The first Saturday in May is reserved for the Kentucky Derby. The 152nd running of the Roses brought another thrilling race to a close. From the field to the favorites, here’s everything you need to know about the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start?
Post time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is 6:57 pm ET.
How can fans watch?
Coverage of the 2026 Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Peacock will stream coverage beginning at noon ET.
How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
Twenty horses have a chance to compete in the Kentucky Derby, but in the 2026 race will be run With 19 horses.
How do horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
To earn a spot in the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby, a 3-year-old horse must compete in a series of designated races from September through mid-April. Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race. The 20 horses with the most points, or horses that win their International Series, earn a spot in the starting gate in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.
Who is the favorite in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and driven by Irad Ortiz Jr., opened as the 4-1 favorite.
What are the post positions for the 2026 Kentucky Derby? (scratched horses not marked)
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Post 1: Renegade (4-1)
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Post 2: Albus (30-1)
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Post 3: Intrepido (50-1)
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Post 4: Litmus Test (50-1)
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Post 6: Commandment (6-1)
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Post 7: Dannon Bourbon (20-1)
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Post 8: Very Happy (15-1)
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Post 10: Wonder Dean (30-1)
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Post 11: Incredibolt (20-1)
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Post 12: Chiefs Wallabies (8-1)
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Post 14: Potente (20-1)
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Post 15: Emerging Markets (15-1)
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Post 16: Pavlovian (30-1)
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Post 17: Six Speed (50-1)
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Post 18: Further Movement (6-1)
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Post 19: Golden Tempo (30-1)
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Post 21: Great White (50-1)
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Post 22: Oiseli (50-1)
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Post 23: Robusta (50-1)
Which post has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners?
Post 5 has the most winners with 10.
Which three races make up the Triple Crown of Horse Racing?
The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are the three races required to complete the Triple Crown.
Who won the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, won last year’s Kentucky Derby at odds of 7-1.
What is the purse for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
For the third consecutive year, the Kentucky Derby will have a $5 million prize pool. The winner will receive $3.1 million, while the runner-up will receive $1 million.
watch espn horse racing hub page For the latest news and notes before the big race.
