What time is the 2026 Kentucky Derby? A list of post times
The 152nd Kentucky Derby will take place on May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The main race is scheduled to start at 6:57 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and a total of 14 races planned for the day. The event is the first leg of the Triple Crown and features a $5 million purse.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for May 2 in Louisville, Kentucky.
- ▪The official post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 9 a.m.
- ▪There will be 14 races on the day, and the Kentucky Derby is the 12th race.
- ▪The race is run over 1 ¼ miles at Churchill Downs and is open to 3-year-old thoroughbred horses.
- ▪The 2026 Kentucky Derby will have a purse of $5 million.
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