Horse Racing · Triple Crown Race 1
Kentucky Derby 2026
Churchill Downs · Saturday, May 2, 2026 · Post ~6:57 PM ET
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is the 152nd running of the Run for the Roses — Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Post time is approximately 6:57 PM ET. The race is run at 1¼ miles on dirt, with a field capped at 20 three-year-old Thoroughbreds. The winner earns the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes on May 16 and the Belmont Stakes on June 6. The Derby airs on NBC and Peacock. SportBusy tracks every leg of the Triple Crown season.
2026 Race Details
Date
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Post Time
Approx. 6:57 PM ET
Venue
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
Distance
1¼ miles (10 furlongs)
Surface
Dirt
Field
20 horses maximum
Purse
$5 million (2025 purse)
TV
NBC / Peacock
Nickname
The Run for the Roses
Triple Crown
First leg — followed by Preakness Stakes (May 16) and Belmont Stakes (June 6)
Past Kentucky Derby Winners
| Year | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBD | TBD | TBD | — |
| 2024 | Mystik Dan | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Ken McPeek | 2:03.16 |
| 2023 | Mage | Javier Castellano | Gustavo Delgado | 2:01.57 |
| 2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon | Eric Reed | 2:02.61 |
| 2021 | Medina Spirit* | John Velazquez | Bob Baffert | 2:01.02 |
| 2020 | Authentic | John Velazquez | Bob Baffert | 2:00.61 |
| 2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat | Bill Mott | 2:03.93 |
| 2018 | Justify | Mike Smith | Bob Baffert | 2:04.20 |
| 2017 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher | 2:03.59 |
| 2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O'Neill | 2:01.31 |
| 2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | 2:03.02 |
*Medina Spirit was disqualified; Country House elevated (2019 DQ).
Kentucky Derby 2026 FAQ
When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Post time is approximately 6:57 PM ET. It is the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
Where is the Kentucky Derby 2026?
The Kentucky Derby is always held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The track opened in 1875 and has hosted every Kentucky Derby in history.
What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
The Kentucky Derby airs on NBC and streams on Peacock in the United States. Coverage typically begins in the early afternoon, with the main race (post time ~6:57 PM ET) on NBC's primetime broadcast.
How long is the Kentucky Derby race?
The Kentucky Derby is run at 1¼ miles (10 furlongs) on the dirt track at Churchill Downs. The race takes approximately 2 minutes to complete — the fastest times are just over 2 minutes.
How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby field is capped at 20 horses. Horses qualify through the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system, with the top 20 earners by qualifying deadline making the field.
What is the Triple Crown?
The Triple Crown consists of three classic horse races for 3-year-old Thoroughbreds: the Kentucky Derby (1¼ miles), Preakness Stakes (1 3/16 miles at Pimlico), and Belmont Stakes (1½ miles). Winning all three in the same year is the Triple Crown.
What is the Kentucky Derby purse?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby purse is expected to be approximately $5 million, with the winner receiving approximately $3 million. The total purse has grown significantly in recent years.
What should I wear to the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is famous for its fashion. Tradition calls for elaborate hats for women, while men typically wear suits or seersucker attire. The event is as much social spectacle as sporting event.