The Kentucky Derby, America's most prestigious horse race, takes place annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. It features 20 elite 3-year-old Thoroughbreds competing for the coveted garland of roses.
Key points
Kentucky Derby is America's most prestigious horse race
Held annually on the first Saturday in May
Takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
Features 20 elite 3-year-old Thoroughbreds
Known for traditions like extravagant hats and mint juleps
Mentioned in this story
Churchill DownsLouisville
Triple CrownKentucky Derby
Everything first‑time viewers must know before the Kentucky Derby starts
The Kentucky Derby, widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and iconic events in horse racing, serves as the first leg of the Triple Crown. Each year, the race brings together 20 of the most elite 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, all vying for the coveted garland of roses and a chance at racing immortality. The event is a celebration of speed, tradition, and the enduring spirit of competition, capturing the attention of fans around the world.
Since its inaugural running in 1875, the Kentucky Derby has drawn thousands of spectators each year to the historic Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. Dubbed "America’s Greatest Race," the Derby holds the distinction of being the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States. Its dramatic two-minute sprint has earned it the nickname "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports."
Tradition is at the heart of the Kentucky Derby experience. The race is always held on the first Saturday in May, signaling the unofficial start of spring for many. Among its most cherished customs are the parade of extravagant hats worn by attendees, the sipping of signature mint juleps, and the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home" as the horses parade to the post.
Here is everything you need to know about the beloved Kentucky Derby, from its storied history and traditions to what makes this event a highlight of the sporting calendar every year.
The Kentucky Derby has been held annually since 1875, making it the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States.
What traditions are associated with the Kentucky Derby?
Traditions include wearing extravagant hats, sipping mint juleps, and singing 'My Old Kentucky Home' during the horse parade.
When is the Kentucky Derby held each year?
The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday in May.
What is the significance of the Kentucky Derby in horse racing?
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is widely regarded as one of the most iconic events in horse racing.
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A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates as they cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Bed Races held at Broadbent Arena Monday evening, April 27, 2026.
Flowers in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a week before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on April 24, 2026.
John King and his daughter, Ghauni, 4, watch as the first hot air balloons lift at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Balloon Glow Thursday night at Waterfront Park on April 23, 2026.
Levi Shank, left, and Amanda Regier run in costume following the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Louisville Kentucky.
The Japanese team of Wonder Dean celebrated their horse's No. 10 post position after the 2026 Kentucky Derby Draw at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Fulleffort, trained by Brad Cox, was ridden by Edvin Vargas during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Fulleffort has seven career races with three wins, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Silent Tactic during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Silent Tactic is trained by Mark Casse.
The Shady Rays balloon lifts off as hot air balloons take flight at Bowman Field for the KDF Great BalloonFest Rush Hour Race in Louisville on April 24, 2026.
People gathered around to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses arrive at the main gap during morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 28, 2026.
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
Spectators line East Broadway to catch a glimpse of the floats during the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade in Louisville, Kentucky, Sunday, April 26, 2026.
The trophy given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25.
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Todd Pletcher on the backside watching his horses work out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2028. Pletcher has 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Renegade.
2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
A crowd gathers on the backside at sunrise during Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
Veteran jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mike Smith, who will pilot 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful So Happy, on April 24, 2026.
A unicylcist waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pegasus Parade on Broadway Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
A crowd gathers to watch as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Six Speed walks in circles before the special training time for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 24, 2026. The horse is trained by Bhupat Seamer.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
1 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
2 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities celebrates as they cross the finish line at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Bed Races held at Broadbent Arena Monday evening, April 27, 2026.
3 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Flowers in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, a week before the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby, on April 24, 2026.
4 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
John King and his daughter, Ghauni, 4, watch as the first hot air balloons lift at the Kentucky Derby Festival's Great Balloon Glow Thursday night at Waterfront Park on April 23, 2026.
5 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Levi Shank, left, and Amanda Regier run in costume following the start of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and mini Marathon on Saturday, April 25, 2026 in Louisville Kentucky.
6 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
The Japanese team of Wonder Dean celebrated their horse's No. 10 post position after the 2026 Kentucky Derby Draw at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25, 2026.
7 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Fulleffort, trained by Brad Cox, was ridden by Edvin Vargas during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Fulleffort has seven career races with three wins, two second-place finishes and one third-place finish.
8 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Silent Tactic during a morning workout on April 23, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Silent Tactic is trained by Mark Casse.
9 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
The Shady Rays balloon lifts off as hot air balloons take flight at Bowman Field for the KDF Great BalloonFest Rush Hour Race in Louisville on April 24, 2026.
10 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
People gathered around to see the Kentucky Derby and Oaks horses arrive at the main gap during morning training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 28, 2026.
11 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A horse is bathed after morning workouts during Dawn at the Downs on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
12 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Spectators line East Broadway to catch a glimpse of the floats during the Zoeller Pump Company Pegasus Parade in Louisville, Kentucky, Sunday, April 26, 2026.
13 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
The trophy given to the winner of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 25.
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Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby trainer Todd Pletcher on the backside watching his horses work out at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on April 27, 2028. Pletcher has 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Renegade.
15 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
2026 Kentucky Derby horse and favorite Renegade getting bathed after working at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, 2026. The horse is trained by Todd Pletcher.
16 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A crowd gathers on the backside at sunrise during Dawn at the Downs at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 27, ahead of the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
17 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
Veteran jockey and two-time Kentucky Derby winner Mike Smith, who will pilot 2026 Kentucky Derby hopeful So Happy, on April 24, 2026.
18 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A unicylcist waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pegasus Parade on Broadway Avenue in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
19 / 19
Check out scenes as anticipation builds leading up to the Kentucky Derby
A crowd gathers to watch as 2026 Kentucky Derby contender Six Speed walks in circles before the special training time for Derby and Oaks horses at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 24, 2026. The horse is trained by Bhupat Seamer.
When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can watch the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC, USA Network
Stream: Peacock
Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)
How many horses run in Kentucky Derby?
A maximum of 20 horses compete in the Kentucky Derby each year, making it one of the most competitive events in the sport. Entry into the prestigious starting gate is determined by a rigorous system of qualifying prep races held across the country and internationally. In these races, horses accumulate points based on their performance, with the highest point earners earning a coveted spot in the Derby field. In addition to the 20 primary qualifiers, a small group of "also-eligible" horses is designated in case one of the original contenders is forced to withdraw before race day.
Kentucky Derby attire
The Kentucky Derby is renowned for its bold, spring-inspired fashion, with attendees donning vibrant pastel colors, floral prints, and extravagant hats that have become synonymous with the event. This sartorial tradition dates back to the inaugural Derby in 1875, when founder Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. encouraged guests to attend in "full morning dress," reflecting his vision of the Derby as a high-society affair. Over the decades, Derby fashion has evolved beyond formality to embrace creativity, individuality, and a festive spirit, making the event as much a celebration of style as of sport.
Kentucky Derby ticket prices
The Kentucky Derby offers a wide range of ticket options for every fan. Premium packages, which include tickets to both the Derby and the Oaks, feature all-inclusive dining, private lounges, and prime views – starting at $2,075.
For a more affordable Derby experience, infield general admission tickets start at $137.35 and let fans bring their own chairs or picnic. Infield final turn admission is $376.50, while Frontside Plaza Walkaround tickets with paddock access and amenities start at $731.85.
Kentucky Derby signature drink
The official drink of the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep, a cocktail made with Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, fresh mint and crushed ice.
