It’s that time of year again when everyone turns their attention to the Kentucky Derby. This year marks the 151st running of the event, with 19 horses set to participate in one of the world’s most famous horse races. From Bob Baffert’s return to this year’s favorite, CNN Sports takes a look at everything you need to know. How to watch this year’s race For those who can’t get a ticket to see the race live, there is no need to fear. All the action from this year’s Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC, and the race can also be watched on various other streaming platforms, such as Peacock and Hulu. The big race is set to take place on May 3 at 6:57 p.m. ET. The Derby will once again take place at Churchill Downs. What is the Kentucky Derby? Dubbed the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” – a nod to its approximate run time – the Derby is the first race in US horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown, which also includes the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. It is also arguably the most loved, with people coming from all around the world to witness a taste of the action. The first ever Kentucky Derby was first held back in 1875, and multiple winners have since become household names across North America, such as Secretariat and American Pharoah. The race has more recently become a cultural spectacle, with fashion, cuisine and music all playing a part in the experience. Mint juleps, for example, have become synonymous with the race as the Derby’s official drink and the garland of roses awarded to the winner is recognizable across the country. The question is: which horse will add its name to the history books on Saturday? 2025 contenders Every jockey, every owner and every trainer wants the chance to win the Kentucky Derby but only one of this year’s 19 horses will do it. The bookies’ favorite for this year’s race is Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, at 3-1. It’s a horse coming off the back of three consecutive wins and will hope to buck the recent trend of outsiders winning the Derby. To add to its chances, Journalism was drawn an enviable eighth position in the gate, not that trainer McCarthy thinks it will make much of a difference. “With a horse like him, he gives you a lot of confidence. Wouldn’t have mattered where he was drawn,” he said, per Reuters. Another one to look out for is Sandman, a horse with some very famous fans. The three-year-old’s name is a nod to Metallica’s 1991 hit “Enter Sandman” and the group has certainly noticed. In the buildup to this year’s race, the heavy metal band sent Sandman’s stable some merchandise as a way of showing support. The Kentucky Derby posted a photo on Facebook with Sandman posing with staff members all wearing Metallica t-shirts. Sandman has a real chance at this year’s Derby as well, and is among the favorites at around 6-1. Bob Baffert’s return You can’t talk about this year’s race without mentioning the return of legendary trainer Baffert. Until last year, the Hall of Famer was banned from running horses at Churchill Downs after his horse Medina Spirit’s failed drug test in 2021. Medina Spirit had initially crossed the line first in the Derby four years ago, but later tested positive for a banned substance, meaning the result was nullified. Baffert, who has trained six Derby winners, was subsequently banned for two years from Churchill Downs but saw his suspension extended again in 2023. He said at the time the banned drug was in a topical ointment used for a skin infection and Medina Spirit had not been injected with it. Last year, though, Baffert said in a post on X he is responsible for any substances found in his trained horses and has “paid a very steep price.” Now, he’s back and is hoping relative outsider Citizen Bull can bring home a record-breaking seventh Derby victory for him. Baffert did initially have a second horse in the race, but Rodriguez was withdrawn earlier this week due to a bruised foot. “I’m going to have fun now that everything is behind me,” Baffert told The Associated Press. 2024-25 horse leaderboard All odds are accurate as of Saturday morning. 1. Citizen Bull Trainer: Bob Baffert Odds: 20-1 2. Neoequos Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr. Odds: 30-1 3. Final Gambit Trainer: Brad H. Cox Odds: 30-1 5. American Promise Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Odds: 30-1 6. Admire Daytona (JPN) Trainer: Yukihiro Kato Odds: 30-1 7. Luxor Cafe Trainer: Noriyuki Hori Odds: 15-1 8. Journalism Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy Odds: 3-1 9. Burnham Square Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes Odds: 12-1 11. Flying Mohawk Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman Odds: 30-1 12. East Avenue Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh Odds: 20-1 13. Publisher Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen Odds: 20-1 14. Tiztastic Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen Odds: 20-1 15. Render Judgment Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek Odds: 30-1 16. Coal Battle Trainer: Lonnie Briley Odds: 30-1 17. Sandman Trainer: Mark E. Casse Odds: 6-1 18. Sovereignty Trainer: William I. Mott Odds: 5-1 19. Chunk of Gold Trainer: Ethan W. West Odds: 30-1 20. Owen Almighty Trainer: Brian Lynch Odds: 30-1 21. Baeza Trainer: John A. Shirreffs
Metallica’s pick and Bob Baffert’s return: Everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Kentucky Derby 2024: Key Details and Contenders Ahead of the Race"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
The Kentucky Derby, celebrated as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports," is set to return for its 151st running, with 19 horses vying for victory at Churchill Downs on May 3 at 6:57 p.m. ET. The race has garnered international attention, not only for its prestigious history but also for the vibrant cultural spectacle it creates, encompassing fashion, food, and music. The event is broadcast live on NBC and available for streaming on platforms like Peacock and Hulu, ensuring fans worldwide can partake in the excitement. Among this year's contenders, Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthy, stands out as the favorite with odds of 3-1, following three consecutive wins. The horse's favorable position in the starting gate has bolstered expectations, although McCarthy remains confident in Journalism's capabilities regardless of starting position. Another notable horse is Sandman, whose name pays homage to Metallica's famous song "Enter Sandman." The band has shown support by sending merchandise to Sandman's stable, further enhancing the horse's profile as a contender with odds around 6-1.
A significant highlight of this year's Derby is the return of renowned trainer Bob Baffert, who has faced a tumultuous period following the disqualification of his horse Medina Spirit in 2021 due to a failed drug test. After serving a two-year ban from Churchill Downs, Baffert is back with hopes of securing a record-breaking seventh Derby win with his horse Citizen Bull, which currently has odds of 20-1. Baffert acknowledges the challenges he has faced and expresses a desire to enjoy this year's race with a renewed perspective. The Derby's allure continues to captivate audiences, as fans eagerly anticipate which horse will etch its name into the storied history of this iconic event. With the stakes high and excitement palpable, the 2024 Kentucky Derby promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable memories for all involved.
TruthLens AI Analysis
As the Kentucky Derby approaches, the article highlights significant aspects of this iconic horse racing event. The focus is on the excitement surrounding the race, its cultural implications, and prominent figures involved, such as Bob Baffert.
Purpose of the Article
The article aims to inform readers about the upcoming Kentucky Derby, emphasizing its historical significance and the cultural spectacle it has become. It encourages a sense of anticipation among fans and potential viewers, providing logistical details for watching the race.
Public Perception
By detailing the festivities surrounding the Derby, including fashion and culinary traditions like mint juleps, the article seeks to create a celebratory atmosphere. It cultivates enthusiasm and community engagement, as the Derby is more than just a race—it's a social event.
Information Transparency
There does not appear to be any hidden agendas in the article. It presents factual information about the Derby, including how to watch it and details on the competing horses. However, the article does lean towards glorifying the event, which can obscure some of the more negative aspects of horse racing, such as ethical concerns regarding animal welfare.
Reliability of Information
The article is largely reliable as it provides factual details regarding the event, the participating horses, and how to view the race. However, it may have a slight bias in favor of promoting the Derby as a cultural hallmark without addressing any controversies surrounding horse racing.
Cultural Connections
In the context of other news, this article aligns with a broader narrative of sporting events as cultural phenomena that unite communities. It taps into the American tradition of horse racing and its significance in pop culture, which can resonate with various demographics.
Impact on Society and Economy
The Kentucky Derby significantly influences local economies, especially in Louisville, Kentucky, through tourism and hospitality. The coverage of the Derby can also affect betting markets and related businesses, potentially leading to increased economic activity.
Target Audience
This article appeals to a wide range of audiences, from horse racing enthusiasts to casual viewers interested in the spectacle of the event. It targets those invested in sporting events and the cultural aspects associated with them, including fashion and food.
Market Implications
While the article may not directly influence stock markets, it highlights sectors such as hospitality, betting, and entertainment that could see fluctuations based on the Derby's popularity and viewership. Companies involved in these sectors may experience increased activity leading up to and during the event.
Geopolitical Context
Although the Kentucky Derby is primarily a sporting event, it reflects aspects of American culture and traditions. The article does not directly connect to global power dynamics but serves as a reminder of how cultural events can foster national pride.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in crafting this article, particularly in organizing information and ensuring clarity. The structured presentation of details suggests a methodical approach that AI could facilitate, particularly in summarizing key points and creating a coherent narrative.
Manipulative Elements
While the article does not seem overtly manipulative, it employs language that romanticizes the Derby. This can lead readers to overlook critical discussions regarding the implications of horse racing. The celebratory tone may serve to distract from underlying issues within the sport.
The article serves as a reliable source for information about the Kentucky Derby while promoting the event as a cultural spectacle. Its approach fosters community engagement and highlights the excitement surrounding this historic race.