The race was run at 6:44 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) on May 2, 2015, at Churchill Downs.

[1] Jockey Victor Espinoza rode American Pharoah to victory after taking the lead in the homestretch.

[8] The post position draw of the entries for the Kentucky Derby was held on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at the Churchill Downs Racetrack clubhouse.

American Pharoah was 4–1, having placed fifth in his debut before running off four straight victories, including an eight-length win in the Arkansas Derby.

[14] Baffert described the experience as like being "on pins and needles all week long", as reporters and fans expected one of his two horses to win.

[15] In the early stages of the Kentucky Derby, Dortmund and Firing Line traded the lead several times.

Dortmund held the lead on the inside, but Firing Line, running more toward the middle of the track, passed him.

[14] American Pharoah, ridden by Victor Espinoza, took the final turn very wide but had the lead by a head in the homestretch.

[17] It was second straight Derby win for Espinoza, who rode California Chrome to victory in 2014, and his third overall.

[18] Additionally, Zayat's 2010 entry, Eskendereya, was the morning line favorite but had to scratch with a career-ending leg injury.