The 2026 Kentucky Derby is nearly upon us, marking the beginning of the Triple Crown season. Early weather forecasts indicate clear skies, promising ideal racing conditions for the 152nd running of the event. Renegade, despite drawing the No. 1 post position, remains the odds-on favorite at 4-1, setting the stage for an exciting race.
When and Where to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby
The 2026 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 2, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The iconic Run for the Roses returns with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the race live on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock. Additional coverage will air on NBCSN, providing comprehensive race-day access. For those without cable, streaming options include DirecTV, Fubo, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV. The broadcast schedule begins with the Derby Day undercard at 12:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Peacock, followed by the main NBC broadcast from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET. The Kentucky Oaks, held on Friday, May 1, features a post time of 8:40 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock, with undercard coverage starting at 1:00 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock.
2026 Kentucky Derby Contenders and Odds
The field features a mix of top contenders and longshots. Renegade, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., leads the odds at 4-1. Other favorites include Commandment (6-1) and Chief Wallabee (8-1). Longshots such as Danon Bourbon (20-1) and Incredibolt (20-1) offer value for bettors. Below is a list of the top contenders and their odds:
- Renegade – 4-1
- Commandment – 6-1
- Chief Wallabee – 8-1
- Danon Bourbon – 20-1
- Incredibolt – 20-1
- Potente – 20-1
- Albus – 30-1
- Right To Party – 30-1
- Pavlovian – 30-1
- Golden Tempo – 30-1
- Wonder Dean – 30-1
- Intrepido – 50-1
- Litmus Test – 50-1
- Six Speed – 50-1
- Great White – 50-1
- Ocelli – 50-1
- Robusta – 50-1
- Corona De Oro – 50-1
Race Day Schedule and Key Details
The first post at Churchill Downs on Saturday is at 11:00 a.m. ET, with the Kentucky Derby being Race 12 on the card. The Kentucky Oaks, on Friday, is Race 13 with a post time of 8:40 p.m. ET. Across both days, NBC Sports will air 16 live races, ensuring full coverage of the event. For the latest updates, fans can follow the Times of India for sports news, including IPL coverage.
