The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” the 2026 Derby features a field of 20 three-year-old Thoroughbreds competing for a record $5 million purse. Live coverage begins at 12:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock, with the official race post time set for approximately 6:57 PM ET to wrap up the full day’s worth of racing during the 2026 Kentucky Derby schedule
At-A-Glance: 2026 Kentucky Derby Schedule + Information
At-A-Glance: 2026 Kentucky Derby Schedule + Information
Here’s the 2026 Kentucky Derby schedule for you for race day and how to watch. If you want to check out the 2025 Derby schedule we have that up for you here as well.
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, KY)
- Race Distance: 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs)
- Official Post Time: 6:57 PM ET
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports App
Full 2026 Kentucky Derby Weekend Schedule
All times Eastern (ET)
Friday, May 1: Kentucky Oaks Day
- 10:30 AM: Early undercard races begin
- 1:00 PM: Live coverage starts on USA Network and Peacock
- 5:51 PM: 152nd Kentucky Oaks Race (The “Fillies’ Derby”)
Saturday, May 2: Kentucky Derby Day
- 10:30 AM: Under-card races begin at Churchill Downs
- 12:00 PM: Early Derby Day coverage begins on Peacock
- 2:30 PM: Main broadcast coverage begins on NBC
- 6:57 PM: The 152nd Kentucky Derby (Post Time)
- 7:30 PM: Post-race analysis and trophy presentation
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby Without Cable
If you have cut the cord, you can still catch every second of the Run for the Roses.
- Peacock: The primary streaming home for all NBC Sports coverage.
- Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV: Both carry NBC and USA Network.
- FuboTV: Offers a free trial for new users to watch the Derby live.
[FREE DOWNLOAD] 2026 Kentucky Derby Party Printable (PDF)
Planning a Derby party? Download our 1-page printable guide featuring the full race schedule, a “How to Bet” cheat sheet, and a list of the 20 contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kentucky Derby 2026
What time is the 2026 Kentucky Derby? The official post time is 6:57 PM ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026. However, coverage of the undercard races and celebrity arrivals begins as early as 12:00 PM ET.
What channel is the Kentucky Derby on in 2026? The race will be broadcast live on NBC. Pre-race coverage on Friday and early Saturday may also appear on USA Network and Peacock.
Who is the favorite for the 2026 Kentucky Derby? The early favorites are determined by the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” points standings. Official odds and the post-position draw will be finalized the week of the race.
