2026 Kentucky Derby: Everything to Know About the Run for the Roses
Quick Look
- The 152nd Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, with post time at 6:57 p.m.
- Renegade is the 4-1 favorite among 19 horses competing for a share of the $5 million purse.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Kentucky Derby is the first race in horse racing's Triple Crown, held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. It is a prestigious event for 3-year-old Thoroughbred horses.
The first Saturday in May is reserved for the Kentucky Derby. The 152nd Run for the Roses figures to deliver another exhilarating race to the finish. From the field to the favorite, here is everything to know about the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown.
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby begin?
The post time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. ET.
How can fans watch?
Coverage of the 2026 Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Peacock will stream early coverage beginning at noon ET.
How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
Twenty horses have the chance to compete in the Kentucky Derby, but 2026's race will be run with 19 horses.
How do horses qualify for the Kentucky Derby?
To earn a spot in the starting gate of the Kentucky Derby, a 3-year-old horse must compete in a series of designated races from September through mid-April. Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race. The 20 horses with the most points, or the horses who win their international series, earn a spot in the starting gate in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.
Who is the favorite in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., opened as the 4-1 favorite.
What are the post positions for the 2026 Kentucky Derby? (Scratched horses not denoted)
Post 1: Renegade (4-1) Post 2: Albus (30-1) Post 3: Intrepido (50-1) Post 4: Litmus Test (50-1) Post 6: Commandment (6-1) Post 7: Danon Bourbon (20-1) Post 8: So Happy (15-1) Post 10: Wonder Dean (30-1) Post 11: Incredibolt (20-1) Post 12: Chief Wallabee (8-1) Post 14: Potente (20-1) Post 15: Emerging Market (15-1) Post 16: Pavlovian (30-1) Post 17: Six Speed (50-1) Post 18: Further Ado (6-1) Post 19: Golden Tempo (30-1) Post 21: Great White (50-1) Post 22: Ocelli (50-1) Post 23: Robusta (50-1)
Which post has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners?
Post 5 has produced the most winners, with 10.
What three races make up horse racing's Triple Crown?
The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are the three races needed to accomplish the Triple Crown.
Who won the 2025 Kentucky Derby?
Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott and ridden by Junior Alvarado, won last year's Kentucky Derby at 7-1 odds.
What is the purse for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
For the third straight year, the Kentucky Derby purse will be $5 million. The winner will receive $3.1 million, while the runner-up gets $1 million.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Kentucky Derby will feature a close finish, typical of major horse racing events.
Likely · Within hours
There will be significant media coverage of the winner and the Triple Crown bid.
Very likely · Within days
The purse distribution will follow the stated amounts for the winner and runner-up.
Very likely · Within hours
Open Questions
- Are there any scratched horses from the listed post positions?
- What are the specific qualifying races and point systems used?
- What are the odds for horses other than the favorite?
