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LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - APRIL 27: Horses train beneath the Twin Spires during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 27, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Horse racing fans are preparing for one of the biggest sporting events of the year as the historic and iconic Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs for its 152nd edition. The 2026 Kentucky Derby is slated to get underway later today as the top names in equestrian race for a chance to claim the victory.

For viewers who want to tune in from home, there are numerous ways to watch this year’s Kentucky Derby that include traditional broadcast options on major television network, and ways to view the action on streaming platforms.

Schedule of Official Coverage of the 152nd Kentucky Derby

GettyLOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – MAY 01: So Happy trains on the track during morning workouts ahead of the running of the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 01, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The official coverage of the 152nd Kentucky Derby will air on Saturday May 2, 2026. The full schedule of broadcasts ahead of and during the 2026 edition of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs includes appearances by some of the sport’s biggest names.

Full Schedule of Official 2026 Kentucky Derby Coverage

Kentucky Derby Undercard Race Coverage

• Start Time: 2:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM CT / 11:30 AM PT
• End Time: 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT / 4:30 PM PT

152nd Kentucky Derby

Race Start Time: 6:57 PM ET / 5:57 PM CT / 3:57 PM PT

Where to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby – Television Networks & Streaming Platforms

GettyLOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – APRIL 30: Horses run on the track during the morning training for the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 30, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

There are several ways to watch the races which have become the hallmark of horse racing and equestrian sport for both casual observers and avid fans alike. With its 152nd event, the competition will see the best jockeys go against each other for a chance to be victorious at the historic Churchill Downs.

Live coverage of this year’s Kentucky Derby will be provided in both English and Spanish. Official viewing options to watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby in the United States and Canada, as well as select international locations, include:

Television Networks & Traditional Broadcasts

Viewers can check their local television channel listings and programming guides for additional broadcast options for the 2026 Kentucky Derby live coverage. 

• USA
• NBC
• NBCSN

Streaming Platforms

• Peacock (NBC’s streaming platform)
• Fanduel TV

Television Networks & Traditional Broadcasts – Spanish

• Universo

Streaming Platforms – Spanish

• Telemundo App

The Kentucky Derby race which is the pinnacle of the event will take place at 6:57 PM ET / 5:57 PM CT / 3:57 PM PT and will be included in the official coverage of the competition.

Amanda Vining Amanda Vining is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. More about Amanda Vining