What?
Horse racing fans are in for a massive weekend as NBC Sports and Peacock bring live coverage of the $3.5 million Nashville Derby from Kentucky Downs, along with bonus action from two additional high-stakes races: the $2 million Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint and the $2 million Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint.
LIVE??Watch Nashville Derby 2025 Live Anywhere
This Saturday, August 30, 2025, the broadcast begins at 4:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, delivering one of the richest days of turf racing outside the Breeders’ Cup. Here’s everything you need to know about the Nashville Derby, the featured horses, and how to watch live.
Nashville Derby 2025: Race Details
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025 Start Time: 4:00 PM ET (NBC & Peacock) Location: Kentucky Downs, Franklin, Kentucky Distance: 1 5/16 miles (turf) Purse: $3.5 million ($2 million base + $1.5 million from Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund)
The Nashville Derby is now the richest turf race in America outside of the Breeders’ Cup, making it one of the sport’s most anticipated events. Its $2 million base purse matches prestigious races like the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, cementing it as a must-watch for horse racing fans.
Horses to Watch in the 2025 Nashville Derby
A star-studded lineup is expected, including several classic race winners:
Test Score – Winner of the 2025 Belmont Derby Tiztastic – Louisiana Derby champion Final Gambit – Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Sandman – Arkansas Derby champion (making turf debut) Burnham Square – Blue Grass Stakes winner (also debuting on grass)
With major stakes winners shifting surfaces and fresh talent in the mix, this year’s Nashville Derby promises plenty of intrigue.
Bonus Coverage: More $2 Million Races
In addition to the Nashville Derby, NBC Sports and Peacock will also feature coverage of two elite turf sprints:
$2 Million Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint $2 Million Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint – A Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In event, awarding the winner an automatic berth into the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar.
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series includes 93 races across 15 countries, leading up to the 42nd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, California, on October 31 – November 1, 2025.
NBC Sports Coverage Team
NBC Sports’ presentation will feature some of the most respected names in horse racing media, including:
Britney Eurton – Trackside reporting Nick Luck – International coverage and insights Randy Moss – Expert analysis Jerry Bailey – Hall of Fame jockey with 15 Breeders’ Cup wins
How to Watch the 2025 Nashville Derby
TV: NBC (starting 4:00 PM ET, Saturday, Aug. 30) Live Stream: Peacock (available on Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, mobile apps, and web browsers)
NBC Sports is the exclusive home of major horse racing events, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series.
Final Word
The 2025 Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs isn’t just another race—it’s a record-breaking turf event featuring champions from across the Triple Crown trail, alongside two additional $2 million turf sprints that could reshape the Breeders’ Cup picture. With NBC and Peacock delivering wall-to-wall coverage, fans won’t miss a moment of this action-packed day of world-class horse racing.
?? Tune in this Saturday, August 30, at 4:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock to watch the Nashville Derby and more, live from Kentucky Downs.