What time is the Kentucky Derby in 2026, and where can you watch it?

The Kentucky Derby is the opening leg of the Triple Crown, one of the most vaunted horse racing events in the United States.

The Kentucky Derby is historically held on the first Saturday of May, and 2026 will mark the event’s 152nd running, part of a long and proud tradition.

The event is followed by the Preakness Stakes and BelmontStakes, which together form the Triple Crown trifecta.

What time is the Kentucky Derby in 2026?

The Kentucky Derby is set to take place on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 1 ¼ mile race kicks off at around 6:24 pm ET.

How to watch the Kentucky Derby 2026?

• TV channel: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock

You can watch the Kentucky Derby either on NBC on television or via the Peacock streaming service for on-demand coverage. Alternatively, you can attend the event yourself.

Where is the Kentucky Derby held?

As the name of the event suggests, the Kentucky Derby is held in Kentucky, at the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville.

Churchill Downs has been the home of the event since 1875, when the first race was run, making it one of the oldest and most prestigious horse racing venues in the United States.

Every year, the racetrack hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors to share in the race’s excitement, which features ostentatious pieces of clothing, cocktails, live music, and more. This has led the Kentucky Derby to be given the nickname, "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports."

Who will participate in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?

Participants in the Kentucky Derby are decided on several factors. The race is exclusive for three-year-old Thoroughbreds who have qualified through the Road to the Kentucky Derby system. The event traditionally reunites 20 horses and their jockeys & teams, hailing from all over the United States and the world.

The Kentucky Derby’s official website has a dedicated leaderboard that tracks the performance and current placement of horses from America, Europe, the Middle East, and Japan. Only authorized races qualify horses for the Kentucky Derby.

How to get your Kentucky Derby tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online or by placing an online call to the Kentucky Derby. The ticket prices may vary greatly, starting at $799 for most entry-level tickets, and reaching as much as $155,000 or more for some of the more extravagant and luxurious experiences.

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