Toby Keith’s Horse “Render Judgment” Earns Spot in the Kentucky Derby
Watching from above, Toby Keith will have the best seat in the house this year for the 151st annual Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The late country music icon was deeply involved in the world of horse racing, known through his ownership of Dream Walkin’ Farms., Inc.
The breeding and racing operation was established in 2001 and has had significant success, with earnings totaling $19,385,573, according to Equibase.com. Keith’s passion for horse racing extended beyond ownership; he was actively involved in the breeding and training of Thoroughbreds, with notable horses such as “Cactus Ridge,” “Smack Smack” and “Three Chords” under his banner. His engagement with the sport was well-known in racing circles, and he was a familiar face at tracks like Remington Park, where Dream Walkin’ Farms secured 168 victories between 2001 and 2023.
Render Judgment training at Churchill Downs on April 26, 2025. Photograph by Anne M. Eberhardt.
This year, leaving from the 15th position, the 3-year-old bay horse Render Judgment, trained by Kenny McPeek and ridden by jockey Julien Leparoux, will make his Kentucky Derby appearance. Keith’s social media page stated, “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.”
Render Judgment was a late addition to the 2025 Kentucky Derby field. Photograph by Anne M. Eberhardt.
According to J. Keeler Johnson/TwinSpires.com, “Post 15 has been particularly advantageous in the last dozen years, producing Kentucky Derby winners ‘Orb’ (2013), ‘American Pharoah’ (2015), and ‘Authentic’ (2020).” However, with a 1-2-2 record in seven starts and fifth in his last race in Grade 1 Blue Grass on April 8th at Keeneland Race Course, Render Judgment will need to tap into another level of speed to beat the current favorite to win, “Journalism” (current odds 3-1).
A new underdog fan favorite will likely be Render Judgment, the first horse owned by Keith to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. Keith’s dedication to horse racing was evident through his active participation in breeding, training and racing operations, making him a respected figure in the industry. His legacy lives on through the continued success of Dream Walkin’ Farms and the horses he has helped bring to prominence.
The post Toby Keith’s Horse “Render Judgment” Earns Spot in the Kentucky Derby appeared first on Western Horseman.