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The first Saturday in May is reserved for the Kentucky Derby. 152nd run for the Roses figures to end another delightful race. Favorite from the field, here’s everything you need to know about the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
When does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start?
Post time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is 6:57 pm ET.
How can fans watch?
Coverage of the 2026 Kentucky Derby begins at 2:30 pm ET on NBC. Peacock will stream 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 the 2026 race will run including 19 horses.
Why 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 scheduled 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 horses that have won 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? (Climbing horses are not indicated)
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Post 1: Apostates (4-1)
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Post 2: Albus (30-1)
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Post 3: Brave (50-1)
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Post 4: The Litmus Test (50-1)
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Post 6: Order (6-1)
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Post 7: Dannon Bourbon (20-1)
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Post 8: Very Happy (15-1)
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Post 10: Wonder Dean (30-1)
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Post 11: Incredibolt (20-1)
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Post 12: Chiefs Wallabies (8-1)
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Post 14: Strong (20-1)
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Post 15: Emerging Markets (15-1)
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Post 16: Pavlovian (30-1)
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Post 17: Six Speed (50-1)
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Post 18: More Ado (6-1)
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Post 19: Golden Tempo (30-1)
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Post 21: Great White (50-1)
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Post 22: Ouseley (50-1)
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Post 23: Robusta (50-1)
Which post has produced the most Kentucky Derby winners?
Post 5 has produced the most winners, with 10.
Which three races make up the Triple Crown of Horse Racing?
The Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes are the three races needed to achieve the Triple Crown.
Who will win 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 year in a row, the Kentucky Derby purse will be $5 million. The winner will receive $3.1 million, and the runner-up will receive $1 million.
Check out ESPN Horse racing hub page For the latest news and notes before the big race.
