152nd Kentucky Derby hits record handle

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated announced today that Golden Tempo claimed the Garland of Roses at the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve under partly sunny skies and the cheers of over 150,000 exuberant fans.

Golden Tempo, owned and bred by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, trained by Cherie DeVaux, and ridden by Jose Ortiz, raced to the finish to win by a neck at 23-1 odds. Golden Tempo covered the mile and a quarter in 2:02.27 over a fast track. Sired by Curlin, Golden Tempo now has lifetime earnings of over $3.4 million. Cherie DeVaux made history as the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner. Jose Ortiz rode to victory in both the 152nd Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.

All-sources handle for Derby Week rose to a new record of $487 million, up $13 million or 3% from the prior record set in 2025. Wagering from all sources on the Kentucky Derby Day program was $340 million compared to last year’s record of $349 million. All-sources wagering on the Kentucky Derby race was $225 million, compared to last year’s record of $234 million.

TwinSpires, the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby, handled a new record of $129 million in wagering on Churchill Downs races for Kentucky Derby Week, up $7 million or 6% from the prior record set in 2025. TwinSpires handled a new record of $89 million in wagering on the Kentucky Derby Day program, up 1% compared to last year’s record of $88 million. TwinSpires’ handle on the Kentucky Derby race was $57 million, flat to last year’s record.

The Company expects record-setting Adjusted EBITDA for Churchill Downs Racetrack on Derby Week with $15 to $18 million of Adjusted EBITDA growth compared to the prior year.

“We commend the connections of Golden Tempo on an exceptional victory in the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI.?“This year’s Kentucky Derby Week was a remarkable celebration of racing.”