2026 Kentucky Derby: What You Need To Know on May 2, Including Start Time & Latest Odds
TL;DR
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for May 2 at Churchill Downs. Fans can expect a large audience and updated betting odds ahead of the race.
Key points
- 2026 Kentucky Derby scheduled for May 2
- Event held at Churchill Downs
- Popular among Triple Crown races
- Large audience expected
- Includes latest betting odds
Mentioned in this story
This Saturday brings us the “Run for the Roses” with the 2026 edition of the Kentucky Derby. The beloved race at Churchill Downs is, arguably, the most popular of the three Triple Crown races and is sure to have a huge audience on May 2.
If you plan to watch the 152nd Kentucky Derby this weekend, here is everything you need to know before the race, including the start time and latest betting odds.
When is the Kentucky Derby?
This year’s Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
What is the 2026 Kentucky Derby start time?
Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The derby is the 12th of 14 races scheduled on Saturday. This year’s “Run for the Roses” will have a 6:57 PM ET post time.
What channel will the Kentucky Derby be on?
Just like previous years, the derby will air exclusively on NBC and stream on Peacock.
Latest Kentucky Derby betting odds
Below you can find the current betting odds for the 22 horses set to compete in this year’s Kentucky Derby.
- Renegade (4-1)
- Further Ado (6-1)
- Commandment (6-1)
- Chief Wallabee (8-1)
- The Puma (10-1)
- So Happy (15-1)
- Emerging Market (15-1)
- Danon Bourbon (20-1)
- Fulleffort (Scratched)
- Potente (20-1)
- Incredibolt (20-1)
- Silent Tactic (Scratched)
- Wonder Dean (30-1)
- Right to Party (30-1)
- Litmus Test (30-1)
- Golden Tempo (30-1)
- Albus (30-1)
- Pavlovian (30-1)
- Intrepido (50-1)
- Six Speed (50-1)
- Ocelli (50-1)
- Great White (50-1)
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby
There are many options to bet on Saturday’s race. However, the most popular is on Twin Spires using their horse race betting app.
Who is the 2026 Kentucky Derby favorite?
There are several colts with a real chance to win the 152nd edition of the legendary race. However, ahead of the post time, Todd Pletcher-trained three-year-old Renegade is the current favorite to win the 2026 Kentucky Derby.
What are the best longshot Kentucky Derby picks?
Two horses to keep an eye on as potential long-short bets to win the derby are 20-1 favorites Danon Bourbon and Fulleffort. Bourbon has limited experience but is a talented colt, while Fulleffort has been hot in the lead-up to the event.
2026 Kentucky Derby post positions
Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Post positions are always important in a horse race. Here are the 2026 Kentucky Derby post positions.
- Renegade
- Albus
- Intrepido
- Litmus Test
- Right to Party
- Commandment
- Danon Bourbon
- So Happy
- The Puma
- Wonder Dean
- Incredibolt
- Chief Wallabee
- Silent Tactic (Scratched)
- Potente
- Emerging Market
- Pavlovian
- Six Speed
- Further Ado
- Golden Tempo
- Fulleffort (Scratched)
- Great White
- Ocelli
How much does the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner get?
Since the Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races on the planet, winning it means a huge cash prize. In 2026, the derby winner will get just over $3 million.
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Q&A
What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will start on Saturday, May 2, but the exact time is not specified in the provided information.
Where is the 2026 Kentucky Derby being held?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.
What are the latest odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The latest betting odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby are mentioned in the article, but specific numbers are not provided.
Why is the Kentucky Derby called the 'Run for the Roses'?
The Kentucky Derby is nicknamed the 'Run for the Roses' because the winning horse is awarded a blanket of roses.
