Betting, weather forecast, more: What to know for the Kentucky Derby
Expectations ahead of the Kentucky Derby are shaking up by the minute.
From the best odds to the latest scratches, here’s everything you need to know ahead of this evening’s Run of the Roses.
When, where to watch the race
The 152nd Kentucky Derby will be held Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville, with a scheduled post time of 6:57 p.m.
Live coverage begins at noon on Peacock, while the main broadcast on NBC starts at 2:30 p.m. NBC’s coverage will also be available to stream on Peacock throughout the day.
Early Derby day coverage of the red carpet, which features celebrities and high fashion, begins at 12 p.m.
Who was scratched, replaced?
Just hours before the Kentucky Derby, the field shrank to 19 horses after The Puma — a popular favorite — was scratched. The late withdrawal marked the fourth scratch from the race.
Other lineup changes followed earlier injuries, including Right to Party being replaced by Robusta, a contender trained by two-time Derby winner Doug O’Neill. Additional scratches included Fulleffort, sidelined for surgery after an ankle chip, and Silent Tactic, who exited earlier in the week with a bruised foot.
The other replacement horses include Ocelli and Great White.
Latest odds
The latest live Kentucky Derby wager odds are in. Check out our story here for the most up to date information.
How to bet
Gambling on the Kentucky Derby features a wide range of betting options that can feel overwhelming at first.
The simplest options are straight wagers. A win bet pays only if the horse finishes first. Bettors can also combine bets on a single horse for multiple chances to cash in.
Exotic wagers predict multiple outcomes in the same race. A bettor can pick more than one horse and often predict their finishing order, which, although difficult, can produce larger wins.
Bettors can also box certain wagers, in which a horse can finish in any order and a better can still earn a payout.
Weather forecast
Colder temperatures than usual are expected in Louisville on Derby day, with a forecast low near 38 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. That’s just 2 degrees above the coldest Derby day on record in 1957.
Conditions are expected to be chilly at post time, with temperatures in the mid-50s.
Despite the cold, the race is expected to stay mostly dry due to low chances of rain, according to AccuWeather. Last year’s Derby saw about 0.37 inches of rain and a sloppy track.
Getting married at the Derby?
Churchill Downs is home to extravagant fashion and celebration on Derby day, so why not get eloped? That’s what this Georgia couple decided to do. Glen and Laurie Bynum tied the knot prior to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby
This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 11:15 AM.