The Kentucky Derby is an American Grade I stakes horse race run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a Thoroughbred race exclusively for three-year-old horses, both colts and fillies. The race distance is 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs; approximately 2 kilometers) on a dirt track, and it is run left-handed. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds (57.2 kg), while fillies carry 121 pounds (55 kg). The Kentucky Derby is held annually on the first Saturday in May and is the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown series
. The 2025 Kentucky Derby, the 151st running of the event, took place on May 3, 2025, featuring 19 three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing for the "Run for the Roses" title. The race is known as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" due to its approximate duration and thrilling finishes
. In summary, the Kentucky Derby is a Grade I Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses, run over 1 1/4 miles on dirt at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
