2023 Kentucky Derby: Time, Date at Churchill Downs
It’s a big time of the year for horse racing fans as the Kentucky Derby is upon us. The best horses in the sport will be competing while fans get to watch the most exciting two minutes in sports. Here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Kentucky Derby time, date, and more.
Derby Race Schedule: Date and Times at Churchill Downs
The Kentucky Derby is usually on the first Saturday in May. The 2023 Derby Day is on Saturday, May 6. Coverage of the event runs all day but the race begins at 6:57 p.m. ET. The gates open at the racetrack on May 6th at 9 a.m. ET with the first post scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
The Kentucky Oaks is part of the weekend and is on Friday. The Oaks is a race for 3-year-old female horses which are also called fillies. The Derby is open to eligible colts, geldings, or fillies.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby
The 2023 Kentucky Derby is on Saturday, May 6 and the event takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The best two minutes in sports begins at 6:57 p.m. ET on NBC. You can also watch on the NBC Sports app or the network’s streaming platform, Peacock. Also, the event can be followed on nbcsports.com.
If you don’t have NBC or traditional able, there are streaming services such as Youtube TV, FuboTV, Sling, and more that might have packages that include the NBC channel. Most of the streaming services have a free trial that you can check out to see if the derby is available on their TV schedule.
Kentucky Derby History: Recent Horse Race Winners
As we get ready for the top thoroughbreds to run for the roses in 2023 at the 149th Kentucky Derby, we should look back at some of the recent winners.
Here are the last couple of horses to win the Kentucky Derby.
2022: Rich Strike (Sonny Leon)
2021: Mandaloun (Florent Geroux)
2020: Authentic (John R. Velazquez)
2019: Country House (Flavien House)
2018: Justify (Mike E. Smith)
2017: Always Dreaming (John R. Velazquez)
2016: Nyquist (Mario Guitierrez)
2015: American Pharoah (Victor Espinoza)
Justify and American Pharoah each went on to win the Triple Crown. American Pharoah was the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby Field
It’s a strong field for the race at Churchill Downs as we get ready to watch the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Here’s a look at the field for Saturday at Churchill Downs with their odds.
- Hit Show (30-1)
- Verifying (15-1)
- Two Phil’s (12-1)
- Confidence Game (20-1)
- Tapit Trice (5-1)
- Kingsbarns (12-1)
- Reincarnate (50-1)
- Mage (15-1)
- Skinner (20-1)
- Practical Move (10-1) (Withdrew due to illness)
- Disarm (30-1)
- Jace’s Road (50-1)
- Sun Thunder (50-1)
- Angel of Empire (8-1)
- Forte (3-1)
- Raise Cain (50-1)
- Derma Sotogake (JPN) (10-1)
- Rocket Can (30-1)
- Lord Miles (30-1)
- Continuar (JPN) (50-1)
- Cyclone Mischief (30-1)
- Mandarin Hero (JPN) (20-1)
- King Russell (50-1)
Those looking to stake a wager have their eyes on favorites including Forte (3-1), Tapit Trice (5-1), and Angel of Empire (8-1). Longshots to bet include Continuar, Raise Cain, and Sun Thunder all at 50-1 odds to win. It should be a competitive event as one of the biggest sporting events kicks off the race for the Triple Crown. Get ready for the greatest two minutes in sports.
2023 Kentucky Derby: Time and Date FAQs
The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. This year, it’s on Saturday, May 6th. A total of 20 horses will be racing to the finishing line as people watch the 149th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
The 2023 Kentucky Derby has a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET. You can watch the event on NBC or the network’s streaming service Peacock. There is also coverage leading up to the event during Derby week.
The Kentucky Derby is the first of the three races that make up the Triple Crown and it takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
