Toby Keith’s dream lives on as his horse races in Kentucky Derby

In the United States, the 151st Kentucky Derby is taking place on May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Among the 20 qualifiers for this prestigious race is Render Judgment, a thoroughbred partly owned by the late country music star Toby Keith. This race holds significant emotional weight, especially for Keith’s family, as it has been a dream of Toby Keith's for over thirty years to have one of his horses compete in this iconic event. His daughter, Krystal Keith, expressed her pride on social media, noting that her father would always have a fascination with both music and horse racing. Render Judgment holds the 15th post position, with odds of 30-1 to win the race, and Keith’s family has conveyed their excitement, highlighting the importance of this moment in honoring his legacy. With a $5 million purse, the winning horse will take home $3.1 million, which further underscores the magnitude of this annual race. In an effort to celebrate this significant occasion, the Keith family is reflecting on Toby Keith's contributions to the country music scene, as well as his passion for horse racing. Although Keith passed away in 2024 due to stomach cancer, his influence and dreams continue to resonate through this remarkable achievement. Render Judgment is being ridden by jockey Julien Leparoux, with training provided by Kenny McPeek, known for his success with previous Derby winners. Viewers will have the opportunity to watch the race live, marking a profound moment for both the horse racing community and Toby Keith’s fans, as they unite to witness this historic event that fulfills a long-held dream.