LIVE DERBY DAY UPDATE: The field has been reduced to 19 runners following the Saturday morning scratch of The Puma (#9). There will be no further additions to the field. The official post time for the 152nd Kentucky Derby remains 6:57 PM ET / 3:57 PM PT.
The wait is over, the first Saturday in May has arrived! Churchill Downs is at capacity for the 152nd ‘Run for the Roses,’ and the energy is electric. Whether you are tracking the full day of undercard stakes or just tuning in for the most exciting two minutes in sports, staying on top of the moving parts is critical. Following several high-profile late scratches, including race-morning news regarding The Puma (#9), the schedule and field have shifted. Below is the finalized 2026 Kentucky Derby schedule, including TV coverage, streaming options, and post times for the entire Saturday card.
Last Updated: May 2nd, 2026
DERBY WEEK 2026: Key Dates & Events
- Today (Apr 25): Opening Night at Churchill Downs
- Tuesday (Apr 28): Champions Day
- Wednesday (Apr 29): Section 110 Day
- Thursday (Apr 30): Thurby
- Friday (May 1): Kentucky Oaks (Post Time: 5:51 PM ET)
- Saturday (May 2): 152nd Kentucky Derby (Post Time: 6:57 PM ET)
Last updated: April 30th, 2026
At-A-Glance: 2026 Kentucky Derby Schedule + Information
2026 Kentucky Derby Schedule: Key Event Details
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.
| Event | Detail |
| Date | Saturday, May 2, 2026 |
| Post Time | 6:57 PM ET |
| TV Channel | NBC |
| Streaming | Peacock |
| Location | Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY |
2026 Kentucky Derby Field & Odds
*Updated May 2nd, 1PM ET
| PP | Horse | Morning Line Odds | Jockey | Status |
| 1 | Renegade | 4-1 (Favorite) | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Active |
| 2 | Albus | 12-1 | Manny Franco | Active |
| 3 | Intrepido | 20-1 | Hector Berrios | Active |
| 4 | Litmus Test | 15-1 | Martin Garcia | Active |
| 5 | ~~Right to Party~~ | — | — | SCRATCHED |
| 6 | Commandment | 8-1 | Luis Saez | Active |
| 7 | Danon Bourbon | 20-1 | Atsuya Nishimura | Active |
| 8 | So Happy | 10-1 | Mike Smith | Active |
| 9 | ~~The Puma~~ | — | — | SCRATCHED |
| 10 | Wonder Dean | 15-1 | Ryusei Sakai | Active |
| 11 | Incredibolt | 20-1 | Jaime Torres | Active |
| 12 | Chief Wallabee | 25-1 | Junior Alvarado | Active |
| 13 | Potente | 12-1 | Juan Hernandez | Active |
| 14 | Emerging Market | 15-1 | Flavien Prat | Active |
| 15 | Pavlovian | 25-1 | Edwin Maldonado | Active |
| 16 | Six Speed | 40-1 | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Active |
| 17 | Further Ado | 6-1 | John Velazquez | Active |
| 18 | Golden Tempo | 20-1 | Jose Ortiz | Active |
| 19 | Great White | 30-1 | Frankie Dettori | Active |
| 20 | Ocelli | 30-1 | Keith Asmussen | Active |
| 23 | Robusta | 50-1 | Cristian Torres | Active |
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? Renegade is the favorite at 4-1 odds.
