How long is the Kentucky Derby? How many miles is race?

How long is the Kentucky Derby? How many miles is the race at Churchill Downs.?

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is often referred to as "the most exciting two minutes in sports" with good reason. 

The 151th running of the "Run for the Roses" is quickly approaching, but how long will the storied Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky remain open before the show moves on? Your response is here. 

When the Kentucky Derby was first held in 1875, it was measured in 1 1/2 miles, or 12 furlongs, which is the same as 660 feet in horse racing meter. In 1896, the distance was extended to 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs).

Only two horses have ever covered the distance in under two minutes in Kentucky Derby history: Monarchos finished in 1:59.97 in 2001, and Secretariat, the eventual Triple Crown winner, ran in 1:59.4 in 1973.

How many miles is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is 1 1/4 miles long, the equivalent of 2,200 yards.

How long does the Kentucky Derby last?

The Kentucky Derby is commonly referred to as the "most exciting two minutes in sports" because that's normally how long it lasts. Since 2013, the average time for Kentucky Derby winners is 2:02.69, according to TwinSpires Horse Racing. Last year, Mage, the 2023 Kentucky Derby winner, finished in 2:01.57.

Is the Kentucky Derby a long race?

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, but it is not the longest race. The Belmont Stakes, held in June, is the longest of the three races at 1 1/2 mile, while the Preakness Stakes in mid-May is 1 3/16 mile long.

What are the fastest Kentucky Derby times?

Secretariat set the record for the fastest Kentucky Derby time in 1973 and it still stands five decades later. Here are the fastest Churchill Downs times in history, according to TwinSpires Horse Racing:

1973, Secretariat – 1:59.40

2001, Monarchos – 1:59.97

1964, Northern Dancer – 2:00.00

1985, Spend A Buck – 2:00.20

1962, Decidedly – 2:00.40

1967, Proud Clarion – 2:00.60

2020, Authentic – 2:00.61

1996, Grindstone – 2:01.06

Note: Medina Spirit had a time of 2:01.02 in 2021 but was later disqualified after testing positive in a post-race drug test.

Kentucky Derby 2025 Post Time: TV, streaming and where to watch

When: Saturday, May 3

Coverage starts: 2:30 p.m. ET

Post time: 7:02 p.m. ET

Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)

Cable TV: NBC

Streaming: Peacock; Fubo TV (free trial)

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