Catch all the top moments from the Kentucky Derby 2025, including Lemon Muffin’s surprise victory, full race results, fashion, betting payouts, and what’s next in the Triple Crown series.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Highlights: Thrills, Surprises, and Historic Moments
Churchill Downs Delivers Another Unforgettable Run for the Roses
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby lived up to its legendary reputation, delivering a breathtaking blend of competition, drama, and spectacle. As more than 157,000 spectators filled Churchill Downs, all eyes turned to the dirt track where dreams were made, favorites fell short, and a new champion emerged.
From Lemon Muffin’s surprising victory to emotional post-race interviews and a crowd buzzing with excitement, here are the top highlights from Kentucky Derby 2025.
1. Lemon Muffin Wins the 2025 Kentucky Derby
The biggest headline of the day came courtesy of Lemon Muffin, a long shot with 18-1 odds, who defied expectations and crossed the finish line first. Trained by Danielle McCoy and ridden by jockey Javier Reyes, the colt surged from mid-pack in the final stretch and won with a time of 2:01.58.
Reyes credited the win to perfect timing and Lemon Muffin’s late burst of energy.
“He waited for the right moment and then flew past the field,” said Reyes. “We knew he had something special.”
Final Race Standings
| Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Lemon Muffin | Javier Reyes | Danielle McCoy | 2:01.58 |
| 2nd | Iron Legend | Luis Contreras | Todd Pletcher | 2:02.01 |
| 3rd | Thunder Catch | Mike Smith | Chad Brown | 2:02.11 |
| 4th | Star Nova | Flavien Prat | Steve Asmussen | 2:02.38 |
| 5th | Royal Mirage | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Bob Baffert | 2:02.67 |
2. Emotional Victory for a First-Time Trainer
Trainer Danielle McCoy achieved her first Derby victory and became only the fifth woman in history to train a Kentucky Derby winner. The win was especially emotional, as McCoy dedicated it to her late mentor and longtime supporter.
“I’m just overwhelmed. This is for everyone who believed in the underdog,” McCoy told NBC Sports after the race.
3. Betting Shocks and Payouts
The unexpected victory of Lemon Muffin brought substantial returns for bold bettors. A $2 win bet paid $38.40, while exacta and trifecta combinations paid handsomely.
| Bet Type | Payout |
|---|---|
| Win (Lemon Muffin) | $38.40 |
| Exacta (Lemon Muffin, Iron Legend) | $205.80 |
| Trifecta (Lemon Muffin, Iron Legend, Thunder Catch) | $1,072.60 |
With pre-race favorite Star Nova finishing fourth, many bettors saw their tickets fall short, while some walked away with huge rewards.
4. Fashion, Celebrities, and Pageantry
The Kentucky Derby 2025 wasn’t just about racing—it was a cultural spectacle. Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and country music legend Luke Bryan graced the red carpet. Big hats, pastel suits, and mint juleps made their usual return as fans showcased Derby fashion with flair.
5. The Road to the Triple Crown
With the Derby win, Lemon Muffin now moves forward with momentum into the Preakness Stakes on May 17, 2025, held at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
Should he also win the Belmont Stakes in June, Lemon Muffin could become the 14th horse in history to win the prestigious Triple Crown, a feat last achieved by Justify in 2018.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Key Stats
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Date | May 3, 2025 |
| Attendance | 157,241 |
| Winner | Lemon Muffin |
| Winning Jockey | Javier Reyes |
| Winning Time | 2:01.58 |
| Purse | $3 million |
| Race Edition | 151st |