The Kentucky Derby 2025 is one of the biggest horse racing events in the world. Every year, thousands of fans watch it live from Churchill Downs while millions more tune in from home. It’s more than just a race. It’s a celebration of tradition, excitement, and sports history.
If you’re in the Central Time zone, you might be wondering what time the race starts. Knowing the exact start time helps you plan your day so you don’t miss a moment. In this guide, I’ll explain the Kentucky Derby 2025 start time in Central Time. I’ll also help you figure out when to turn on the TV or streaming service to catch all the action.
When Is the Kentucky Derby 2025?
The Kentucky Derby 2025 will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. It happens every year on the first Saturday in May. The race is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This will be the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby, also known as “The Run for the Roses.”
The whole day is filled with excitement, from the early races to the big event in the evening. Fans look forward to it all year long. If you’re planning to watch, it’s good to know what time everything happens, especially if you’re in Central Time.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Start Time (Central Time)
The Kentucky Derby 2025 is expected to start at 5:57 p.m. Central Time (CT). This is the official post time for the main race. But coverage begins much earlier in the day. If you want to catch all the pre-race coverage, interviews, and analysis, you should tune in by 1:00 p.m. Central Time.
It’s important to remember that the Derby is broadcast live from Eastern Time, so Central Time is one hour behind. If you see a start time listed as 6:57 p.m. Eastern Time, that means it will be 5:57 p.m. for viewers in the Central Time zone.
So, mark your calendar and set your reminder. The most exciting two minutes in sports will happen just before 6 p.m. CT. Also check KY Derby post time in different time zones here.
Full Day Schedule in Central Time
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just one race. It’s a full day of events leading up to the big moment. Here’s a simple schedule in Central Time so you know what to expect:
- 10:00 a.m. CT – Gates open at Churchill Downs
- 11:00 a.m. CT – First race of the day
- 1:00 p.m. CT – TV coverage begins on NBC and Peacock
- 4:30 p.m. CT – Pre-race analysis and special features start
- 5:57 p.m. CT – The Kentucky Derby main race begins
There are several other races before the Derby. Many fans enjoy watching those too. But if you only want to see the main event, make sure you’re ready before 5:45 p.m. CT so you don’t miss the build-up and the race itself.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby 2025 in Central Time
You can watch the Kentucky Derby 2025 live on NBC if you’re in the Central Time zone. Coverage will also be available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. Both options will show the full event, from pre-race coverage to the big race.
If you prefer to stream online, you can use the NBC Sports app or Peacock app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV. You’ll need an account to watch on Peacock. Most cable TV packages already include NBC, so you can watch it on regular TV without extra steps.
The broadcast will start around 1:00 p.m. Central Time, but the main race happens closer to 5:57 p.m. CT. If you’re only interested in the race itself, you can tune in during the last hour of coverage.
Make sure you check your local listings to confirm NBC’s channel number in your area.
Tips for Central Time Viewers
If you’re watching the Kentucky Derby 2025 from the Central Time zone, here are a few simple tips to help you enjoy the day:
Plan ahead so you don’t miss the race. It’s easy to get confused with time zones, but remember the main race is at 5:57 p.m. CT. Set a reminder on your phone or write it down.
If you’re hosting a watch party, start gathering your snacks, drinks, and decorations earlier in the day. You can begin watching coverage from 1:00 p.m. CT to enjoy all the pre-race stories and interviews.
Check your TV provider or streaming service in the morning to make sure you have access to NBC or Peacock. This will save you stress later.
You can also print out a list of the horses and post positions so you can follow along during the race. It makes the experience more fun, especially if you’re watching with friends or family.
