All You Need to Know About the 2026 Kentucky Derby: History, Viewing Guide, and More
The 2026 Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs features 152nd edition, record viewership, $5M purse, and multiple viewing options. Learn history, qualification, betting, and traditions.
A Legendary Tradition Returns
The Kentucky Derby, often called the "Run for the Roses", is one of the most anticipated events in American sports. This year, the 152nd edition of the storied horse race takes place on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as the first leg of the Triple Crown, it draws millions of viewers from around the globe who tune in to watch thoroughbreds thunder down the track in a bid for glory—and a share of a multimillion-dollar purse.
Last year’s Derby shattered viewership records, with NBC attracting approximately 21.8 million viewers—the highest audience for the event in nearly three decades. The excitement continues this year, even though three of the qualified three-year-old thoroughbreds have already been scratched from the race. Up to 20 horses can run, but only the fittest and fastest will compete in what insiders call "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports."
How Do Horses Qualify?
Not just any horse can enter the Kentucky Derby. Contestants must earn their spot through a rigorous series of prep races held worldwide. These events award points based on finishing positions, and the horses that accumulate the most points secure one of the coveted starting positions at Churchill Downs. The qualification process ensures that only the best three-year-old thoroughbreds make it to the starting gate.
Race Format and Conditions
The race distance is exactly 1.25 miles (10 furlongs), run on Churchill Downs’ main dirt track. The event proceeds regardless of weather conditions—rain or shine, the horses run. The race itself typically lasts around two minutes, hence its nickname: "The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." The official start time for this year’s race is 6:57 p.m. ET, but the day’s festivities begin much earlier.
Betting and Prize Money
Horse racing and betting go hand in hand. The Kentucky Derby offers a $5 million total purse, with the winner taking home a hefty $3.1 million. Odds and betting options are available for the main event as well as the undercard races, providing plenty of opportunities for fans to get in on the action. Traditional wagers include win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets, among others.
How to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby
If you can’t make it to Louisville in person, there are several ways to catch all the action from home.
TV Broadcast
The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on NBC. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET, featuring the Kentucky Derby undercard—a series of high-stakes races that lead up to the main event. These undercard races offer additional betting opportunities for fans.
Streaming Options
For cord-cutters, the race is available to stream via the NBC Sports app or with a Peacock subscription. Early coverage starts at noon ET on Peacock, which will air all nine undercard races before the main broadcast. This gives viewers a full day of horse racing entertainment.
Prime Time Event
The flagship event—the Run for the Roses itself—begins at 6:57 p.m. ET. With an average duration of just two minutes, it’s a lightning-fast spectacle that captivates audiences worldwide.
Traditions and Festivities
The Kentucky Derby is famous for its unique traditions. Attendees don extravagant hats and sip mint juleps—a refreshing cocktail made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice. The winner is draped in a blanket of roses, symbolizing the race’s nickname, the Run for the Roses. The event also features the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home" before the race, a moment that stirs emotion even among seasoned viewers.
A Brief History
First run in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has grown from a local race into an international sporting phenomenon. It is the first jewel in the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Only 13 horses have ever won the Triple Crown, making it one of the most elusive achievements in sports. This year’s Derby promises to add another chapter to that rich history.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, the 2026 Kentucky Derby offers a blend of tradition, athleticism, and high stakes that is unmatched in the world of horse racing. Check out the viewing guide above to make sure you don’t miss a second of the action.