Sun rises at Churchill Downs as Louisville welcomes the world for Kentucky Derby 151

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The sun rose over the Twin Spires on Saturday morning as Louisville welcomed the world for Kentucky Derby 151.

Gates opened at 9 a.m., when tens of thousands of people streamed into Churchill Downs to enjoy a day of racing, fashion, and all the pomp and circumstance that comes with the first Saturday in May.

Journalism, a 7-2 favorite trained by Mike McCarthy, leads a strong field into the 151st Kentucky Derby, which will go off just before 7 p.m. Below are the updated odds for the Run for the Roses:

The purse for the 151st Kentucky Derby will be $5 million, matching the record set in 2024. The connections of the winning horse will win $3.1 million, with second place getting $1 million and third place $500,000.

The weather is expected to play a role in the day, with intermittent showers coming and going throughout the day. For the latest forecast from the WDRB weather team, click here.

See below for a full schedule of events Saturday at Churchill Downs:

Gates open: 9 a.m.
First Race: 11 a.m.
151st Kentucky Derby Post time: 6:57 p.m.
National Anthem by Grace Potter at 5:11 p.m.
Walkover begins at 6:15 p.m.
Riders Up! by Olympic champion Simone Biles 6:45 p.m.
Call to Post at 6:46 p.m.
My Old Kentucky Home 6:47 p.m.
Post parade begins 6:49 p.m.
Derby week parking information
Ticket information
Infield General Admission (no frontside access): $120.65 (plus tax & fees)
Walkaround tickets (no seat with access to the frontside): $500.94 (verified resale) (plus tax & fees)
There is no onsite taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off on this day.
Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.
There is paid parking available at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium
This option is for guests to park and walk to Churchill Downs.
Parking is paid day of via cash or credit card. There is not any pre-purchased parking.
Pricing is planned to be as follows: $40 for a car or truck; $150 for an RV or similar; and $200 for a bus.

The White House released a special Kentucky Derby message Saturday morning, calling it a "time honored tribute to America's love of competition, pageantry, and tradition.

"Every May, massive crowds flood the streets of Louisville, Kentucky, to witness the "Run for the Roses," where 18 of the world’s fastest, fiercest, and mightiest Thoroughbred horses sprint for glory in our Nation's oldest continuously held major sporting event," the presidential message said. "The Kentucky Derby is not only a stakes race, but also an iconic American institution and an elegant celebration of our culture, customs, and unwavering competitive spirit."

This story will be updated.