Toby Keith’s Dream Lives On: Render Judgment to Run in Kentucky Derby

Toby Keith’s longtime dream is coming true — just a year after his passing.

Render Judgment, a colt co-owned by Keith’s Dream Walkin’ Farms, is officially set to compete in the 150th Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 3, at Churchill Downs.

After some weekend uncertainty, Keith’s official social media confirmed the news, posting: '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’s Road to the Derby

Render Judgment, a Virginia Derby runner-up, breezed five furlongs in :59 under jockey Julien Leparoux during Derby training sessions at Churchill Downs.

The bay colt is owned by Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin’ Farms, MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing. He enters the “Run for the Roses” with 30-1 odds and career earnings of $163,172.

Trainer Kenneth McPeek confirmed the colt’s entry following timed workouts on Saturday morning. During the session, Render Judgment posted one of the fastest times among Derby hopefuls.

Busy Weekend at Churchill Downs

Saturday saw multiple Derby contenders complete final timed workouts:

1. Burnham Square topped the list with a five-furlong workout in :59.40.
2. Render Judgment closely followed with his :59 workout time.
3. Tappan Street, who clocked :59.60, was later withdrawn from Derby 151 due to a right foreleg injury.

The Post Position Draw for both the Kentucky Derby and the Longines Kentucky Oaks will take place Saturday night, shortly after 7 p.m. Eastern between the fifth and sixth races during the Spring Meet opener at Churchill Downs.

Toby Keith’s Lasting Legacy in Horse Racing

Beyond his award-winning music career, Keith was deeply passionate about horse racing.

He founded Dream Walkin’ Farms in 2001 in his home state of Oklahoma, breeding and racing thoroughbreds both independently and through partnerships. Keith’s standout horses included Grade 3 winners Cactus Ridge and Smack Smack, among several others.

Keith often attended races at Remington Park and served as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Breeders’ Cup. Following his passing, Remington Park honored Keith by renaming the Trapeze Stakes to the Toby Keith Stakes, a $75,000 race for 2-year-old fillies running one mile.

Keith, who battled stomach cancer, passed away on Feb. 5 at the age of 62.

A Race Worth Watching

As the Kentucky Derby approaches, fans of both Toby Keith and thoroughbred racing will have one more reason to tune in.

Render Judgment’s run marks the fulfillment of a dream Keith often spoke of — a legacy that will now play out on one of horse racing’s biggest stages.