IMAGES | Kentucky Derby 151

Rain or shine, the Derby spirit endures

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby once again proved why it remains the crown jewel of American sports, culture and tradition.

Not even soggy grounds or gray skies could dampen the excitement. Despite the rain, more than 147,000 fans braved the weather—proving once again that the Derby is more than just a horse race; it’s a tradition.

In a dramatic final stretch through the mud, Sovereignty surged past heavy favorite Journalism to claim victory with an impressive time of 2:02.31. The race wasn’t just about the finish—it was about lineage, too, as all 19 contenders were descendants of the legendary Triple Crown champion, Secretariat.

Olympic icon Simone Biles took center stage to deliver the iconic “Riders Up!” command, while Grammy-nominated singer Grace Potter delivered a stirring rendition of the national anthem.

The spirit of the Kentucky Derby is the passion of the people who show up, year after year. Here’s to the ones who know: the Kentucky Derby is always a good time, come rain or shine.