The late country music star Toby Keith will have a lasting presence at the 151st Kentucky Derby, as his horse, Render Judgment, prepares to compete in the prestigious race on Saturday, May 3. This was Keith’s dream for more than 30 years. His dream was to have his horses run in this storied event, before he tragically died from stomach cancer in February 2024.
Render Judgment at his current training grounds at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This magnificent horse represents Keith’s steadfast commitment to the sport of kings. In 2001 he established Dream Walkin’ Farms, an Oklahoma thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. Keith had previously called horse racing “exhilarating,” expressing his passion for the sport in a 2019 interview.
“Win or lose, he made it to the Derby and that for me is everything.” – Krystal Keith
In fact, to Toby Keith, that Derby win would have meant everything—a horse racing triple crown-winning feat that stands as the highest accomplishment. As trainer Bob Baffert, five-time Derby winner, once said, “The Derby’s the one you want to win,” capturing the race’s revered position among the sport of kings. His passion for the sport was evident as he reflected on the experience of watching horses thunder past during the race.
“When you’re standing out there on the balcony or down by the winners circle, they come pounding by,” – Toby Keith
Keith’s deep knowledge of horses came through his deep understanding of horse bloodlines. In an alternate reality, he would have been one of the most fulsome PhD earners in that department. Yet his commitment to horse racing was not limited to his own recreation. Over time it became an extension of his life and his practice.
Render Judgment’s participation in the Kentucky Derby serves as a tribute to Toby Keith’s enduring legacy. Now, as Krystal explained at the outset, this moment is a culmination of her father’s dreams and their family’s legacy as trailblazers in the world of thoroughbred horse racing.
“That’s the one that everybody wants to hang on their walls, saying, ‘I won the Kentucky Derby,’” – Toby Keith
As Render Judgment prepares itself to run the race, anticipation is at a fever pitch. We can all sense Toby Keith’s enthusiasm for the game and hope that he will one day witness his horses running at this special level. Krystal shared the most vivid tribute to her dad’s spirit throughout this historic occasion.
“Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.” – Krystal Keith
