Kentucky Derby 2025 results are in: Lemon Muffin stuns the crowd with a dramatic win. See full results, race analysis, trainer quotes, and Triple Crown outlook.
In a stunning upset that thrilled horse racing fans around the globe, Lemon Muffin, a 3-year-old colt trained by Danielle McCoy and ridden by veteran jockey Javier Reyes, emerged as the Kentucky Derby 2025 winner. Crossing the finish line at Churchill Downs with a final time of 2:01.58, Lemon Muffin galloped past heavily favored contenders in the final stretch, etching his name into the annals of racing history.
Final Results – Kentucky Derby 2025
| Position | Horse Name | Jockey | Trainer | Final 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 | Midnight River | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Bob Baffert | 2:02.43 |
| 5th | Star Nova | Flavien Prat | Steve Asmussen | 2:02.55 |
The unexpected victory brought joy to underdog backers, with Lemon Muffin starting the race at 18-1 odds.
Trainer and Jockey Reactions
“He Gave Everything in the Final Stretch” – Jockey Reyes
Javier Reyes, visibly emotional post-race, credited the horse’s fighting spirit and intelligence.
“Lemon Muffin had something to prove today,” Reyes said. “I felt him surge when we hit the final furlong. That’s when I knew — we weren’t just running, we were flying.”
Trainer Danielle McCoy, in her first-ever Kentucky Derby win, called it a dream come true.
“I’ve always believed in this colt. He’s shown heart since day one,” she told reporters. “To win against such a deep field is surreal.”
A Derby to Remember
The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, also known as The Run for the Roses, saw more than 157,000 fans pack Churchill Downs under clear spring skies. The $3 million purse only added to the stakes, but what captivated the audience was the drama, competition, and pure unpredictability — traits the Derby has long been known for.
Key Moments from the Race
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Fast Start: Thunder Catch and Iron Legend took early leads.
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Mid-Race Surprise: Lemon Muffin held back in the middle pack until the final half-mile.
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Strong Finish: In the last 200 meters, Lemon Muffin found a second wind and overtook both Iron Legend and Thunder Catch, sprinting to glory.
Betting Breakdown: How the Odds Played Out
| Horse | Morning Line Odds | Final Odds | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Muffin | 20-1 | 18-1 | 1st |
| Iron Legend | 8-1 | 7-1 | 2nd |
| Thunder Catch | 6-1 | 6-1 | 3rd |
| Star Nova | 5-1 (Favorite) | 4-1 | 5th |
| Midnight River | 10-1 | 9-1 | 4th |
Punters who backed Lemon Muffin were handsomely rewarded with a $2 win payout of $38.40.
Road to the Triple Crown
With the Kentucky Derby 2025 victory secured, all eyes now shift to the Preakness Stakes on May 17, where Lemon Muffin will aim to continue his Triple Crown bid. If successful there, he will then head to the Belmont Stakes in June to attempt the rare feat last achieved by Justify in 2018.
FAQs: Kentucky Derby 2025 Winner
Who won the Kentucky Derby 2025?
Lemon Muffin won the 2025 Kentucky Derby, ridden by Javier Reyes and trained by Danielle McCoy.
What were the final odds for Lemon Muffin?
Lemon Muffin started the race at 18-1 odds.
What was the final time for the winner?
Lemon Muffin completed the race in 2:01.58.
When is the next Triple Crown race?
The Preakness Stakes will be held on May 17, 2025.
Who were the favorites before the race?
Star Nova and Thunder Catch were considered top contenders going into the Derby.
Conclusion: A New Star is Born
The Kentucky Derby 2025 will go down in history not only for its record crowd and picture-perfect conditions but for the emergence of Lemon Muffin — a name few predicted would lead the pack, but one that now dominates headlines. In a sport often ruled by favorites, Saturday reminded us all why we watch: for the moments of heart, grit, and the unexpected.
As Lemon Muffin eyes the Triple Crown, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if this underdog-turned-star can etch his legacy alongside the greats.