• Loading stock data...
Monday, July 7, 2025

The Starting Line: The Kentucky Derby by the Numbers

kentucky-derby-data
Photo Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
kentucky-derby-data

Photo Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

*This piece first appeared in the Front Office Sports Newsletter. Subscribe today and get the news before anyone else. 

This weekend, some of the world’s best thoroughbreds will take to the track for the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby.

With that in mind, here’s a look inside some of the relevant news, notes and numbers in less time than it will take the horses to make their way around the mile-and-a-quarter track.

Churchill Downs, let me upgrade you

The Kentucky Derby’s iconic track opened in 1875 and has undergone quite the transformation over the years. According to Churchill Downs, since 2005, the track has undergone more than $200 million in renovations. Here’s a look at where some of that money has gone.

– $5 million – Spent on the addition of a new rooftop garden offering exclusive sightlines for more than 500 racing fans.

– $16 million – Spent on upgrades to the second floor of the clubhouse. The enhanced amenities include upgraded food and beverage offerings with 25 new points of sale, more than 75 additional restroom facilities and added wagering windows and flat-screen televisions.

– $32 million – Spent on the addition of a larger bus depot, a pedestrian plaza and enlarged paddock entrance gate for guests to enter and exit the racetrack from the bus depot.

– $37 million – Spent on the addition of more than 1,800 new seats for last year’s Derby through the addition of new luxury suites, interior dining tables and third-floor grandstand seats.

Which brands will you see this year?

According to the track’s official sponsor and promotional guide, 53 brands are either official sponsors or promotional partners for this year’s Derby. Here’s a look at some you will likely see on Saturday.

1. Woodford Reserve – Presenting Sponsor of the Kentucky Derby
2. Longines – Official Watch of Churchill Downs
3. Chrysler/Ram Trucks – Official Truck of Churchill Downs
4. G.H. Mumm – Official Champagne and Sparkling Wine of the Kentucky Derby
5. vineyard vines – Official Style of the Kentucky Derby

What else should you know? 

In case you are having a Derby watch party or just want to have some fun tidbits for the office this week, here are five facts you should know heading into this weekend, according to Wallet Hub.

1.  $238 million: Amount of money expected to be wagered on the Kentucky Derby this year. 2018 set the record with $225.7 million wagered.
2.  120,000 – Number of Mint Juleps served over Kentucky Derby weekend, requiring 1,000 pounds of fresh mint and 60,000 pounds of ice.
3.  11.7 million minutes – The amount of streaming time for the 2018 Kentucky Derby, making it the most-streamed Derby ever.
4.  $1.86 million: What the winner will take home this year.
5.  $500 to $1,000 – Price of a high-end Kentucky Derby hat (90% of female spectators wear hats).

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”

Featured Today

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jun 17, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena
June 26, 2025

Stanley Cup’s International Summer Tour: Rules, Repairs, and Raucousness

No pro trophy tour compares to the NHL’s three-month global victory lap.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Sheryl Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.