodriguez and Citizen Bull, adding excitement to the competitive field.

Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby, one of the most iconic sporting events in the world, returns for its 151st running this weekend at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Often dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” the Derby attracts a global audience eager to witness elite thoroughbreds and top jockeys compete in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or a casual viewer, there are plenty of options to catch the action live, even if you’ve cut the cord. Here’s your complete guide to watching the Kentucky Derby online for free.

When is the Kentucky Derby 2025? date and time

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 3. Live coverage kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on USA Network, with NBC taking over from 2:30 p.m. ET until the event concludes. The main race is scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m. ET and lasts just about two thrilling minutes. For UK viewers, that’s 11:57 p.m. BST, and for Australian fans on the west coast, it airs at 6:57 a.m. AWST on Sunday, May 4.

How to watch Kentucky Derby online

For US viewers, the most budget-friendly way to stream the race is via Peacock, with plans starting at just $8/month. Peacock offers full-day coverage, including pre-race analysis and the main event. Sling TV’s Blue package is another affordable option, especially with a 50% discount on your first month. Looking for a free trial? Both DirecTV Stream (5 days) and FuboTV (7 days) include NBC and USA Network in their packages.
In the UK, Sky Sports holds the broadcasting rights, available through regular Sky TV plans or via Now TV’s £15 day pass. Irish viewers can tune in for free on Virgin Media 2.

Traveling abroad? A VPN like ExpressVPN allows you to stream your home service securely from anywhere by masking your location.

Kentucky Derby Racers

This year’s field features 20 horses, each with their eyes on the prestigious Garland of Roses. Journalism is the current favourite with 3-1 odds, while Sandman (6-1) and Sovereignty (5-1) are also strong contenders. Trainer Bob Baffert makes a high-profile return with Rodriguez (12-1) and Citizen Bull (20-1), adding extra intrigue to the race. Other notable entries include Burnham Square, Final Gambit, and Owen Almighty, rounding out a competitive field full of surprises.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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