Record-Breaking Week vs. Main Event Figures

The 152nd Kentucky Derby concluded on Saturday with the historic victory of the 23-to-1 long shot, Golden Tempo. While the event remained a massive financial success, total wagering on the main race saw a slight dip compared to the figures recorded in 2025.

Churchill Downs Inc. reported that total all-sources wagering for the entire race week reached a record-breaking $487 million, representing a 13% increase year-over-year. Despite this momentum throughout the week, the Derby itself generated $225 million in bets, marking a 3.8% decline from the previous year’s record of $234 million. Nevertheless, this remains the second-highest wagering total in the history of the race.

Key metrics from the event include:

  • TwinSpires, the official betting partner, saw flat year-over-year handle of $57 million for the Derby.
  • The broader race week handle for TwinSpires rose by 6%, reaching a record $129 million.
  • The Derby Day program saw a 1% year-over-year increase, setting an all-time high of $89 million.

A Historic Win for Golden Tempo

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby made history beyond the betting windows. Golden Tempo became the first horse trained by a woman to capture the title. Under the guidance of trainer Cherie DeVaux and jockey Jose Ortiz, the horse surged late in the 1 ¼-mile race to finish with a time of 2:02.27.

Golden Tempo secured a $3.1 million payout after narrowly defeating the favorite, Renegade, by a neck. With closing odds of 23-to-1, the victory resulted in significant returns for bettors:

«A $2 wager on Golden Tempo returned $48.24 for the win, $19.14 for place, and $11.90 for show, while a $1 superfecta ticket paid out $94,489.»

The Growing Economic Impact

The rise of legalized sports betting in the U.S. since 2018 has significantly benefited the ecosystem surrounding horse racing. With major operators like DraftKings offering Kentucky Derby wagering across more than 25 states, the event's profitability continues to climb.

Churchill Downs anticipates that the Derby Week will yield record growth, projecting an Adjusted EBITDA increase of $15 million to $18 million year-over-year.

Reflecting on the success of the week, Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc., stated: «We commend the connections of Golden Tempo on an exceptional victory in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby. This year’s Kentucky Derby Week was a remarkable celebration of racing.»