Toby Keith’s Dream Lives On: His Horse Render Judgment to Run in the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Many know Toby Keith as a country music legend, a proud patriot, and an Oklahoma sports fanatic. But few realize the late singer had a deep, lifelong passion for horse racing — a love that ran parallel to his illustrious music career.

Keith’s involvement in the sport was far from casual. In 2001, he established Dream Walkin’ Farms, a 300-acre Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Over two decades, Dream Walkin’ Farms celebrated remarkable success, recording 848 victories and earning over $18 million from 6,587 starts. Keith was hands-on with every aspect, attending major sales like Keeneland and making key breeding decisions himself.

In 2021, Keith partnered with fellow Oklahoma native Danny Caldwell to form Country Bro Stables, a venture that notched 39 wins and nearly $1 million in earnings. His dedication to the racing world earned him ambassador roles for the Breeders’ Cup and tributes from prestigious tracks like Remington Park and Keeneland.

Reflecting on his passion, Keith once said:

“The horse racing business has always thrilled me that much.”

Now, his passion will be honored in the biggest way possible.
Render Judgment, a horse connected to Toby Keith’s Dream Walkin’ Farms, will run in the 2025 Kentucky Derby — the first Derby appearance for any of Keith’s horses.

“It was Toby’s dream… Render Judgment is going to the Kentucky Derby. He worked so hard to finally have one there! Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”

It was Toby’s dream….Render Judgement 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. pic.twitter.com/g3efRad4IH

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) April 26, 2025

With 30-1 odds, Render Judgment is one of 20 horses expected to compete at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025. The 3-year-old colt, bred in Kentucky by Green Lantern Stables, currently ranks 18th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard. He is owned in partnership by Baccari Racing Stable LLC, MJM Racing, Rocket Ship Racing, and Dream Walkin’ Farms.

Veteran trainer Kenny McPeek, who guided Mystik Dan to a Derby win in 2024, will prepare Render Judgment for the race. Meanwhile, jockey Julien Leparoux — who has 14 Derby starts under his belt, with a best finish of fourth — will ride Render Judgment for the first time.

Acknowledging the longshot odds, McPeek said:

“It’s going to be deep water for him, but he’s a very healthy horse. I understand the dream… it’s Toby Keith’s family, and there’s some real sentiment there.”

Post Positions for the 151st Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. pic.twitter.com/CGyJn9rmy2

— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 26, 2025

Win or lose, one thing is clear:
Render Judgment isn’t just running a race.
He’s carrying on the dream of a man who poured his heart into every arena he touched — whether music, patriotism, or the racetrack.