The Kentucky Derby, known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” is an event steeped in tradition, prestige, and adrenaline-pumping excitement. As the anticipation builds for the 150th running of this iconic race on Saturday, May 4, 2024, fans worldwide are gearing up to witness the spectacle unfold.
From the date and time of the race to how to watch it, along with insights into contenders, TV schedules, betting options, ticket prices, and fashion tips, here’s what you should expect of the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Date, Time, and How to Watch
The 2024 Kentucky Derby is set to take place on Saturday, May 4, with the main event scheduled to commence around 6:45 p.m. Eastern Time. The race will be broadcast on cable TV via NBC for viewers tuning in from home. Streaming options are available through platforms such as Peacock, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, providing fans with multiple ways to catch all the action unfolding.
The Kentucky Derby Post-Position Draw
The Kentucky Derby post-position draw is a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the race, adding an element of strategy and anticipation to the proceedings. Traditionally held on the Monday before the race, this year’s draw is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, providing trainers, owners, and fans with valuable insights into each horse’s starting position.
During the draw, officials at Churchill Downs employ a unique process to determine the starting post position of each horse. One official randomly selects a piece of paper containing a horse’s name from a pile, while another selects a paper with a corresponding gate number from a separate pile. The result is a pairing of horse and gate that can significantly impact a contender’s race strategy and chances of success.
The significance of post position cannot be understated in horse racing, especially in a crowded field like the Kentucky Derby. A favorable starting position on the inside can provide a shorter trip around the track, while an outside position may require a horse to cover more ground and navigate traffic. Trainers and jockeys carefully analyze the draw results to devise their race tactics, considering their horse’s strengths, the competition, and track conditions.
Kentucky Oaks
The Kentucky Oaks, the Derby’s sister race, is slated to occur one day before the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 3, 2024. It’s a stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred fillies, adding to the excitement of Derby weekend. The drawing for post position for the Oaks will occur before the Derby’s post-position draw on April 27, 2024.
Kentucky Derby Contenders
The road to the Kentucky Derby is paved with fierce competition and standout performances from top Thoroughbred contenders. Among the horses vying for glory in the 2024 Derby, Fierceness, owned by Repole Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher, stands out as an early favorite with 30 points. Close behind is Track Phantom, owned by L and N Racing LLC, Brewster, Clark O., Caroom, Jerry, and Breeze Easy, LLC, with 30 points.
Other notable contenders include Locked, Timberlake, Liberal Arts, Nash, and West Saratoga, with impressive credentials and potential to make a mark on race day. With a field of talented horses representing the best in the sport, the 2024 Kentucky Derby promises to be a thrilling showdown of speed, stamina, and determination.
TV Schedule
Leading up to the Kentucky Derby, coverage will be on various networks. America’s Day at the Races will air on FS2 on May 1 and May 2, providing insights and analysis. The 150th Kentucky Oaks will be broadcast on USA Network and Peacock on May 3, followed by live coverage of horse racing on FanDuel TV and Racetrack Television Network. Finally, on Derby Day, May 4, NBC and Peacock will provide live coverage of the 150th Kentucky Derby, ensuring that viewers don’t miss a moment of the action.
Betting Options
Betting on the Kentucky Derby is a tradition as old as the race, with various wagering options available to fans. From win, place, and show bets to exotic wagers like exactas and trifectas, there’s something for every level of better. Future Wager pools offer early betting opportunities as the race approaches, allowing fans to place bets on their favorite contenders before race day. If you want some help betting, there are a lot of Kentucky Derby picks and analysis you can find online.
Ticket Prices
For those lucky enough to attend the Kentucky Derby in person, ticket prices vary depending on seating options and amenities. General admission and standing-room-only tickets start at around $275, while reserved seating tickets begin at approximately $650. For a more luxurious experience, private suites are available for around $135,000 or more, while dining experiences start at about $1,375. Ticket availability can be found on the official Kentucky Derby website.
Fashion Tips
The Kentucky Derby is as much about style as horse racing, with attendees donning their finest attire for the occasion. From extravagant hats and fascinators to stylish blazers and dresses, Derby fashion is all about making a statement. Whether watching from the grandstands or attending a Derby party, dressing the part adds to the overall event experience.
Final Words
As the 2024 Kentucky Derby draws near, excitement and anticipation reach a fever pitch. From the date and time of the race to how to watch it, along with insights into contenders, TV schedules, betting options, ticket prices, and fashion tips, this guide provides everything you need to know to experience the thrill of the Derby.
