The most exciting two minutes in sports is almost here! As of today, Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the city of Louisville is buzzing with the spirit of 502’sDay. With only four days remaining until the 152nd Kentucky Derby, the field is set, the odds are locked, and the world is ready for Churchill Downs.
The 2026 Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and remains the most attended horse race in America.
Race Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Post Time: 6:57 PM EDT
Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
Field Size: 20 elite three-year-old Thoroughbreds
Following the post-position draw on Saturday, April 25, clear favorites have emerged. Here are the horses everyone is watching:
Renegade (4-1): Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Todd Pletcher, Renegade is the current morning-line favorite. After winning from stall 16 last year (Sovereignty), fans are eager to see if Pletcher can repeat the magic.
The Puma (5-1): A crowd favorite known for a strong finish, currently topping many expert lists.
Commandment (6-1): Trained by Brad Cox, this horse is a serious threat with a consistent winning streak this season.
Further Ado (6-1): Rounding out the top tier of contenders with impressive speed figures.
From the iconic Twin Spires to the traditional Mint Juleps, the Derby is a celebration of Southern culture. This year, general admission tickets started at $132.25, with fans flocking to the infield to view the race on the world’s largest 4K video board.
Whether you are tracking the odds or watching for the fashion, the 2026 Derby is an unmissable event. To stay updated with late scratchings, live betting shifts, and photo finishes, you can Watch Kentucky Derby 2026 Live Updates and follow every stride toward history.