You've got your hat ready or maybe you're just looking for a reason to mix a mint julep on a random Saturday. Either way, everyone asks the same thing once May rolls around: what time is the kentucky derby race today? It’s kind of funny because the "race" itself is basically a blink. Two minutes. That’s it. But the buildup? That takes all day.
If you are looking for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby, which is happening on Saturday, May 2, 2026, the magic number you need to remember is 6:57 p.m. ET.
That is the official post time. However, if you've ever watched horse racing, you know "post time" is more of a polite suggestion than a hard rule. Horses are finicky. Sometimes a colt decides he doesn’t like the starting gate. Sometimes the pageantry—the singing of "My Old Kentucky Home"—runs a bit long. Honestly, expect the actual gates to fly open closer to 7:00 p.m. ET.
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Why the 6:57 p.m. ET Slot Matters
NBC has owned this broadcast window for decades. They’ve found the sweet spot. It’s late enough for West Coast viewers to be awake and drinking (around 3:57 p.m. PT) and early enough that the East Coast isn't falling asleep before the trophy presentation.
If you’re hosting a party, don’t tell your guests 6:57. Tell them 6:30. You want everyone in front of the TV for the walkover and the singing. That’s where the real "Derby" energy is.
The Full Churchill Downs Schedule
Most people don't realize that the Kentucky Derby isn't just one race. It’s actually Race 12 on a massive 14-race card. Churchill Downs opens its gates way earlier than you’d think—usually around 9:00 a.m.
Here is how the day actually looks on the ground:
- 9:00 a.m. ET: Gates open. This is for the die-hards who want to see the early morning light hit the Twin Spires.
- 10:30 a.m. ET: The first race of the day starts. These are smaller stakes races, but they are great for warming up your betting app.
- 2:30 p.m. ET: This is when the main NBC broadcast usually starts. If you want the full experience—the celebrity red carpet, the hat close-ups, and the tear-jerker backstories on the trainers—this is when you tune in.
- 6:57 p.m. ET: The main event. The Run for the Roses.
- 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. ET: The final races of the evening (Race 13 and 14) wrap things up for the crowd still standing in Louisville.
Where to Watch and Stream
If you aren't in Louisville at the track, you’ve got a few ways to catch it. NBC is the home of the Derby, so if you have a pair of "rabbit ears" or a basic cable package, you’re set.
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Streaming is where it gets a little more modern. Peacock is the primary streaming home for the race. You can also catch it on any service that carries NBC, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo. Just a heads-up: don’t wait until 6:55 p.m. to check your login. There’s nothing worse than watching a spinning loading wheel while the most exciting two minutes in sports are happening without you.
The Odds and the Favorites
Since we're looking toward the 152nd running, the leaderboard is already shifting. Early names like Ted Noffey, who has been tearing up the prep circuit, are already sitting on top of the points standings. We've also seen some incredible speed from Ewing and a colt named It’s Our Time, though there are always whispers about whether those sprinters can handle the 1.25-mile distance.
Keep an eye on the "Road to the Kentucky Derby" point standings. The top 20 horses get into the gate. Every year, at least one horse scratches on Friday or Saturday morning, letting a "longshot" in. Remember Rich Strike in 2022? He was an 80-1 longshot that only got in because of a late scratch. He won.
How to Prepare for the Race
If you're looking to make the most of what time is the kentucky derby race today, here’s a quick checklist to ensure you don't miss the window:
- Check the Weather: Churchill Downs is a dirt track. If it rains in Louisville (and it often does in May), the track becomes "sloppy." This changes everything for the bettors. Some horses love the mud; others hate it.
- Place Bets Early: If you're using an app like TwinSpires, get your money in by 6:00 p.m. The servers often get hammered right before post time.
- The Drink: You need a Mint Julep. It’s basically bourbon, sugar, mint, and a mountain of crushed ice. If you don't like bourbon, a "Lily" (the official drink of the Kentucky Oaks) is the vodka-based alternative.
- The National Anthem: Expect the broadcast to focus on the "Riders Up" command about 15 minutes before the race. That’s the official signal for the jockeys to mount their horses.
The Kentucky Derby is as much a fashion show and a cocktail party as it is a sporting event. Even if you don't know a exacta from a trifecta, there is something visceral about seeing 20 Thoroughbreds thunder down that homestretch. Just make sure you're in your seat by 6:50 p.m. ET, or you'll be watching the replay instead of the real thing.
To get ready for the big day, check the local Louisville forecast 24 hours in advance to see if you're looking at a "fast" or "sloppy" track. Download your preferred wagering app and verify your account a few days early to avoid the last-minute registration rush. Finally, sync your watch to Eastern Time so that 6:57 p.m. doesn't sneak up on you.