What Time Does The Kentucky Derby Start and End Today?

Chris Vasile - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Chris Vasile • Betting Analyst 13+ years betting experience
Updated: May 2, 2026 , 09:00 AM ET • 4 min read

Find out what time the Kentucky Derby starts and ends today, including post time, TV schedule, and how long the full race day at Churchill Downs typically lasts.

Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs.
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs.

The biggest party in horse racing is here. The 152nd Kentucky Derby goes down today at Churchill Downs in Louisville, with the “Run for the Roses” once again taking center stage.

If you’re trying to lock in your plans, we’ve got you covered.

Below, we break down exactly what time the Kentucky Derby starts and what time the Kentucky Derby ends, plus how long the full race day lasts—and how you can get your bets in before the gates open.

Bet on this year’s Kentucky Derby

Here are the odds for this year’s Kentucky Derby. The morning line betting favorite is Renegade (4-1), with Commandment and Further Ado joint second favorites at 6-1.

Post Horse Track odds FanDuel
1 Renegade 4-1 +400
2 Albus 30-1 +3000
3 Intrepido 50-1 +5000
4 Litmus Test 50-1 +5000
5 Right to Party 30-1 OTB
6 Commandment 6-1 +600
7 Danon Bourbon 20-1 +2000
8 So Happy 15-1 +1500
9 The Puma 10-1 +1000
10 Wonder Dean 30-1 +3000
11 Incredibolt 20-1 +2000
12 Chief Wallabee 8-1 +800
13 Silent Tactic 20-1 OTB
14 Potente 20-1 +2000
15 Emerging Market 15-1 +1500
16 Pavlovian 30-1 +3000
17 Six Speed 50-1 +5000
18 Further Ado 6-1 +600
19 Golden Tempo 30-1 +3000
20 Fulleffort 20-1 OTB
21 Great White 50-1 +5000
22 Ocelli 50-1 +5000
23 Robusta 50-1 +5000
24* Corona de Oro 50-1 OTB

Odds at FanDuel Racing, one of our best Kentucky Derby betting sites. *Denotes an also-eligible, a horse that needs a scratch (or multiple scratches) from the body of the field in order to run.

Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Add as a preferred source on Google

What time does the Kentucky Derby start?

It’s a full day of racing at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, but all eyes are on one race. So, what time does the Kentucky Derby start?

The 152nd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for a 6:57 p.m. ET post time on Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

There’s plenty of pre-race buildup, including the traditional singing of “My Old Kentucky Home” and the post-parade, which can push things back slightly. If you don’t want to miss the break, plan to be in front of your TV by around 6:45 p.m. ET.

What time does the Kentucky Derby end?

They don’t call it “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” for nothing.

The Kentucky Derby typically lasts just over two minutes, with most winning times falling between 2:00 and 2:03. Last year’s winner, Sovereignty, crossed the wire in 2:02.31.

Based on the scheduled post time, you can expect the 152nd Kentucky Derby to wrap up around 7:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.

How do I bet on the Kentucky Derby?

Betting on the Kentucky Derby is easier than ever, with multiple online options available.

In the United States, platforms like FanDuel Racing offer a full menu of Derby bets, from simple win/place/show wagers to exotic bets like exactas and trifectas.

In Canada, bet365 is a top option, providing competitive odds and a user-friendly experience for horse racing bettors.

How to watch the Kentucky Derby

The easiest way to watch the 152nd Kentucky Derby is on traditional broadcast TV. The race will air live in the United States on NBC, with additional coverage earlier in the day on USA Network.

Kentucky Derby live stream: You can live stream the Kentucky Derby on Peacock and Fubo.

NBC has been the home of the Kentucky Derby since 2001. This year’s broadcast team includes race caller Larry Collmus, with Mike Tirico and Rebecca Lowe hosting. Analysts Randy Moss, Jerry Bailey, and Eddie Olczyk will also be part of the coverage.

Pages related to this topic

Chris Vasile Covers.com
Betting Analyst

Chris Vasile is a betting analyst with over 13 years of experience breaking down soccer betting markets, with additional coverage across the WNBA and NFL. He focuses on finding numbers that are slow to adjust — whether it’s due to scheduling spots, player usage, or recent form — and explaining why a line is worth playing. His work has appeared across major betting and sports media platforms, including Covers, VSiN, BetMGM Network, and SportsGrid, where he’s delivered sharp analysis on both mainstream and niche markets. At Covers, he contributes to major tournament coverage and daily betting content, with a particular focus on soccer. He also runs the Game Day Wagers YouTube channel, where he shares daily picks and betting insights tailored for serious bettors.

Popular Content

Covers is verified safe by: Evalon Logo GPWA Logo GDPR Logo GeoTrust Logo Evalon Logo