There is something undoubtedly all-American about the Kentucky Derby. It is, most certainly, one of the world’s great horse races, yet it lacks the international flavor of comparable prestige races like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and Melbourne Cup. Indeed, you might argue that the Breeders’ Cup is more of a draw for international talent than any of the legs of America’s Triple Crown races.
Of course, that’s partly by design. The Road to the Kentucky Derby, for instance, is a system designed to challenge and eventually reward America’s best thoroughbreds with a place in the Run for the Roses. Yet, there is room for international entries in the event, and that’s increasingly been trending toward Japan.
30 years of trying to crack the Derby
Japanese participation in the Kentucky Derby goes back to 1995 when Ski Captain – trained by Hideyuki Mori – had a tilt at the race, finishing a disappointing 14th. There was a bit of a long gap until the next Japanese-trained entrant, Lani, had a go in 2016, coming in at 9th and following it up with a very credible 3rd in the Belmont Stakes. In the years that followed, Master Fencer, Crown Pride, Dema Sotogake, and Mandarin Hero all had a bash. The best finish was Derma Sotogake, who came 6th in 2023.
Yet, last year felt like a watershed moment. Forever Young arrived with a big reputation and quickly moved into contention in the Kentucky Derby betting markets. The horse finished 3rd, but that only tells half the story. There was only a nose between race winner Mystik Dan, 2nd placed Sierra Leone and Forever Young. For good measure, the other Japanese entrant in that race, T O Password came 5th.
It seems inevitable that the Japanese trainers will get the little bit of luck required to win one. Will it be this year? It’s difficult to say. There’s always a sense of mystery. There’s no doubting the quality of the horses sent over, but it’s difficult to judge how a horse will adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and conditions.
2 Decent chances in 2025
For the 2025 Kentucky Derby, we once again have two Japanese-trained horses, Luxor Café and Admire Daytona. The former is considered a decent chance (he’s third favorite with some sportsbooks), but Admire Daytona should not be ruled out either in a race that likes to throw up surprise winners.
The entry point for Japanese horses comes from the Road to the Kentucky Derby structure. The rules are tweaked now and again, but essentially you have 18 slots reserved for American-trained horses coming through the “Main” Road to the Kentucky Derby, i.e., those horses battling it out for points in the prep races like the Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, and so on. Two slots are left for the “International” Road, one for a Japanese horse and one coming through the European/Middle Eastern route.
In recent years, Japanese trainers have targeted both slots, bringing in a top horse from the Japanese circuit and entering Japanese horses in events like the UAE Derby to go for the spot from the Middle Eastern/European route. As an aside, Europeans have largely avoided going for the event. The surface differences are arguably too stark for them to make a real go at it.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby (Wherever You Are)
The Kentucky Derby may be rooted in American tradition, but its appeal is truly global. Millions of viewers tune in from around the world to witness the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Here’s how you can catch the action no matter where you are:
United States
NBC Sports holds exclusive broadcasting rights. The race is available on the NBC network and its streaming platform, Peacock. Coverage typically begins several hours before post time to cover pre-race festivities and undercard events.
Canada
Canadian viewers can watch the Derby on TSN (The Sports Network), which provides full coverage of the day’s events. TSN also offers a live stream via its digital platform for subscribers.
United Kingdom
In the UK, the Kentucky Derby is broadcast on Sky Sports Racing, which often partners with NBC to provide direct feeds. Fans can also use Sky Go for mobile streaming or Now TV for flexible access without a subscription.
Australia
Aussie racing fans can tune in via Racing.com or Sky Racing. Some bookmakers with streaming capabilities—like TAB or Sportsbet—may also provide live feeds if you have an account.
Japan
In Japan, the Derby can be streamed through racing-specific channels like Green Channel, especially for viewers closely following Japanese-trained entrants like Luxor Café and Admire Daytona.
India & South Asia
Sony Sports Network has occasionally carried live U.S. horse racing events, but streaming services such as FanCode or international coverage via betting platforms may also offer live options.
International Tip
If your country doesn’t offer direct coverage, many major sportsbooks (with proper licensing) provide live streams for account holders. Always check local time zones and post time updates—especially if you’re watching from across the world.
What Makes the Kentucky Derby So Special?
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race—it’s a cultural institution. Held annually since 1875 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, it’s the longest continuously run sporting event in the United States. But its enduring legacy goes beyond age. Here’s why the Derby captures global attention year after year:
The History
Nicknamed “The Run for the Roses,” the Kentucky Derby has crowned champions for nearly 150 years. Legends like Secretariat, American Pharoah, and Justify have become household names through this very track, and each new race adds another chapter to racing lore.
The Drama
Clocking in at just two minutes, the Derby offers one of the most intense, high-stakes sporting experiences in the world. With 20 horses in the starting gate, anything can happen—and often does. The crowded field, unpredictable pace, and massive stage combine for unforgettable moments.
The Pageantry
Beyond the race, the Kentucky Derby is known for its style and celebration. The hats, the mint juleps, the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home”—they all contribute to a festive, once-a-year atmosphere that merges sport with Southern tradition.
The Global Aspirations
While historically dominated by American horses, the Derby has become increasingly international. With contenders now arriving from Japan, Europe, and the Middle East, the race is evolving into a more global competition—adding layers of intrigue and anticipation.
The Road to Greatness
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the U.S. Triple Crown. Win here, and a horse has a shot at joining the most exclusive club in American racing. That alone makes every Derby horse part of a potentially historic journey.
What is abundantly evident, however, is that the Japanese want to make their mark. It feels like a matter of time. Certainly, if they keep sending quality runners over, one will make their mark sooner rather than later. Perhaps it will be as soon as the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
