2026 Kentucky Derby: Start time, TV channel, how to watch live, post positions and more

4 weeks ago 12

It’s almost time for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. That’s right, the first leg of the Triple Crown is this weekend — and the weather prediction for the Kentucky Derby looks positive so far. Renegade drew the No. 1 post position for Saturday’s race, but the derby odds still have him as the 4-1 morning-line favorite for the 152nd Kentucky Derby. The official race will air on NBC (and stream on Peacock) with a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. Supplemental coverage will air on NBCSN and stream live on Peacock. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 2026 Run for the Roses.

How to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby:

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Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026

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Time: (approximately) 6:57 p.m. ET

Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Ky.

TV channel: NBC, NBCSN

Streaming: Peacock, DirecTV, and more

When is the Kentucky Derby 2026?

The Run for the Roses returns Saturday, May 2, 2026.

What time is the Kentucky Derby on?

Coverage of the 152nd Run for the Roses will begin as early as 12 p.m. ET (on Peacock and NBCSN) and 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The actual race won't begin until after 6:30 ET, with the current post time set for 6:57 p.m. ET.

2026 Kentucky Derby channel:

The 152nd Kentucky Derby will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock. Additional coverage of the derby and Kentucky Oaks Day will air on NBCSN. Across the two days of racing, NBC Sports will cover 16 live races.

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How to watch the Kentucky Derby without cable:

For $11/month, an ad-supported Peacock subscription lets you stream live sports and events airing on NBC, including the Kentucky Derby. Plus, you'll get access to thousands of hours of shows and movies, like beloved sitcoms Parks and Recreation and The Office, every Bravo show, and much more.

For $17/month, you can upgrade to an ad-free subscription that includes live access to your local NBC affiliate (not just during designated sports and events) and the ability to download select titles to watch offline.

More ways to watch the Kentucky Derby live without cable:

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Kentucky Derby 2026 schedule:

All times Eastern

Friday, May 1

  • Kentucky Oaks Undercard: 4 p.m. (Peacock, NBCSN)

  • Kentucky Oaks: 8 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)

Saturday, May 2

  • Kentucky Derby Undercard: Noon (Peacock, NBCSN)

  • 152nd Kentucky Derby: 2:30 p.m. (NBC, Peacock)

Kentucky Derby 2026 post positions and odds:

Here are the post positions and odds for all 20 horses in the 152nd Kentucky Derby.

1. Renegade 4-1

2. Albus 30-1

3. Intrepido 50-1

4. Litmus Test 30-1

5. Right to Party 30-1

6. Commandment 6-1

7. Danon Bourbon 20-1

8. So Happy 15-1

9. The Puma 10-1

10. Wonder Dean 30-1

11. Incredibolt 20-1

12. Chief Wallabee 8-1

13. Silent Tactic 20-1

14. Potente 20-1

15. Emerging Market 15-1

16. Pavlovian 30-1

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17. Six Speed 50-1

18. Further Ado 6-1

19. Golden Tempo 30-1

20. Fulleffort 20-1

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