Kentucky Derby 2026: What to know about the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown
The 152nd Kentucky Derby, the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, will take place on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, featuring 20 three-year-old horses competing for a $5 million purse. Renegade is the betting favorite at 4-1 odds, trained by Todd A. Pletcher, while three horses were scratched due to injuries and replaced before the race. Weather forecasts predict mild conditions with a chance of afternoon rain, but no expected delays or major disruptions.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby will be held on May 2 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- ▪Renegade, trained by Todd A. Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is the 4-1 betting favorite for the race.
- ▪Three horses—Silent Tactic, Fulleffort, and Right to Party—were scratched due to injuries and replaced by Great White, Ocelli, and Robusta, respectively.
- ▪The race offers a total purse of $5 million, with the winner receiving $3.1 million.
- ▪Weather on race day is expected to be around 58 degrees with a chance of afternoon rain, but no impact on the event is anticipated.
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Horse Racing Kentucky Derby 2026: What to know about the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown Renegade is the 4-1 favorite By Ryan Canfield Fox News Published May 1, 2026 12:21pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Kentucky Derby Betting Guide with Chris Fallica | Don't @ Me w/ Dan Dakich Chris "Bear" Fallica joins Dan Dakich to preview the 2026 Kentucky Derby. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The 152nd Kentucky Derby, the home of "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," will take place on Saturday at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.
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