In a thrilling turn of events, Toby Keith’s horse, Render Judgment, will race at the 2025 Kentucky Derby, fulfilling a dream that the late country legend long held. Co-owned by Keith’s Dream Walkin’ Farms, Render Judgment earned his place in the prestigious race after another horse was injured, bumping the colt into the Top 20, securing him a spot in the starting gate.
Initially, Render Judgment wasn’t expected to compete, having ranked 21st on the Kentucky Derby eligibility list. However, with the unforeseen injury to another contender, the Bay Colt’s fortunes changed, and he now starts from Gate 15. While he’s considered a long shot with 30-to-1 odds, the journey to Churchill Downs is a victory in itself. Keith’s official Instagram captured the essence of the moment: “It was Toby’s dream… Render Judgment is going to the @kentuckyderby. He worked so hard to finally have one there! Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”
Toby Keith, a lifelong racing enthusiast, once shared in a 2019 interview how much the Kentucky Derby meant to him. “The Derby is the one you want to win,” he said. “It’s the one that everybody wants to hang on their wall, saying ‘I won the Kentucky Derby.’ But, God, it’s hard to get there… The horse racing business is frustrating, but dream more. Everything’s rolling the dice. The next one is too. And it’s exciting.”
Render Judgment, bred in Kentucky, is trained by Kenny McPeek, who also trained last year’s Derby winner, Mystik Dan. Jockey Julien Leparoux will ride the colt for the first time this weekend.
Keith, who passed away in 2024 after a battle with stomach cancer, leaves behind a legacy of passion and determination in both music and horse racing. Render Judgment’s participation in the 151st Kentucky Derby stands as a testament to his enduring spirit.