Introduction
Toby Keith’s Derby Dream Lives On: Render Judgment to Race in 2025 Kentucky Derby
This year’s Kentucky Derby isn’t just about speed or odds—it’s about legacy, dreams, and a tribute to a country music legend.
Out of Gate 15 at Churchill Downs, a colt named Render Judgment will take the track with 30-1 odds in the 151st Run for the Roses. But for many watching, this horse already represents something far more powerful than numbers on a betting slip. Render Judgment is partly owned by Dream Walkin’ Farms, the thoroughbred operation founded by the late Toby Keith—the beloved singer-songwriter whose anthems like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” became staples of American country music.
Toby Keith passed away in February 2024 after a courageous battle with stomach cancer. Now, just over a year later, his dream of having a horse in the Kentucky Derby is coming true.
“It was Toby’s dream,” read a heartfelt post on his official Instagram, announcing the colt’s unexpected entry. “He worked so hard to finally have one there. Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”
A Dream Years in the Making
Keith founded Dream Walkin’ Farms back in 2001, naming it after his 1997 album Dream Walkin’. Over the years, the Oklahoma-based operation quietly built a strong resume in the horse racing world, accumulating over $19 million in earnings. Its most successful runner was Smack Smack, a graded-stakes winner who brought prestige to the brand in 2016.
But Render Judgment marks a milestone—the farm’s first-ever Kentucky Derby entrant.
A Late Entry, a Powerful Meaning
Render Judgment wasn’t always guaranteed a spot. Initially on the “also-eligible” list due to its qualifying point totals, the colt got his chance when Tappan Street withdrew following an injury. On April 26, trainer Kenny McPeek—fresh off his own Derby win in 2024 with longshot Mystik Dan—announced that Render Judgment would officially join the lineup.
“I didn’t recommend running him initially,” McPeek admitted in an interview. “But when the owners—including Toby’s family—told me this was important to them and to Toby, I said, ‘Let’s do it.’”
Render Judgment is also co-owned by Baccari Racing Stable, MJM Racing, and Rocket Ship Racing. He will be ridden by veteran jockey Julien Leparoux, marking the pair’s first outing together.
The colt broke his maiden at Churchill Downs in October 2024 but finished fifth in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes earlier this April. McPeek concedes the colt will need to find another gear come race day—but sentiment is riding high.
“Sometimes dreams are more important than stats,” McPeek reflected. “I hope Toby’s watching. Maybe he’ll send a little Derby magic down our way.”
When and Where to Watch
The 2025 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 3, at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
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🕕 Time: 6:45 p.m. ET
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📺 TV Broadcast: NBC, USA Network
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💻 Streaming: Peacock, Fubo (free trial available)