Kentucky Derby 2026 will be the 152nd edition of the Triple Crown race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. If you have been a diehard fan of the horse racing event, you will surely want to catch up with the event. Here are the details that you need to know so that you won’t miss a single moment of the event.
How many days until KY Derby 2026?
What time does the Kentucky Derby 2026 start?
The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Gates will open early at 9:00 AM ET, with the first race starting at approximately 11:00 AM ET. The main event, the Kentucky Derby race, will kick off at 6:57 PM ET.
Here are the Kentucky Derby 2026 at a glance
- What: 152nd Kentucky Derby
- When: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Where: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Gates Open: 9:00 AM ET
- Derby Post Time: 6:57 PM ET / 3:57 PM PT
- TV Coverage: NBC & Peacock (starting around 12:00 PM ET)
- Live Stream: NBC Sports app, NBCSports.com, and Peacock
HISTORIC CHANGE: Kentucky Oaks 2026 Moves to Primetime!
For the first time in history, the 152nd Kentucky Oaks will run in primetime at 8:00 PM ET on Friday, May 1, 2026. This twilight finish on NBC and Peacock gives one of horse racing’s most treasured traditions the national stage it deserves.
Kentucky Oaks 2026 Details:
- Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
- Gates Open: 11:00 AM ET
- First Post: 12:30 PM ET
- Oaks Post Time: 8:00 PM ET (PRIMETIME – FIRST EVER!)
- Broadcast: NBC and Peacock
Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen stated, “By moving the Kentucky Oaks to primetime, we’re giving one of horse racing’s most treasured traditions the national stage it deserves.” The 2025 Kentucky Derby was the most-watched since 1989, with viewership peaking at 21.8 million on NBC and Peacock.
When is the Kentucky Derby 2026 Post time?
The Kentucky Derby post time is 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Here are the Kentucky Derby 2026 post times and dates for other countries:
- United Kingdom: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 11:57 PM BST
- Canada: Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 6:57 PM EDT
- Australia: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 8:57 AM AEST
- Ireland: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 11:57 PM IST
- France: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 12:57 AM CEST
- Netherlands: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 12:57 AM CEST
- Japan: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 7:57 AM JST
- Germany: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 12:57 AM CEST
- South Africa: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 12:57 AM SAST
Kentucky Derby Post Time Across U.S. Time Zones
- Eastern Time (ET): 6:57 p.m.
- Central Time (CT): 5:57 p.m.
- Mountain Time (MT): 4:57 p.m.
- Pacific Time (PT): 3:57 p.m.
- Alaska Standard Time (AKST): 2:57 p.m.
- Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HAST): 12:57 p.m.
Check the Kentucky Derby Post Time full details of Oaks Day and Derby Day here:
Oaks Day Post Times (Friday, May 1, 2026)
| Race | Post Time (ET) | Wagering Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12:30 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 2 | 1:00 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 3 | 1:30 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 4 | 2:00 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 5 | 2:35 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 6 | 3:15 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 DC6 |
| 7 | 4:00 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 8 | 4:50 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 9 | 5:45 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 (Two-Day $1 P6) |
| 10 | 6:30 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 11 | 8:00 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 P3 (O/D-DBL) (O/OF/D-P3) (Longines Kentucky Oaks) |
| 12 | 8:45 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD |
| 13 | 9:15 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 |
Kentucky Derby Race Day Post Times (Saturday, May 2, 2026)
| Race | Post Time (ET) | Wagering Options |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11:00 AM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 2 | 11:32 AM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 3 | 12:05 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 4 | 12:38 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 (All Stakes, All Dirt P5) |
| 5 | 1:12 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 6 | 1:53 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 7 | 2:38 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 DC6 |
| 8 | 3:23 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 9 | 4:06 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 |
| 10 | 4:50 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P5 |
| 11 | 5:39 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 P4 (Old Forester Turf Classic) |
| 12 | 6:57 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD P3 (Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve) |
| 13 | 8:00 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 DD |
| 14 | 8:33 PM | WPS EX TRI SUPER SH5 |
When are the 2026 Kentucky Derby Gates Open?
The 2026 Kentucky Derby gates open early, at 9:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 2 (Derby Day). For the historic primetime Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 1, gates open at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Arrive early! With over 150,000 expected attendees on Derby Day and rigorous security screening, getting to Churchill Downs 2-3 hours before your desired race time is highly recommended.
Kentucky Derby Gate Location and Entry Process
Going to the 2026 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs? Knowing the gate locations and entry rules will make your visit easier. There are three main gates:
- Paddock Gate: Located in the middle of the track and leads to the paddock area
- Clubhouse Gate: On the east side for Clubhouse and premium ticket holders
- Infield Gate: On the south side for general admission infield ticket holders
Security and Entry Requirements
Arrive early since everyone must go through security. You’ll walk through metal detectors, and security will check any bags. Each person can bring only one bag, no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″. Diaper bags are allowed if you have a child. Some items are banned, including backpacks, coolers, large umbrellas (over 36″), weapons, professional cameras, outside alcoholic beverages, and drones. Check the official rules before you go.
All tickets are digital, so have yours ready on your phone. Parking is limited, so pre-purchase a parking pass if needed. A shuttle from the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center is a good alternative.
All reserved seating for 2026 includes:
- All-inclusive food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Access to offsite parking at Kentucky Fair and Expo Center
- Race day program
Need help inside? Text DERBY to 69050 for assistance. The best way to enjoy the Kentucky Derby is to plan ahead, know your way, and arrive early. Once inside, relax and enjoy race day!
What Time Does the Kentucky Derby End in 2026?
The Kentucky Derby 2026 starts at 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2. The race is fast – just about two minutes long – so it will end around 7:00 p.m. ET.
If you’re watching the full event, NBC and Peacock will keep the coverage going until approximately 7:30 p.m. ET. After that, FanDuel TV will continue showing the remaining races until the last one finishes around 8:30-9:00 PM ET.
If you only care about the Derby itself, make sure you’re tuned in by 6:55 p.m. ET. Blink, and you might miss it!
Derby Week 2026 Schedule
The excitement doesn’t start on Derby Day! Here’s the full Derby Week schedule:
- Saturday, April 25: Opening Night – Celebrate the 152nd Kentucky Derby post-position draws
- Monday, April 28: 502’sDay
- Wednesday, April 30: Winsday (Gates 11:30 AM, First Race 12:45 PM)
- Thursday, May 1: Thurby – Official start of Derby weekend
- Friday, May 1: Kentucky Oaks (Gates 11:00 AM, Post Time 8:00 PM primetime)
- Saturday, May 2: 152nd Kentucky Derby (Gates 9:00 AM, Post Time 6:57 PM)
Derby Week Special Package
The “Run for the Roses Package” offers general admission to all six Derby Week events for just $268. This exclusive offer includes GA tickets to Opening Night, 502’sDay, Winsday, Thurby, Kentucky Oaks, and Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re a local tradition-keeper or a first-time visitor, this package is your ticket to unforgettable racing moments all week long.
Don’t miss the 152nd running of “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” and witness history as the Kentucky Oaks runs in primetime for the first time ever!
Last Updated: January 30, 2026
