Want to use Kentucky Derby footage or imagery in your content? Learn how to license Kentucky Derby media legally, and how Kurator simplifies the process.
The Kentucky Derby is more than just a horse race. It’s a cultural event that blends tradition, fashion, sport, and celebrity into one weekend. With massive media coverage and widespread public interest, content from the Derby has lasting value for news outlets, marketing teams, and editorial brands.
That’s why so many creators look to incorporate Derby-related content into their projects. But to do it the right way, licensing is key.
Before licensing anything, it's important to understand what qualifies as "Kentucky Derby content".
This includes clips of the race itself, shots of the horses mid-run, and footage from the starting gate to the finish line. These visuals are some of the most requested by media teams and are tightly protected by broadcast and event rights holders.
Media showing pre-race horse prep, jockey rituals, and team celebrations also falls under protected content. These moments offer unique storytelling angles that help audiences connect with the personalities behind the scenes.
The Derby attracts high-profile guests every year. Any red carpet arrivals or celebrity crowd reactions are subject to licensing. These assets often involve rights of publicity and must be cleared properly before use in commercial content.
Iconic hats, tailored suits, and the electric energy of the crowd are often captured by photographers. These images are in high demand for editorial features and fashion-related stories but still require permission for legal use.
Older race moments, legendary horses, or news coverage from past events all qualify as high-value historical content. Licensing this type of content ensures historical accuracy while respecting ownership rights.
Clips from post-race interviews or pre-race press coverage must also be licensed for editorial or commercial use. These are often used to add authenticity and expert voice to Derby-related productions.
Short answer: No, you cannot.
Even if a photo or video is found online or on social media, you still need the appropriate rights to use it in your project. Kentucky Derby content can involve multiple layers of protection, including:
Using media without securing the rights puts you at legal risk, especially in commercial campaigns.
Before you start your search, clarify whether you need editorial or commercial usage rights. This will save you time and ensure you don’t end up with the wrong kind of license.
Use platforms like Kurator that host media from verified contributors. This ensures you're working with pre-cleared, legally sound content.
Need content from a specific year or angle (like fashion, race coverage, or celebrity arrivals)? Use filters to narrow down quickly and get the best match.
Don’t skim the fine print. Kurator provides clear, upfront license terms that tell you exactly what you can and can’t do with the media.
To save time in production, make sure your content is high-resolution and formatted for digital use. Kurator makes this easy with ready-to-use assets.
For legal and compliance purposes, keep all license receipts and usage guidelines saved. Kurator helps by tracking this automatically for every piece of content you license.
Kurator is built for fast, legal, and stress-free content licensing. Here’s what makes it the smart choice for Derby season:
All collections are uploaded by verified contributors, with full rights in place. This solves the common problem of using unclear or unauthorized content found on the internet.
Whether your needs are editorial or commercial, you can filter by usage rights to find content that fits. This eliminates confusion around what you’re legally allowed to do with the content.
Each piece of content comes with clear documentation, usage terms, and licensing agreements. This prevents legal oversights and ensures your team has the proof they need for compliance.
Need something in a rush? Kurator is built to handle quick turnaround times for breaking news or seasonal campaigns. This is ideal for teams on tight deadlines who can't afford delays.
The Kentucky Derby is rich with moments worth capturing. But using that content legally means understanding the licensing landscape and working with a platform that protects you.
Kurator makes it easy to find, license, and use Kentucky Derby media — whether you're publishing a blog, launching a campaign, or producing an editorial series.
Ready to get started? Explore licensed Kentucky Derby content at Kurator.