Sovereignty Wins as the Kentucky Derby Hits a $349 Million All-Time Wagering Handle

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By Arijit Roul - 7 May, 2025 More about the author

Setting a Record During the Triple Crown’s First Event

Wagering handle at the Kentucky Derby reached a record high of $349 million over the weekend.
TwinSpires, known as the official betting partner of the event, reported its own record handle at $108 million.
Despite these new numbers, projections show that adjusted EBITDA may end up $2 million to $4 million lower than last year’s results.

Sovereignty outshone Journalism at the 151st Kentucky Derby with wagering handles climbing to record levels.

Two weeks of the Kentucky Derby Festival lead up to the main race, held every year on the first Saturday of May. This day ends with the key race called the “Run of the Roses.”

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) stated that this year’s Kentucky Derby day reached a $349 million wagering handle, which is an 8.9% increase over last year’s 150th event.

Wagering for the main Kentucky Derby race alone was at a high point of $234.4 million, registering an 11.2% boost compared to the previous year. Handle for the entire Kentucky Derby Week was reported at $473.9 million, which passed last year’s $446.6 million record. TwinSpires, in its role as official betting partner, reported new records too—a $108 million handle for the day, marking a 17% increase, and $73 million for the Kentucky Derby race, a 19.9% rise.

Bill Carstanjen, who is CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), shared congratulations with those connected to Sovereignty for the win against a strong group of horses.

Reflecting on the event, CDI stated satisfaction with performance following their 150th milestone year in 2024 and shared plans to continue growth for the Kentucky Derby in years ahead.

Projections show that adjusted EBITDA for Derby Week will stand as one of the top two outcomes in CDI’s history, though it is still expected to be $2 million to $4 million less than the prior year.

Right before the races, the Kentucky Derby announced Ford as its exclusive automotive partner through 2029.