The Kentucky Derby, "the most exciting two minutes in sports," has offered endless moments of high excitement since its first run 152 years ago.
Held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, the nation’s premier horse racing event continues to attract dedicated fans and casual spectators alike. Viewers are drawn to the race’s pageantry, history – and money.
This year’s Run for the Roses will offer a purse of $5 million, split among the top five finishers in the 20-horse race. The purse is the same as in 2025 and 2024. That's an increase of $2 million over recent years.
The Derby’s allure continues, despite accusations of horse doping in 2021 and the deaths of two horses in 2023.
Can't see our graphics? Click here to reload the page.
