The excitement at Kentucky Derby 2025 kicked off with thrilling early races, and the buzz is already building ahead of the main event — The Run for the Roses. But before the big race, Race 2 delivered a stunning upset, as Lemon Muffin, a relatively overlooked contender, surged ahead in the final stretch to claim victory in front of a roaring crowd.
The unexpected win has shifted early betting dynamics and ignited enthusiasm among racing fans nationwide. With perfect spring weather, a packed Churchill Downs, and millions watching live, Derby Day 2025 is shaping up to be one for the history books.
Race 2 Results: Lemon Muffin Surprises Field
In a race that defied expert predictions, Lemon Muffin took first place in Race 2, beating out favorites like Blue Victory and Gold Stride. The three-year-old filly, trained by Samantha Reyes, clocked in with a remarkable 1:21.34 over the seven-furlong sprint.
Race 2 Official Results – Kentucky Derby 2025
| Position | Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Final Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Lemon Muffin | Tyler Hastings | Samantha Reyes | 1:21.34 |
| 2nd | Blue Victory | Javier Torres | Mark D’Angelo | 1:21.91 |
| 3rd | Gold Stride | Marcus Belton | Tara Schmidt | 1:22.05 |
| 4th | Iron Wish | Casey Liu | Derek Williams | 1:22.58 |
| 5th | Summer Flood | Riley Jamison | Eric Thompson | 1:22.70 |
This win marks a major milestone for both Hastings and Reyes, neither of whom had clinched a win at Churchill Downs prior to this event.
Trainer and Jockey React
“I’ve always believed in this horse,” said trainer Samantha Reyes, moments after the race. “Lemon Muffin has heart, stamina, and that killer instinct down the final stretch. We came in as underdogs, but we’re leaving as winners.”
Tyler Hastings, the winning jockey, added, “She felt powerful from the gate. I just gave her the room, and she did the rest. We had a great connection today.”
What This Means Ahead of The Run for the Roses
While Lemon Muffin was not scheduled to compete in the marquee event, her commanding win in Race 2 may influence bettors’ confidence in horses with similar training backgrounds or racing styles.
Derby watchers are now reassessing their favorites for The Run for the Roses, which is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET, with Royal Majesty and Storm Drifter leading the current odds.
Updated Odds – Kentucky Derby 2025 Main Event
| Horse Name | Odds Before Race 2 | Odds After Race 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Majesty | 3/1 | 5/2 |
| Storm Drifter | 4/1 | 4/1 |
| Noble Armor | 5/1 | 6/1 |
| Evening Eclipse | 7/1 | 6/1 |
| Valor’s Edge | 10/1 | 9/1 |
While the Derby favorites remain unchanged, the betting market has tightened, especially around horses trained by Samantha Reyes, who now enjoys a surge in national attention.
Live Crowd, Record Attendance, and Atmosphere
With over 160,000 spectators gathered at Churchill Downs and millions more tuned in via NBC and streaming platforms, Kentucky Derby 2025 is on track to surpass previous years in both attendance and betting volume.
Vendors reported record beverage and merchandise sales during the early races, and the venue is buzzing with celebrities, politicians, and royalty — including a surprise appearance by international pop icon Lana Viera, who opened the ceremonies.
Highlights from the Track So Far
- Best Early Performance: Lemon Muffin (Race 2)
- Loudest Crowd Moment: Close photo finish in Race 1
- Top Fashion Trend: Emerald-green fascinators and pastel suits
- Most Ordered Drink: Classic Mint Julep
Social media is also lighting up, with the hashtag #Derby2025 trending nationwide within the first hour of racing.
FAQs About Kentucky Derby 2025
Q1: Who won Race 2 at the Kentucky Derby 2025?
A: Lemon Muffin, ridden by Tyler Hastings and trained by Samantha Reyes, won Race 2 in a surprising upset.
Q2: What time is the main Kentucky Derby race?
A: The Run for the Roses is scheduled for 6:45 PM ET on May 3, 2025.
Q3: Are there any surprises in the early races?
A: Yes, Lemon Muffin’s unexpected win in Race 2 has shaken up early betting trends and surprised many analysts.
Q4: Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby live?
A: NBC is broadcasting the event live, and streaming is available via Peacock and the NBC Sports app.
Q5: How many people are attending the Derby this year?
A: Over 160,000 fans are in attendance at Churchill Downs, with millions more watching globally.
Final Thoughts: Lemon Muffin’s Rise Adds Flavor to Derby Day 2025
As the sun shines on Churchill Downs and the anticipation builds for The Run for the Roses, the early races have already set the tone for an electrifying day of horse racing. Lemon Muffin’s unexpected triumph proves that Derby Day always delivers excitement—even before the main event begins.
Stay tuned for live coverage, updates, and full results as Kentucky Derby 2025 continues to gallop toward the history books.