The Kentucky Derby will be the 12th of 14 races on Saturday, May 2.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby is celebrating its 152nd anniversary on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The race that is dubbed the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” will extend its run as America’s longest continuously held sporting event.
The prestigious horse race in Louisville, Kentucky, is the first leg of the Triple Crown.
The annual “Run for the Roses” features 20 horses and is expected to draw 150,000 mint julep-sipping fans and their fabulous and flamboyant hats.
Here’s what to know about the Kentucky Derby.
What time is the Kentucky Derby?
Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026. There are 14 races on Derby Day, which start as early as 11 a.m. ET.
What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will be broadcast on NBC and streamed on Peacock with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET.
What to watch at the Kentucky Derby
A pre-race tradition is the walkover, when the horses are led from the stables to the paddock where they are saddled for the race. Some are cool and calm, others get fractious and sweaty. Accompanying them are usually the grooms, trainers and owners. The riders emerge from the jockeys’ room and walk to the paddock to meet their mounts.
Besides the horses, check out the crowd decked out in huge hats and fascinators, floral-print dresses and seersucker suits that make the Derby the world’s most fashionable sporting event.
What does the winner of the Kentucky Derby get?
Churchill Downs increased the total purse for the Derby to $5 million in 2026. In addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive a blanket of roses for the horse and a Kentucky Derby trophy.
Second place is worth $1 million, with payouts down to fifth place.
The winning jockey typically earns 10% of the purse and a smaller trophy.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.