The 2026 Kentucky Derby is set to kick off with a well-dressed audience of over 100,000 fans. Those tuning in from home (perhaps with a mint julep in hand), can find coverage on NBC and Peacock.
The 152nd edition of the historic race, held annually on the first Saturday of May, will feature 19 thoroughbreds, down one from its intended 20. The Puma was ruled out less than 12 hours before the 6:57 p.m. EDT post time due to a swollen leg from a skin infection.
Renegade remains the favorite after opening as such on the morning line a week ago. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt would be the first to win the Derby out of the inside No. 1 post position in four decades.
As is tradition, the Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Churchill Downs officially opened in 1875 and has hosted the Kentucky Derby annually ever since.
For the third straight year, the prize purse stands at $5 million — matching the record payout from 2024 and 2025.
The winner will receive $3.1 million, followed by $1 million for second, $500,000 for third, $250,000 for fourth and $150,000 for fifth. Here’s a full breakdown of the Kentucky Derby prize money.
This year’s $1,000 mint julep was presented Thursday as part of a charity program that helps raise money for retired thoroughbreds.
