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2026 Kentucky Derby start time, how to watch

2026 Kentucky Derby start time, how to watch

Published:

By: Ryan Wohl

The biggest race of the calendar year in horse racing has arrived! This year marks the 152nd Kentucky Derby, which began in 1875. The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

For more information on how to bet on this weekend’s events, we have you covered right here.

When is the 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is taking place on Saturday, May 2.

How to watch?

Coverage for the 152nd Kentucky Derby will be available on NBC and Peacock.

What time is it?

The day begins at 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBCSSN. Coverage ahead of the 152nd Kentucky Derby takes place from 2:30 p.m. ET to 7:30 p.m. ET. The main race for the Kentucky Derby has a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET.

DraftKings Racing is currently available in the following states: 

It is available for customers 18 years or older.

  • Delaware
  • New Mexico
  • Rhode Island
  • Montana
  • Florida
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Louisiana
  • New Hampshire

DK Horse is currently available in the following states: 

It is available for customers 18 years or older.

  • Arizona*
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Illinois
  • Indiana*
  • Iowa*
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • New Hampshire
  • New York
  • Pennsylvania
  • Virginia
  • Washington*
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

*Note: Arizona, Indiana, Iowa and Washington state residents must be at least 21 years or older.

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.