Kentucky Derby 2026: Full schedule, start time, horses list, when and where to watch, everything you need to know

The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 2. A total of 20 horses will compete in one of the most famous races in horse racing history. This event is known for its rich tradition and high stakes. Fans have been keeping an eye on the race as the field and post positions have been confirmed. The excitement is building as top contenders prepare for the big race.

Renegade will enter the race as the early favorite but faces a difficult challenge to kickoff the race from the first position. The inside gate has not produced a winner for decades. Meanwhile, The Puma has gained strong backing in the recent past. Recent history also shows that favorites do not always win this race. This makes the 2026 edition even more unpredictable and exciting.

Kentucky Derby 2026 venue

The race will take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, the traditional home of the Kentucky Derby since it began in 1875. The event is always scheduled for the first Saturday in May. This tradition started in 1932 and has mostly continued since then.

Kentucky Derby 2026 when and where to watch?
The race itself is expected to begin at around 6:57 p.m. ET. However, the exact timing can change slightly depending on pre-race arrangements. Coverage will run throughout the day. NBC will begin broadcasting in the afternoon, while earlier races and coverage will be available through streaming platforms.

Kentucky Derby 2026 field and post positions list
The field for this year includes strong contenders like Renegade, The Puma, Commandment, and So Happy. Renegade drew the first post position, which is historically difficult. The last winner from this position came in 1986.
1. Renegade
2. Albus
3. Intrepido
4. Litmus Test
5. Right to Party
6. Commandment
7. Danon Bourbon
8. So Happy
9. The Puma
10. Wonder Dean
11. Incredibolt
12. Chief Wallabee
13. Silent Tactic (Scratch)
14. Potente
15. Emerging Market
16. Pavlovian
17. Six Speed
18. Further Ado
19. Golden Tempo
20. Fulleffort (Scratch)
21. Great White
22. Ocelli

Kentucky Derby 2026 winner prize money
The race also features a total prize purse of $5 million. The winner is expected to earn around $3.1 million. Whereas, the second-place finisher will receive close to $1 million. The prize money has surged significantly in recent years. The surged prize value has made the event even more competitive.



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