The 153rd Kentucky Derby — "the most exciting two minutes in sports" — runs Saturday May 1, 2027 at approximately 6:57 PM ET at Churchill Downs in Louisville. It airs on NBC broadcast — FREE with any antenna in every US market. The first leg of the American Triple Crown.
★ Quick answer
The 2027 Kentucky Derby airs on NBC broadcast — FREE OTA with any antenna. Race-day coverage starts on USA Network in the early afternoon (undercard races) and shifts to NBC broadcast around 2:30 PM ET for the main pre-race show. Post time: approximately 6:57 PM ET. Race itself lasts ~2 minutes.
Streaming: Peacock Premium $7.99 carries the entire NBC + USA Network coverage. Live-TV bundles (YouTube TV, Hulu+Live, Sling Blue, DirecTV Stream) all carry NBC.
1Derby Day timeline (Saturday May 1, 2027)
🏇 The full race-day schedule
10:30 AM ETChurchill Downs gates open · racing starts mid-morning · first 7-8 undercard races throughout the day
12:00 PM ETUSA Network pre-race coverage begins
2:30 PM ETNBC broadcast pre-race show begins · features handicapping, jockey + trainer interviews, undercard race coverage
~6:00 PM ETHorses arrive at the paddock · jockeys mount up · final betting window closes
~6:30 PM ETWalkover from paddock to track · "My Old Kentucky Home" sung by 150,000+ at the track (a Derby tradition since 1921)
6:57 PM ETPOST TIME · "And they're off!" · 20 horses · 1.25 miles · ~2 minutes
~7:00 PM ETWinner's circle · trophy presentation · blanket of red roses placed on the winning horse
Opened: 1875 · Hosted the very first Kentucky Derby on May 17, 1875 (won by Aristides). Has hosted the Derby every year since (only delay: 1945 wartime postponement).
Track: 1-mile dirt main track + 7/8-mile turf course. The Derby is run on the dirt track at 1.25 miles (10 furlongs) — exactly one lap-and-a-quarter.
Capacity: Approximately 150,000+ on Derby Day (including the famous infield) · the largest single-day spectator event in American horse racing
The Twin Spires: The two distinctive towers atop the clubhouse, built in 1895, are the iconic visual symbol of the Derby. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1986.
"My Old Kentucky Home": Performed by the University of Louisville Cardinal Marching Band as the horses walk to the post. A Derby tradition since 1921.
3How to watch — ranked cheapest
Rick's pick
📡 Antenna (FREE) $0/mo + ~$30 antenna
NBC broadcast carries the entire Derby + pre-race + post-race coverage in HD. Free with any antenna in every US market. One-time purchase. Pairs with every NBC sport — Olympics, NFL Sunday Night Football, Premier League, Triple Crown — all forever after.
Only 13 horses have won the American Triple Crown — Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941), Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018). Between Affirmed and American Pharoah was a 37-year drought.
Secretariat's 1973 Belmont win by 31 lengths is widely considered the most dominant single performance in horse racing history. He set track records at all three Triple Crown races that still stand today — the 1:59.40 Derby record, 1:53 Preakness record, and 2:24 Belmont record.
6History + records
First Derby: May 17, 1875 · Aristides won under jockey Oliver Lewis (a Black jockey — Black jockeys dominated the early Derby, winning 15 of the first 28 Derbys)
Fastest Derby: Secretariat · 1973 · 1:59.40 · still stands
Most wins by a jockey: Bill Hartack + Eddie Arcaro — 5 Derby wins each
Most wins by a trainer: Bob Baffert — 6 Derby wins (Silver Charm 1997, Real Quiet 1998, War Emblem 2002, American Pharoah 2015, Justify 2018, Authentic 2020). Also won the 2021 Derby with Medina Spirit, but that was vacated by Kentucky stewards in 2023 after a positive drug test.
Biggest upset: Donerail in 1913 at 91-1 odds is the highest-priced Derby winner ever. Rich Strike (80-1, 2022) is the most recent massive upset.
"My Old Kentucky Home": First sung at the Derby in 1921 · written by Stephen Foster in 1853 · official state song of Kentucky since 1928
The Mint Julep: Official drink of the Derby · ~120,000 served on Derby weekend · Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon since 2000
7Common questions
When is the 2027 Kentucky Derby?
Saturday May 1, 2027 · post time ~6:57 PM ET · the first Saturday in May, as tradition dictates.
What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
NBC broadcast — free with antenna. Also Peacock streaming. NBC's rights deal runs through 2030.
Can I watch the Kentucky Derby for free?
Yes. NBC broadcast in every US market. $30 antenna catches the entire race day in HD.
Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The track has hosted every Derby since the first one in 1875.
What time does the Kentucky Derby start?
Post ~6:57 PM ET. NBC pre-race coverage 2:30 PM ET. "My Old Kentucky Home" walkover ~6:30 PM ET.
How long is the Kentucky Derby?
1.25 miles (10 furlongs). Takes ~2:00-2:03 to complete. Maximum 20 horses.
What is the Triple Crown?
Three races: Kentucky Derby + Preakness + Belmont. 13 horses have won all three. Most recent: Justify (2018), American Pharoah (2015).
How are Kentucky Derby horses chosen?
20-horse field selected via the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system. 3-year-old thoroughbreds qualify by racking up points in qualifier races Nov-April.
Last verified June 9, 2026 against NBC Sports + Churchill Downs official schedule. NBC's Derby rights deal runs through 2030. Post time confirmed race-week.
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