• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

Kentucky Derby Sets Ratings, Betting Records Despite Attendance Dip

The Kentucky Derby set yet another record for betting handle, despite a noticeable dip in attendance for Saturday’s race. The crowd of 147,406 at Churchill Downs was down almost 6% from 2024.

The Courier-Journal

The Kentucky Derby drew its best TV audience since 1989, as 17.7 million viewers tuned into Saturday’s race on NBC and Peacock. That’s up 6% from last year’s audience of 16.7 million.

Viewership peaked at 21.8 million viewers just after 7 p.m. ET, when Sovereignty, who entered Saturday with the second-best odds of winning (5–1), narrowly defeated Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism (3–1). That’s up 8% from the peak audience of 20.1 million in 2024. Larry Collmus called his record-breaking 15th consecutive Kentucky Derby for NBC on Saturday.

Sovereignty earned the $3.1 million first-place prize for owner Godolphin, the thoroughbred horse racing and breeding operation of the Maktoum family, who are the rulers of Dubai. Typically, jockeys and trainers are each paid out 10% of the winnings.

Place Your Bets

The Kentucky Derby set yet another record for betting handle, despite a noticeable dip in attendance. The crowd of 147,406 at Churchill Downs was down almost 6% from 156,710 last year, which was the largest attendance number at the Kentucky Derby since 2018. Rainy weather over the weekend created damp and cold conditions in Louisville, including an especially muddy racetrack and infield, which is where some of the most affordable tickets allow access.

But that didn’t stop bettors at the track and home from getting in on the action. 

Churchill Downs announced that wagering from all sources on the entire day of races at the Kentucky Derby totaled $349 million, breaking the previous record of $320.5 million set in 2024. When the entire week of races is factored in, that rises to $473.9 million, also a record.

Betting on the Kentucky Derby itself totaled a record $234.4 million, besting last year’s sum of $210.7 million.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Netflix Boxing Ratings Spark New Fight Over Streaming Metrics

The streamer used a non-accredited process to measure the boxing match.
Donald Trump
exclusive

Trump’s Unprecedented Super Bowl Visit Cost Secret Service More Than $120K

Trump was the first president to attend the Super Bowl.

MLB, NBC Leaders Say Broadcast TV Still Matters in Streaming Era

The network and league tout the forthcoming rights deal.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Fever Ratings Fall Without Clark, but Rest of WNBA Game 1s Surge

The Indiana Fever game drew 47% fewer viewers this year.
exclusive
September 16, 2025

ESPN, Fox One Added 1M Sign-Ups in First 10 Days After Launch

The two high-profile streaming services have strong starts with consumers.
Sep 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) makes a reception defended by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
September 16, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Sets Early NFL TV Ratings Mark

Several new milestones are established with the big early-season matchup.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Greg Olsen
September 16, 2025

Greg Olsen on Tom Brady’s Raiders Role: ‘More Power to Him’

This season, the NFL has relaxed the special Brady broadcasting rules.
Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Injured Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench during the first half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at United Center.
September 15, 2025

WNBA Ratings Rise 3% in 2025 Despite Clark’s Absence

Caitlin Clark played in just 13 of 44 regular-season games.
Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (85) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 27-18.
September 15, 2025

Amazon Shatters Previous Ratings High for 1st NFL Game

“TNF” viewership surges 35% compared to the 2024 season average.
Las Vegas Aces
September 15, 2025

WNBA Playoffs Face ESPN Fall Crunch For Final Time

The games will be spread across three networks next year.