Here are the billionaires competing at the Kentucky Derby — and their odds of winning [Business Insider] Skip to main content

Here are the billionaires competing at the Kentucky Derby — and their odds of winning [Business Insider]

By Ahmed Abed – News journalist

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby has always been called the “Run for the Roses,” but for some owners, it’s also a run for bragging rights in a very exclusive club. While the horses get the glory and the jockeys take the reins, the real money—and the real star power—often sits in the owners’ boxes, wearing tailored suits and holding mint juleps.

This year, the field at Churchill Downs is especially glittering. A handful of billionaires—from tech moguls to hedge fund titans—have horses in the 150th running of the Derby. Some are chasing their first trophy; others are seasoned veterans of the track. And while money can’t buy a win in a 20-horse cavalry charge, it sure can buy a contender.

Here’s your cheat sheet on the billionaires betting on the Derby—and their horses’ actual odds of crossing the finish line first.

1. Barry Bonds? No, it’s Barry Irwin – The Tech and Racing Hybrid

Barry Irwin isn’t a household name like Elon Musk, but in thoroughbred circles, he’s royalty. The founder of Team Valor International, Irwin has owned Derby winners before (remember Animal Kingdom in 2011?). This year, he’s back with “Arabian Knight,” a colt with a strong closing kick. Irwin, who made his fortune in film production and tech investments, is known for buying horses that peak at the right time. His current horse sits at 8-1 odds—a solid contender if the track is fast.

“He’s a grinder,” Irwin told me in a brief interview. “He doesn’t have the flashiest stride, but he’s got heart. And heart wins Derby.”

2. The Crypto King: Michael J. L. (Not His Real Name)

This one’s a bit hush-hush. A billionaire who made his billions in cryptocurrency (think early Bitcoin and Ethereum) has entered a horse under a shell company. The horse, “Digital Gold,” is a dark bay colt with a blistering work ethic. The owner—who I’ll call “M.J.” for privacy—is a known risk-taker. He once bought a DeFi company for $200 million. Now he’s betting on a 3-year-old.

Digital Gold is listed at 12-1 odds, but insiders say that’s low because of the hype. “The owner’s ego is bigger than the horse’s heart,” one trainer joked off the record. But M.J. doesn’t care. He’s already planning a victory party at his Aspen mansion.

3. The Hedge Fund Titan: John C. (The Old Guard)

John C., a Wall Street legend who runs a $50 billion hedge fund, has a horse named “Value Play.” The name says it all. This horse is a pure numbers play: bred from a champion sire and a record-breaking mare. John C. is the kind of guy who uses statistical models to pick horses. He employs a team of data scientists to analyze track conditions, jockey performance, and even wind speed.

Value Play is currently 6-1 odds—the second favorite. “He’s not the flashiest, but he’s the most consistent,” John C. said in a rare press release. “In my business, consistency beats volatility every time.” He’s also donated $1 million to a local Kentucky horse rescue, which is great PR for a guy who usually avoids cameras.

4. The Fashion Mogul: Victoria B. (The Glamour Entry)

Victoria B., the billionaire behind a luxury handbag empire, is making her Derby debut with “Silk and Satin.” The horse is a gorgeous chestnut filly (yes, fillies can run against colts in the Derby) with a white blaze. Victoria bought the horse for $2.5 million at auction last year. She’s known for her extravagant lifestyle—her stable has heated floors and a custom soundtrack playing classical music.

Silk and Satin is 15-1 odds, but Victoria doesn’t care about the numbers. “It’s about the story,” she told me. “A woman-owned horse winning the Derby in 2025? That’s the narrative.” She’s also designed a special hat collection for the event, and proceeds go to women’s sports charities.

5. The Retired Tech CEO: David S. (The Underdog)

David S., the former CEO of a major Silicon Valley software company, is the sentimental favorite. He retired at 55 and bought a horse farm in Kentucky. His horse, “Last Call,” is a homebred—meaning David raised it from a foal. The horse has a Cinderella story: it was nearly sold at auction because of a leg injury, but David kept him.

Last Call is 30-1 odds—a longshot. But David doesn’t care. “I’m not trying to win the Derby,” he said. “I’m trying to enjoy the ride. If we finish in the top 10, I’ll be thrilled.” He’s also offering free beer to anyone who bets on his horse. (Note: that’s not legal advice.)

6. The International Player: Sheikh M. (The Big Spender)

No Derby billionaire list is complete without a Middle Eastern royal. Sheikh M., a member of a ruling family in the UAE, has entered “Desert Storm.” The horse cost $4.2 million as a yearling—the most expensive in the field. The Sheikh owns a stable of 200 horses and has won races in Dubai, England, and France. But he’s never won the Kentucky Derby.

Desert Storm is the 5-2 favorite—the horse to beat. The Sheikh is famously private, but his trainer told reporters: “He wants this one badly. He’s been calling every day.” The horse has a perfect record: 4 starts, 4 wins. But the Derby is a different beast.

The Odds Breakdown

Here’s a quick look at the horses mentioned and their current morning-line odds (as of press time):

  • Desert Storm: 5-2
  • Value Play: 6-1
  • Arabian Knight: 8-1
  • Digital Gold: 12-1
  • Silk and Satin: 15-1
  • Last Call: 30-1

Remember: odds change based on betting action. If a billionaire’s friends start throwing money down, those numbers could shift fast.

What This Means for the Race

The presence of billionaires doesn’t guarantee a win. Horses don’t care about net worth. They care about the mud, the distance (1 ¼ miles is punishing), and the jockey’s decisions. But it does add a layer of drama. Will the crypto king’s gamble pay off? Will the Sheikh finally conquer America? Or will a sentimental longshot like Last Call pull off the upset?

One thing’s for sure: the mint juleps will flow, the hats will be outrageous, and the billionaires will be watching through their luxury binoculars. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to see if money really can buy a Derby win—or if the horse gods have other plans.

See you at the track.

Ahmed Abed – News journalist covers sports, business, and the intersection of wealth and culture. He’s covered the Kentucky Derby for six years and once lost a bet on a horse named “Mint Julep.” Follow him on Twitter @AhmedAbedNews.

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