Meet the 20 Horses Racing in the 2025 Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The stage is set for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, with twenty horses ready to compete on May 3. Each horse brings a unique name and story, showcasing creativity and heritage in horse naming.

The Jockey Club regulates the naming process for racehorses. Owners must follow specific rules, ensuring that no two names are the same and that names cannot be vulgar or directly reference living individuals without permission. With about 45,000 active names, the challenge for owners is considerable.

Among the notable entrants is the horse named American Promise. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and jockey Nik Juarez, crafted this name with inspiration from the owner’s love of America, rooted in their experience with a previous horse named Summer Promise.

Another contender, named Sovereignty, was chosen through Godolphin’s employee naming program. Trainer Ethan West and jockey Jareth Loveberry will represent this horse, which draws from the dam’s name, Crown.

Horses such as Final Gambit, named after a move in Pokémon, reflect fun stories behind their names, showing how trainers and owners intertwine personal interests with racing traditions.

Each name serves as a tribute to the horse’s lineage, with some names referencing popular culture, like Metallica’s influence on the horse “Enter Sandman,” owned by Jonathan Green.

As the excitement builds for the Derby, these entries embody not only the sport’s competitive spirit but also the rich narratives behind every name. The event promises to be a thrilling race that celebrates these athletes in style.