2026 Kentucky Derby: Full Horse List & Latest Odds
May 1, 2026
Search
Follow Us
The 2026 Kentucky Derby remains a revered spectacle of custom, marked by the stirring performance of “My Old Kentucky Home” and a profusion of elaborate headwear, alongside the iconic bourbon cocktails savored by attendees. With the 2026 Derby merely a day away, this year’s roster showcases premier equine athletes set to contend for their place in equestrian history and the highly coveted flower garland.
For the 152nd edition of this illustrious race, Renegade stands out as the frontrunner following a sequence of powerful preparatory contest showings. The young male horse will commence from the first starting gate, a position that offers an initial boost but presents considerable hurdles, as no horse has triumphed from that specific post since 1986.
The Derby lineup has already experienced two significant departures. Silent Tactic, an outsider with promising prospects from the thirteenth post, was withdrawn due to a hoof contusion. Meanwhile, Fulleffort, under the tutelage of Brad Cox and slated for the outermost twentieth gate, has been sidelined because of a bone chip in his posterior left ankle. Fulleffort will undergo surgical intervention but is anticipated to achieve full recuperation and resume competition later this year.
With the recognizable Twin Spires casting their silhouette over Churchill Downs, the trainers, jockeys, and proprietors are finalizing preparations to ensure their steeds are in optimal physical form. Presented below is an overview of the present competitors and the latest betting figures for the 152nd 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.
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.
14 / 19
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.
The 2026 Kentucky Derby: Broadcast Details, Online Access, and Viewing Locations
The 152nd running of this premier equestrian event at Churchill Downs is set for May 2, 2026, a Saturday. Enthusiasts can catch the action via NBC and USA Network, or stream it through Peacock.
Day: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Timing: 2:30 PM Eastern Time – 7:30 PM Eastern Time
Venue: Churchill Downs (Louisville, KY)
Kentucky Derby 2026: Betting Probabilities and Starting Gate Assignments
Below are the assigned gate numbers and current betting lines, sourced from kentuckyderby.com, for every horse entered in the 152nd Kentucky Derby. These figures were last updated at 10:03 AM ET.
Gate No. 2: Albus | chances: 50-1
Gate No. 21: Great White | chances: 29-1
Gate No. 22: Ocelli | chances: 50-1
Gate No. 23: Robusta | chances: 50-1
The content presented here was initially published by USA TODAY, detailing the Kentucky Derby Competitors: Equines and current betting prospects for the Churchill Downs event.
