2026 Kentucky Derby: Key Details, Odds & Post Positions

The 152nd Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The event, one of the most anticipated on the annual sports calendar, will air live on NBC, NBCSN, and Peacock starting at 12:00 p.m. ET.

How to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby broadcast schedule is as follows:

  • 12:00 p.m. ET – Coverage begins on NBCSN and Peacock
  • 2:30 p.m. ET – Main event shifts to NBC and Peacock
  • 7:30 p.m. ET – Coverage concludes

Fans can also stream the entire event on Peacock starting at 12:00 p.m. ET.

2026 Kentucky Derby Post Positions & Odds

Below are the confirmed post positions, jockeys, trainers, and current odds for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, as provided by Churchill Downs:

Post Horse Jockey Trainer Odds Status
1 Renegade Irad Ortiz Jr. Todd A. Pletcher 4-1 In the field
2 Albus Manuel Franco Riley Mott 30-1 In the field
3 Intrepido Hector I. Berrios Jeff Mullins 50-1 In the field
4 Litmus Test Martin Garcia Bob Baffert 30-1 In the field
5 Right to Party Christopher Elliott Kenneth G. Mcpeek 26-1 Scratched
6 Commandment Luis Saez Brad H. Cox 7-1 In the field
7 Danon Bourbon Atsuya Nishimura Manabu Ikezoe 14-1 In the field
8 So Happy Mike E. Smith Mark Glatt 6-1 In the field
9 The Puma Javier Castellano Gustavo Delgado 8-1 In the field
10 Wonder Dean Ryusei Sakai Daisuke Takayanagi 20-1 In the field
11 Incredibolt Jaime A. Torres Riley Mott 27-1 In the field
12 Chief Wallabee Junior Alvarado William I. Mott 9-1 In the field
13 Silent Tactic Christian A. Torres Mark E. Casse 38-1 Scratched
14 Potente Juan J. Hernandez Bob Baffert 23-1 In the field
15 Emerging Market Flavien Prat Chad C. Brown 11-1 In the field
16 Pavlovian Edwin A. Maldonado Doug F. O’Neill 52-1 In the field
17 Six Speed Brian J. Hernandez, Jr. Bhupat Seemar 40-1 In the field
18 Further Ado John R. Velazquez Brad H. Cox 7-1 In the field
19 Golden Tempo Jose L. Ortiz Cherie Devaux 36-1 In the field
20 Fulleffort Tyler Gaffalione Brad H. Cox 19-1 Scratched
21 Great White Alex Achard John Ennis 29-1 In the field
22 Ocelli Joseph D. Ramos D. Whitworth Beckman 50-1 In the field
23 Robusta Emisael Jaramillo Doug F. O’Neill 50-1 In the field

Top Contenders to Watch in the 2026 Kentucky Derby

Renegade enters the race as the 4-1 favorite but faces a significant challenge with the inside post position (#1). Historically, only 8.3% of Kentucky Derby winners have started from the rail, with the last being Ferdinand in 1986.

Commandment is another horse to watch, boasting an impressive four-race winning streak. The colt’s recent victory in the Florida Derby showcased his dominance, including a 22.92-foot stride length and a final furlong time of 12.32 seconds0.36 seconds faster than any other competitor in that race.

Further Ado, trained by Brad H. Cox, is also a strong contender with 7-1 odds. His consistency and Cox’s proven track record make him a horse to follow closely on race day.

"The 2026 Kentucky Derby field is stacked with talent, and the post positions will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Fans should pay close attention to Commandment’s momentum and Further Ado’s form."

2026 Kentucky Derby: What to Watch For

The Kentucky Derby is not just about the main event—it’s a day of racing excellence. With multiple races leading up to the Derby, including coverage on NBCSN and Peacock, fans have plenty to enjoy. The post positions, odds, and contender performances will shape the narrative as the field prepares for the Run for the Roses.

Stay tuned for updates as the odds shift and trainers finalize their strategies ahead of the first Saturday in May.

Source: SB Nation