May 3, 2025 - Sports

In photos: Kentucky Derby style thrills

Lauren Floyd

Four women smile wearing hats, one fuchsia, one royal blue, one navy and one black and white. — Fans arrive to wet weather at the 151st Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs. Photo: Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images

The Kentucky Derby, known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," returns to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, drawing racing fans and style enthusiasts alike for the 151st edition.

The big picture: The Derby's signature race, starting Saturday at 6:57pm local time, will showcase the top 3-year-old thoroughbreds, Journalism, Sandman and Sovereignty, vying for the coveted garland of roses.

Man in sunglasses wears hat with cathedral, horse and red roses on it — One fan incorporates red roses in his hat, a nod to the Derby's tradition of presenting a rose garland to the winner starting in 1896. Photo: Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images

Woman with black and white hat with red flowers — Another spectator incorporates red roses in her headwear. She poses in the paddock area before the Derby Saturday. In 1904, the red rose was designated the official flower of the Derby. Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Simply In Front with Frankie Dettori riding wins the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile with other horses competing — Simply In Front with Frankie Dettori riding wins the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Saturday. Photo: Horsephotos/Getty Images

Women in rain ponchos pass out drinks — The clear poncho quickly became the accessory of necessity Saturday, thanks to the rain. Photo: Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images

Man in pink, green, blue and yellow floral blazer takes cell phone photo of woman in fascinator and matching dress — Celebrations were marked by a blend of time-honored customs and new experiences, with a renovated Grandstand. Photo: Horsephotos/ Getty Images

Horses race on mud track — Ahead of the Kentucky Derby, Panamanian jockey Luis Saez rides Good Cheer to victory in the Kentucky Oaks event Friday at Churchill Downs. Photo: Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images

Man in blue mounted on brown horse draped in flowers — Good Cheer sports the Kentucky Oaks' coveted garland of lilies. Photo: Leandro Lozada / AFP via Getty Images

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In photos: Kentucky Derby style thrills

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