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When does the Kentucky Derby start in the Pacific time zone? Post time, schedule, channel, streaming to watch live
TL;DR
The Kentucky Derby starts at 3:57 PM Pacific Time on Saturday. The event features 11 races leading up to the main race, showcasing 20 horses.
Key points
- Kentucky Derby starts at 3:57 PM Pacific Time
- 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby
- 20 horses competing for the trophy
- 11 races leading up to the main event
- Annual showcase for 3-year-olds
When does the Kentucky Derby start in the Pacific time zone? Post time, schedule, channel, streaming to watch live originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The fancy hats and mint juleps come out a little earlier in the day on the West Coast.
Saturday marks the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, with 20 horses set to run for the roses and the most coveted trophy in U.S. thoroughbred racing.
Though the main event is near the end of the program, it's an all-day affair at Churchill Downs with 11 races leading up to the Derby. The premier annual showcase for 3-year-olds is the race everyone wants to see, though.
So when and where should fans in the Pacific time zone tune in to watch the opening leg of the Triple Crown this year? The Sporting News has all you need to know below.
When does the Kentucky Derby start in the Pacific time zone?
- Date: Saturday, May 2
- Time: 3:57 p.m. PT
Post time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday at 3:57 p.m. PT, or 6:57 p.m. ET. The Run for the Roses is the 12th of 14 races on tap at Churchill Downs, with the day's program beginning at 8 a.m. PT.
See the full Saturday race and broadcast schedule below.
Where to watch Kentucky Derby 2026
Saturday races at Churchill Downs, culminating in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, will air across multiple platforms. NBC will carry several races leading up to the main event, with FanDuel TV providing additional coverage of early and late races.
Fans can stream all of those broadcasts via DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Additional races and all of the NBC coverage will also be available on Peacock. See the full broadcast and streaming schedule below.
| Time (PT) | Coverage | Watch |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m. | Races 1 and 2 | FanDuel TV, DIRECTV |
| 9 a.m. | Races 3 through 6 | Peacock |
| 11:30 a.m. | Races 7 through 11 | NBC, DIRECTV, Peacock |
| 3:57 p.m. | Kentucky Derby | NBC, DIRECTV, Peacock |
| 4:30 p.m. | Races 13 and 14 | FanDuel TV, DIRECTV |
Kentucky Derby race schedule 2026
Here's the full schedule of Derby day racing with Pacific time starts.
Saturday, May 2
| Race | Post Time (PT) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8 a.m. |
| 2 | 8:32 a.m. |
| 3 | 9:05 a.m. |
| 4 | 9:38 a.m. |
| 5 | 10:12 a.m. |
| 6 | 10:53 a.m. |
| 7 | 11:38 a.m. |
| 8 | 12:23 p.m. |
| 9 | 1:06 p.m. |
| 10 | 1:50 p.m. |
| 11 | 2:39 p.m. (Old Forester Turf Classic) |
| 12 | 3:57 p.m. (Kentucky Derby) |
| 13 | 5 p.m. |
| 14 | 5:33 p.m. |
Kentucky Derby horses, odds 2026
Here's a look at the post positions for the 2026 Kentucky Derby as well as the odds for the race.
| Post | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Odds |
| 1 | Renegade | Todd Pletcher | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 5-1 |
| 2 | Albus | Riley Mott | Manny Franco | 50-1 |
| 3 | Intrepido | Jeff Mullins | Hector Berrios | 55-1 |
| 4 | Litmus Test | Bob Baffert | Martin Garcia | 34-1 |
| SCR | ||||
| 6 | Commandment | Brad Cox | Luis Saez |
MORE KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY:
Q&A
What time does the Kentucky Derby start in Pacific Time?
The Kentucky Derby starts at 3:57 PM Pacific Time.
How many races are there before the Kentucky Derby?
There are 11 races leading up to the Kentucky Derby.
Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby live?
The Kentucky Derby can be watched live on various channels and streaming platforms, details of which are typically provided closer to the event.
What is the significance of the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is the premier annual showcase for 3-year-old thoroughbreds and is one of the most prestigious horse races in the U.S.
