What time is the Kentucky Derby today? TV channel, post time, horses & more to watch 2026 Triple Crown race

The Run for the Roses returns this weekend as the world's top thoroughbreds get ready to compete in the 152nd annual Kentucky Derby.

It doesn't get much better than this. Referred to as "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports", the Derby provides an intense racing environment unlike anything else. This year's field is headlined by Renegade (4-1), Further Ado (6-1) and Commandment (6-1), who will be looking to have career races at Churchill Downs.

Other storylines follow the trainers, many of whom have experience at the Kentucky Derby and are looking to expand on their legacies. Bob Baffert will attempt a record-breaking seventh win at the Derby this weekend, while eight-time Trainer of the Year Todd Pletcher will go for his third. 

Who will etch their name in history?

Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Kentucky Derby, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual Triple Crown race.

What time is the Kentucky Derby today?

• Date: Saturday, May 2
• Time: 6:57 p.m. ET

The Kentucky Derby will begin at 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2. It's an all-day event with 14 races on Saturday. The main event takes place at 6:57 p.m. ET and is the 12th race of the day.

The first race begins at 11 a.m. ET and coverage on NBC begins at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Kentucky Derby 2026 TV channel, live stream

• TV channel: NBC
• Live streams: DIRECTV, Peacock

For viewers without a traditional cable or satellite package, broadcast coverage of the 2026 Kentucky Derby will be available to stream on  DIRECTV and Peacock.

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Kentucky Derby horses 2026: Odds, post positions, jockeys, trainers

Here is the field for this year's Kentucky Derby, along with each horse's odds, post position, jockey and trainer.