Sports

2026 Kentucky Derby: Start Time, Live Stream, TV Channel and Betting Odds

The Kentucky Derby has long been one of the most prestigious events on the sports calendar, year after year. "America's Greatest Race," as it is known in the horse racing community and beyond, was first run in 1875, as over 10,000 spectators in attendance saw jockey Oliver Lewis ride Aristides to victory.

Over 150 years later, the Kentucky Derby is the longest continuously running sporting event in the United States. Saturday marks the 152nd Run for the Roses, which will take place at the same place it has since its inception, Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Intrepido with exercise rider Alex Galindo working at Churchill Downs. © Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Intrepido with exercise rider Alex Galindo working at Churchill Downs. © Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images © Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Whether tuning in for the first time or a repeat watcher of the Kentucky Derby, fans have the opportunity to catch all the action live on Saturday.

How/When to Watch the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby is the 12th of 14 scheduled races Saturday at Churchill Downs. Post time is set for 6:57 p.m. ET, with the race being broadcast live nationally on NBC, which will begin its coverage of "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Larry Collmus will announce the race on NBC, his 16th consecutive Derby. He will be joined by hosts Mike Tirico and Rebecca Lowe, along with a host of analysts and reporters for the broadcast.

For those looking for coverage of the undercard, nine races will be featured on Peacock beginning at noon ET.

Kentucky Derby Betting Odds

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most wagered on sporting events across the country each year, and this year is no different. Here are the betting odds for each horse and jockey in Saturday's race, according to the Derby's website.

Post 1 - Renegade 5/1

Post 2 - Albus 50/1

Post 3 - Intrepido 55/1

Post 4 - Litmus Text 34/1

Post 6 - Commandment 7/1

Post 7 - Danon Bourbon 14/1

Post 8 - So Happy 6/1

Post 9 - The Puma 8/1

Post 10 - Wonder Dean 20/1

Post 11 - Incredibolt 27/1

Post 12 - Chief Wallabee 9/1

Post 14 - Potente 23/1

Post 15 - Emerging Market 11/1

Post 16 - Pavlovian 52/1

Post 17 - Six Speed

Post 18 - Further Ado 7/1

Post 19 - Golden Tempo 36/1

Post 21 - Great White 29/1

Post 22 - Ocelli 50/1

Post 23 - Robusta 50/1

This year's Kentucky Derby promises to be another phenomenal running of the storied race, as the quest for the Triple Crown begins at Churchill Downs.

Related: 2026 Kentucky Derby Post Positions: Full List of Derby Horses, Jockeys, and Trainers for Saturday

Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM.

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