Bust out your fanciest hat and pour the mint juleps: It’s time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. The biggest event in horse racing will see 20 thoroughbreds run the 1¼-mile track at Churchill Downs in the 152th Run for the Roses.
The racing started Saturday, highlighted by the fillies running the Kentucky Oaks. Today’s Derby will kick-start the race for the Triple Crown, last accomplished by Justify in 2018. The winner will have two weeks before the Preakness with the Belmont Stakes waiting on June 6.
Who will have the chance this year? Renegade was the early favorite, winning his last two races at Tampa Bay and in the Arkansas Derby, while Commandment is a popular pick after winning three races at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, capped by the Florida Derby in March. The Puma led late at the Florida Derby before losing by a nose; he also passed through the famed Ocala Breeders’ Sale, as did Intrepido and fellow contenders So Happy and Further Ado.
Watch the Kentucky Derby live on Peacock
Here’s what you need to know about today’s race, including post time, odds and how to watch on TV and streaming:
What channel is Kentucky Dreby on today?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC. Coverage of the early races begins on NBCSN at noon before shifting to NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET. Streaming options include Peacock, the subscription streaming service of NBCUniversal.
Kentucky Derby start time
Post time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. Saturday, May 2. It’s the 12th of 14 races slated for today at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby horses
Here are the post positions for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, along with their trainers:
*- also eligible, would replace a scratched entry
Kentucky Oaks odds
Check out the latest odds as of Friday morning, May 1 for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, listed with each horse’s post position:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What channel is Kentucky Derby on today? Start time, TV schedule
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
