MAIN Recreation Sports Horse Racing 2024 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby traditionally runs each year on the first Saturday in May.

The landmark 150th Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2024 with a start time of approx. 6;45PM ET featuring the largest purse of any thoroughbred race at $2,000,000.

All the action takes place at Churchill Downs on Saturday May 4, 2024..

2024 Kentucky Derby TV coverage & post time

Horse racing fans can watch the Kentucky Derby televised live nationwide on NBC on Saturday, May 4, 2024 beginning at 5PM ET with post time set at approx, 6:57pm ET (5:57PM CT, 4:57PM MT, and 3:57PM PT).

2024 post positions and top contenders

Meanwhile, watch for 2024 Kentucky Derby post positions and morning line odds to be announced on Moday, April 29th.

And keep it here for further updates -- including this year's odds-on favorites -- as another Triple Crown racing season kicks off at Churchil Downs.

2023 Kentucky Derby rewind

With runaway favorite Forte scratched on Saturday, (joinging four other horses scratched earlier in the week -- including Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continuar, and Skinner) the top contenders suddenly became Tapit Trice (going into the race at 9/2 odds), and Angel of Empire (also at 9/2) ), joined by Derma Sotogake (8-1), and Two Phil's (8-1)

BUT -- this being a horse race -- it was dark horse Mage emerged as winner of this year's Derby, In an already chaotic lead-iup to the race,.at 16-1 odds Mage pulled off a magic trick that included first-time Kentucky Derby wins for both trainer Gustavo Delgado and his Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano.

Coming in second was Two Phil's and in third Angel of Empire.

2023 Kentucky Derby payouts

Mage paid $32.42 to win, $14.58 to place and $9/08 to show.

Two Phil’s paid $10.44 to place and $6.52 to show.

Angel of Empire paid $4.70 to show.

The $2 exacta (5-8) paid $330.44

The $1 trifecta (8-3-14) paid $491.18

also see -> 2024 Preakness | 2024 Belmont

All about the Kentucky Derby "the greatest two minutes in sports"

Traditionally the first jewel in the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby offers the largest purse of all three races - $2,000,000 - luring the year's best 3 year-olds to the starting gate.

Days before the race, horse racing fans check out the lineup to find out how they've run in the Stakes races of the season, along with graded earnings, and how the handicappers put it all together to come up with the odds on the leading contenders.

Heart-pounding anticipation follows. Who will scratch at the last minute? Who will have the heart to lead the field at the finish?

The field is usually set by April. That's when winning horses (and well-placed finishers) have already proven themselves in the lead up to Kentucky.

Qualifying races include the Florida Derby, Louisiana Derby, UAE Derby, Wood Memorial, Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass, and Arkansas Derby. Each of these amass points that earns a spot in the Kentucky Derby field.

also see -> 10 Tips for Betting the Kentucky Derby

Elsewhere around the Web, enjoy the stories of past winners, history and trivia that make the Kentucky Derby much more than just another horse race.

Mint Juleps and the Hat Parade are just some of the fun surrounding this race at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.

Also discover complete Kentucky Derby party ideas, as well as tips on traveling to Kentucky for this year's derby — plus everything else you ever wanted to know about the Run for the Roses and the Triple Crown ....

More about the Kentucky Derby around the Web:

2024 Kentucky Derby - As race draws near there's all the news that's fit to sprint - with feature articles, daily blog, pictures and video clips, odds and latest lineup, breaking announcements.

Churchill Downs - The official site of the traditional Derby track featuring news, story articles, betting info, event calendar, visitor information, track history.

NBC Sports - Horse Racing - The official U.S. television station with plenty of coverage in feature stories, analysis, predictions, interviews, photo slide shows & video.
Kentucky Derby Museum - Your old Kentucky home meets hi-tech with multimedia presentations on current exhibits. With schedules, hours, contact information, visitor guide, membership info and more. Flash and QuickTime required.

Kentucky Derby Festival Official Site - A comprehensive schedule of events searchable by name, date or location, here at the official online fest celebrating Louisville's excuse for doing nothing but just horsing around all week.

Kentucky Derby Day Party Ideas & Recipes

Kentucky Derby Day Recipes - If you can't make it to the race, sit back and party with do-it-yourself mint juleps, bourbon balls, Kentucky hot browns and a chocolately horse race pie with some fresh whipped cream. Tool around the rest of this Derby fan site for more history and color commentary on the big day.

Derby Party Ideas - Recipes for Kentucky burgoo, derby pie, cucumber sandwiches, mint juleps, bourbon slush plus lots of creative ideas for party themes, decorations and setting up your own betting parlor.

also see -> Preakness | Belmont | Ascot Week | Breeders Cup