With the equine contenders and their starting gate assignments confirmed, the 152nd Kentucky Derby is poised to commence. This Saturday, a contingent of 20 thoroughbreds will compete on the course, each aiming to secure a place in history.
Renegade was initially favored for the competition and, by chance, drew the inaugural starting position for the contest. This particular gate presents a challenge, given that the most recent victor from the rail was in 1986. Pundits reacted by moving Renegade’s odds from 4-1 to 5-1 by Tuesday night. The Puma then emerged as the top pick at 7-2. However, on Saturday morning, The Puma was announced as the fourth withdrawal from the lineup.
Presently, with the scheduled race start drawing nearer, Renegade continues to hold the status of the leading contender.
Winning the race has eluded the favored entry in recent editions, as exemplified by Journalism, who was the top pick in the 2025 Kentucky Derby but ultimately placed second behind Sovereignty.
Below is comprehensive information regarding the 2026 Kentucky Derby in anticipation of the event.
Date of the 2026 Kentucky Derby
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2nd. While typically contested on the first Saturday of May, this was not always the case for the event. Between 1875 and 1931, the competition was generally held midway through the month. This pattern shifted in 1932, when the event permanently moved to the first Saturday of May.
This specific timetable has largely continued uninterrupted since 1932, except for an alteration caused by the COVID-19 global health crisis in 2020. Originally set for the initial Saturday in May, the Derby was rescheduled to September 5th because of the pandemic.
Official Start Time for Kentucky Derby 2026
Broadcasting for the Kentucky Derby spans virtually the entire day. However, for those interested solely in the race itself, it is slated for approximately 6:57 p.m. ET. This precise timing is subject to change, influenced by various elements such as the speed at which the horses enter their designated starting gates.
Location of the 2026 Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby consistently takes place at Churchill Downs, located in Louisville, Kentucky. This particular track has hosted the competition since its very beginning. The venue, Churchill Downs, bears the names of John and Henry Churchill, who were responsible for leasing the site for the horse racing facility.
Churchill Downs Incorporated presently manages the operations of the track.
Contestants, Gate Assignments, and Betting Lines for Kentucky Derby 2026
Presented below are the participants, their starting stall numbers, and current betting lines for each horse entered in the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Renegade occupies the premier starting gate, No. 1. These odds were last updated Saturday afternoon.
1. Renegade 5-1
2. Albus 44-1
3. Intrepido 48-1
4. Litmus Test 26-1
5. Right to Party 26-1 (Scratch)
6. Commandment 5-1
7. Danon Bourbon 14-1
8. So Happy 6-1
9. The Puma 8-1 (Scratch)
10. Wonder Dean 25-1
11. Incredibolt 25-1
12. Chief Wallabee 6-1
13. Silent Tactic 38-1 (Scratch)
14. Potente 18-1
15. Emerging Market 9-1
16. Pavlovian 48-1
17. Six Speed 36-1
18. Further Ado 6-1
19. Golden Tempo 25-1
20. Fulleffort 19-1 (Scratch)
21. Great White 23-1
22. Ocelli 75-1
23. Robusta 75-1
Forecasted Weather Conditions for Kentucky Derby 2026
Meteorological conditions are not anticipated to heavily influence the 2026 Kentucky Derby. Louisville is predicted to experience partly cloudy skies on Saturday, with temperatures reaching a peak of 62 degrees. The likelihood of precipitation on the precise day of the race is quite minimal. There is a possibility of rainfall on Wednesday in the metropolitan area, and a minor chance on Friday that warrants attention. Nevertheless, for the day of the competition itself, the meteorological outlook appears predominantly favorable.
Prize Money and Total Purse for Kentucky Derby 2026
The victorious horse and connections in the 2026 Kentucky Derby are set to collect approximately $3.1 million. This sum mirrors the prize awarded to Sovereignty, the champion of 2024, in the preceding year.
The aggregate prize fund for the event stands at $5 million. The runner-up horse will be awarded close to $1 million.
The comprehensive prize pool for the competition was previously around $3 million, a figure that increased significantly in 2024 to its current total of $5 million.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – APRIL 25: Bob Baffert, trainer of Potente, looks on in the barn area after morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Michael Reaves via Getty Images)
Is Bob Baffert Represented by Any Horses in the 2026 Kentucky Derby?
The renowned, yet contentious, trainer Bob Baffert – who has a well-documented record of his charges failing anti-doping examinations – is fielding two entrants in the 2026 Kentucky Derby. He prepared both Potente and Litmus Test for the race.
Baffert made his return to the prestigious event in the previous year, following a three-year disqualification from participating, which resulted from his 2021 victor, Medina Spirit, testing positive for a prohibited steroid.
Medina Spirit’s victory was rescinded subsequent to a second affirmative test result, culminating in Baffert’s suspension. Consequently, Mandaloun was declared the official winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
This particular contest holds considerable importance for Baffert, as a triumph by either Potente or Litmus Test would secure him the record for his seventh Kentucky Derby win. Baffert presently shares this distinction with Ben Jones. Both individuals have guided six horses to victory in the Kentucky Derby.
Viewing Options for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
Although the main competition is not slated to commence until 6:57 p.m. ET, the broadcast of the Kentucky Derby is set to commence at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Earlier coverage, including the undercard events, will be available via streaming on Peacock and NBCSN starting at noon ET.
This iteration will signify the 26th occasion that the Kentucky Derby has been televised on NBC.
