Kentucky Derby Nominated as Sports Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal

March 17, 2025

Originally published by Sports Business Journal on 3/17/25

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 17, 2025) – The Kentucky Derby was nominated for Sports Event of the Year for the 150^th running by Sports Business Journal along with five other national elite sporting events. Additionally, Churchill Downs Racetrack was nominated for Sports Facility of the Year for the 18^th annual Sports Business Awards, recognizing excellence over the past year.

The winners in 14 categories will be determined by a group of industry executives. Award winners in two categories — Athletic Director of the Year and Executive of the Year — will be selected solely by Sports Business Journal. Award recipients will be announced during a live event on Wednesday, May 21, at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square.

For a full list of awards categories and nominees, please visit: https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/03/17/diverse-list-of-sports-business-awards-nominees/

About The Kentucky Derby

The $5 million Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. Inaugurated in 1875, the legendary 1 1/4-mile race for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds is the longest continually held major sporting event in North America and the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series. Also known as, “The Run for the Roses®” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports®,” the Kentucky Derby is the most attended horse race in the nation. The 151st Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. For more information, please visit www.KentuckyDerby.com.

Media Contacts

Darren Rogers
Senior Director, Communications & Media Services
Churchill Downs Racetrack

Phone: 502-636-4461

Email: [email protected]

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