Kentucky Derby Weather Forecast for Historic 2025 Race at Churchill Downs

Fans keeping a close eye on the 2025 Kentucky Derby should expect a slow track on Saturday because the weather is making a mess of Churchill Downs.

It's rained throughout the day in Louisville. As of 6:15 p.m. ET, according to Weather.com, wet weather was still in the forecast, with light rain expected.

Conditions called for a 55 percent chance of showers at 7 p.m. ET, right before the 7:02 p.m. ET post time.

Weather Nation TV noted the track is likely to be "extremely soggy" at post time. Also contributing to the track conditions is the rainy weather that has hit the midwest throughout the week.

In addition to the wet conditions, the wind could also slow the pace. The Accuweather report is expecting wind gusts up to 14 mph around 6 p.m. local time.

Races at Churchill Downs have already felt the impact of bad weather this week. The Kentucky Oaks on Friday was delayed by 12 minutes because of a severe thunderstorm warning.

Good Cheer, the morning-line favorite, won the Kentucky Oaks to maintain a perfect race record (7-0).

Journalism is a 4-1 favorite (bet $100 to win $350) in the Kentucky Derby. The three-year-old colt has won each of his last four races, including a victory at the Santa Anita Derby on April 5.