This year it’s the 150e organization of what is probably the most famous horse race in the world. Saddle up, racing fans… it’s Derby time!
The run for the 2024 Roses hopes to avoid much of the recent drama that has plagued the sport. The technical winners of the 2019 and 2021 derbies were later disqualified, making the second horse to cross the finish line the winner.
Still, race fans are hoping for a repeat of a surprise finish at Churchill Downs, just like they saw in 2022, when Rich Strike came out of nowhere and won despite 80-1 odds to do so.
The Kentucky Derby takes place on May 4 and is often called “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” It’s an exciting race, but it’s short-lived. And it can be easy to miss. This way you can be sure that you see all the action.
When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4.
When is the post time for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The Run for the Roses is one of several races being held that day – and the network knows it has a captive audience, so expect a very extensive pre-game show. However, the race itself has a post time of 6:57 PM ET. Make sure you have your mint julep on hand. This isn’t a race where you want to leave the room for even a few seconds.
Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby?
NBC will carry the Derby this year – and plans to start coverage at 2:30 p.m. That will last until 7:30 PM ET.
Can I watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby online?
Yes. NBC will offer a live stream on NBCSports.com and there are plenty of other options, including:
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service gives you access to the race. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a monthly fee of $6 or $12. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney’s Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three together (or $25 per month if there are no ads on Hulu).
If you include Live TV in the bundle, the price rises to $77 per month ($90 without ads) – and that’s required if you want to watch the Derby.
Hulu with live TV
The free trial for this service is also no longer offered. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a trial period of up to two weeks, you can expect to pay monthly fees of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive ‘Blue’ plan increases the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial is gone, but the cord-cutting service offers a 50% discount on the first month’s bill.
DirectTV stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow, and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will cost you $75 per month and more after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service serves broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly fees of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Which horse will win the Kentucky Derby this year?
According to CBS Sports, Sierra Leone is currently the favorite, with odds of 3-1, followed by Fierceness at 5-2 and Catching Freedom at 8-1. West Saratoga and Grand Mo the First are the long shots, each with odds of 50-1.
When are the other two races in the Triple Crown?
After the Derby is over, next up is the Preakness Stakes. It takes place on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. The final leg of the Triple Crown – The Belmont Stakes – will be held on June 8 at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY.