Everything to expect at tomorrow's Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, is one of the most iconic and unpredictable events in American sports. Despite its long-standing tradition and consistency on the sports calendar, the race's 20-horse field and 1 1/4-mile distance create a volatile outcome, often likened to a crapshoot. NBC Sports analysts preview the event, highlighting top contenders and the excitement surrounding betting, fashion, and live coverage.
- ▪The Kentucky Derby has been held nearly every year since 1875 and is traditionally run on the first Saturday in May.
- ▪The race features a 20-horse field running 1 1/4 miles, a distance and field size none of the horses have faced before.
- ▪Trainer Bob Baffert has two horses in the 2026 Derby field: Litmus Test and Potente, with Potente drawing attention due to his strong performance in the San Vicente Stakes.
- ▪Sovereignty won the 151st Kentucky Derby in 2025, ridden by Junior Alvarado at Churchill Downs.
- ▪NBC News will provide live-blogging coverage of the Derby, including updates on fashion, long shots, and top contenders.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Horse racingFrom The Sports Desk: Derby day eveSteve Kornacki and Tim Layden prep you for the Kentucky Derby.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Fans dress up for the Kentucky Derby in 2025.Grace Bradley / Getty Images fileShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 1, 2026, 3:30 PM EDTBy Tim Layden, NBC Sports, Steve Kornacki and Joe Prince-Wright, NBC SportsClear your schedule, and get your mint julep ready. The Kentucky Derby is tomorrow! Of the 151 iterations of the race, NBC Sports’ Tim Layden has covered 22. He explains why the Derby is both the most consistent — and unpredictable — of all sporting events.
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