Kentucky Derby 2026: When is the race? Plus start time, post positions, field and everything else you need to know
The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, with a scheduled post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. Renegade is the betting favorite and will start from the No. 1 post position, a historically difficult spot to win from. The race features a $5 million purse, with the winner earning approximately $3.1 million. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC, with streaming options on Peacock and NBCSN.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, continuing the tradition of being held on the first Saturday in May.
- ▪Renegade is the 4-1 favorite and will start from post position No. 1, the rail, which has not produced a winner since 1986.
- ▪The total purse for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is $5 million, with the winner receiving about $3.1 million.
- ▪Trainer Bob Baffert has two horses in the race—Potente and Litmus Test—and can tie the record for most Derby wins with a victory.
- ▪The race will be broadcast on NBC starting at 2:30 p.m. ET, with live streaming available on Peacock and NBCSN from noon ET.
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