The 2026 Kentucky Derby will take place on May 2 at Churchill Downs. A comprehensive guide covers Derby traditions, betting, and essential FAQs for attendees.
Key points
2026 Kentucky Derby is on May 2
Event held at Churchill Downs
Guide includes Derby traditions and betting tips
Focus on iconic drinks and fashion
Essential FAQs for attendees
Mentioned in this story
Churchill DownsLouisville
Kentucky Derby
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is May 2 at Churchill Downs! Are you curious about Derby traditions beyond just the horses and jockeys?
From iconic drinks and fashion tips to how to bet and the meaning behind the roses, we have a guide breaks down the essential FAQs for Derby Day fun!
Here's everything you need to know about the Run for the Roses before you go:
The extension includes multi-platform rights to the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Derby and Oaks Day programming, which will be presented on NBC, Peacock, USA Network and additional NBCU platforms.
Whether this is your first Kentucky Derby or your 50th, there's no shame in brushing up on the facts and figures about what's arguably the most well-known and anticipated horse race in the world. Every year on the first Saturday of May, tens of thousands of people travel to Louisville and Churchill Downs, the storied track where the Kentucky Derby runs each year, to witness an unmatched springtime display of athleticism, fashion and pageantry.
In 2026, fashion will once again take center stage for both men and women at the 152nd Kentucky Derby.
Sure, we all come to historic Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave., in Louisville, to watch the thoroughbreds race, but make no mistake, looking the part goes hand-in-hand with the day at the racetrack.
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabee during a morning workout at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado walks by a sign honoring Sovereignty -- which he rode to a win in the 2025 Kentucky Derby -- at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Chief Wallabe outside trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs. The horses enters the Kentucky Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Florida Derby on March 28 at Gulfstream Park. He currently ranks 17th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 50. April 19, 2026.
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. The horse's most recent race was in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, where he finished third. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Chief Wallabee is walked back his stall at trainer Bill Mott's barn on the backside of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 19, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Wonder Dean works at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Trainer is Daisuke Takayanagi. The horse has earned $725,172 so far. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Incredibolt in his stall at Trainer Riley Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The Pin Oak Stud won the Virginia Derby. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Kentucky Derby 152 contender Albus on the track with exercise rider Antonio Garcia aboard for training at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Two-time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bill Mott at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Mott has Chief Wallabee in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott in the stall of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working at his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott carries the saddlecloth of 152nd Kentucky Derby contender Albus while working in his barn on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby contender Albus on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Riley Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott on the backside during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Trainer Riley Mott watches training on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Riley, who has two horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby -- Albus and Incredibolt -- is the son of Derby winning trainer Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
20 / 26
A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado on the backside at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee for trainer Bill Mott. Alvarado won the 2025 Kentucky Derby aboard Sovereignty. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado at trainer Bill Mott's barn at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. He's slated to ride Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Jockey Junior Alvarado aboard 2026 Kentucky Derby horse Chief Wallabee during morning workouts at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The horse is trained by Bill Mott. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
Japanese horse Wonder Dean, a contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, on the track with Churchill Downs veteran rider Mike Crowder aboard his pony at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
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A peek at the backside of Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby Week
2026 Kentucky Derby horse Right To Party on the track during a morning workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. April 20, 2026
The Kentucky Derby, known as "The Run for the Roses," features a blanket of more than 400 red roses draped over the winning horse. Here's where it came from.
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Dee Johnson and Barry Brewer walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Trae Spina shows up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Carrie Biloti, left, Jessica Morse, center, and Jerri Sly visit the Pink Snails for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Charlie and Michele Harlow get their picture taken for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Chris Martin walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
The Pink Snails were in attendance for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Michelle Winningham gets her picture made for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Charlie walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Jackie and Elliot Outlaw walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
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Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
1 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
2 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Dee Johnson and Barry Brewer walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
3 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Trae Spina shows up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
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Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Carrie Biloti, left, Jessica Morse, center, and Jerri Sly visit the Pink Snails for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
5 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Charlie and Michele Harlow get their picture taken for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
6 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Chris Martin walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
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Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
The Pink Snails were in attendance for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
8 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Michelle Winningham gets her picture made for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
9 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Charlie walks in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
10 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
Jackie and Elliot Outlaw walk in for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
11 / 11
Opening Day photos at Churchill Downs, start of Kentucky Derby Week
People show up for the first day of horse racing on opening day of the Spring Meet ahead of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
Apr. 25, 2026.
Trying to find out who won the Kentucky Derby in a particular year? There have been 151 winners in the race's history, which dates back to 1875. See the full list.
With the Kentucky Derby approaching, you'll want to get ready for a slew of traditional cocktail options.
Each year, thousands of cocktails are served at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, including the Woodford Spire, the Oaks Lily, the official cocktail of the Kentucky Oaks, to take place May 1 in 2026, and the mint julep, the official cocktail of the Kentucky Derby, set to take place May 2.
