Where to bet, when to watch, how to follow Saturday’s 146th Kentucky Derby

What you need to know, whether you’re heading to a socially distanced party, betting in Lexington or watching on TV:

At the track

No fans allowed: In a normal year, we would provide guidance concerning tickets, parking, shuttles, what to bring to the track (and not bring) and what to wear. Unless you possess an invitation as one of the lucky few connected to the horse owners and trainers, you won’t be able to enjoy Saturday’s events from inside Churchill Downs.

Kentucky Derby officials initially presented to Gov. Andy Beshear a coronavirus safety plan that would have allowed about 23,000 spectators through the gates, but after a spike of COVID-19 cases in Kentucky in August and the promise of social injustice protests outside the track, Churchill Downs decided the general public would not be allowed in on Saturday.

How popular is the Kentucky Derby as a spectator event? The two biggest crowds in Derby history attended recently — 170,513 in 2015 and 167,227 in 2016. On a rainy day last year, 150,729 flocked to Churchill Downs.

Post times: The $3 million, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby is the last of 14 races on Saturday’s card at Churchill Downs. First post is 11 a.m. The Derby is set for 7:01 p.m. Races eight through 13 are all graded stakes events — $500,000, Grade 2 American Turf (2:55 p.m.); $500,000, Grade 2 Pat Day Mile (3:35); $200,000, Grade 3 Iroquois (4:07); $500,000, Grade 2 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (4:39); $500,000, Grade 1 Derby City Distaff (5:17); $1 million, Grade 1 Bourbon Turf Classic (5:50).

Weather forecast: Sunny. High of 83. Perfect Kentucky Derby conditions on a day fans will not be able to show off their favorite attire. No rain gear required — for a change.

Broadcast coverage

NBC-18: 2:30-7:15p.m.

Horse Racing Radio Network: The Derby will be broadcast on WLXO-96.1 FM in Lexington. Pre-race coverage and undercard races available on Sirius 219, XM 201 or at horseracingradio.net.

TVG: Coverage throughout the day.

Online coverage

Twitter: Follow our main Herald-Leader accounts — @HeraldLeader and @KentuckySports. Additionally, follow our reporting team: John Clay (@JohnClayIV), Ben Roberts (@BenRobertsHL), Josh Sullivan (@SullyJosh), Mark Story (@markcstory), Alex Slitz (@AlexSlitzPhoto)and Ryan Hermens(@ryanhermens).

Facebook: Kentucky.com and KentuckySports.com.

NBC Sports: Live stream available at nbcsports.com/live

Wagering locations

Keeneland: Drive-through betting will be open Friday and Saturday behind the Keeneland Entertainment Center to accept wagers on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Access the drive-through via Gate 1 at Man o’ War Boulevard. All patrons must complete a health screening and temperature check at Gate 1. Unlike on most Derby weekends, Keeneland will be offering no additional activities or access to the grounds on either day. Wagering is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and from 7 a.m. until 7:01 p.m. on Saturday.

Red Mile: Lexington’s harness racing track provides simulcasting and in-person wagering beginning at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Simulcasting is available on the second floor only. There is no reserved seating, and seating will be first come, first served. Seating is extremely limited due to social distancing guidelines, and all patrons must wear masks. Parking and admission are free.

Online wagering

Numerous options are available but require setting up an account, so do not wait until the last minute if you’re planning to place a bet on the Derby.

▪ TwinSpires is billed as the “official online wagering home of the Kentucky Derby.” You can sign up by visiting Twinspires.com on your computer or searching for TwinSpires in the app store on your smartphone.

▪ Cable television network TVG also has a website and smartphone app that facilitates wagering. Sign up at TVG.com or search for TVG in the app store.

▪ Keeneland Select, which is affiliated with the Lexington racetrack. Sign up at Keeneland.com/select or search for Keeneland Select in the app store.

This story was originally published September 4, 2020 at 11:36 AM.