The 152nd Kentucky Derby is finally here, and the excitement is building as the world's top three-year-old thoroughbreds prepare to compete in the first leg of the Triple Crown. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, this year's "Run for the Roses" promises to be a thrilling event with 19 horses vying for glory on the 1 ¼-mile track.
If you're planning to watch, the action kicks off early with coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. MT (1:30 p.m. CT) and running through 5:30 p.m. MT (6:30 p.m. CT). The main event, the Kentucky Derby itself, is set to start at 4:57 p.m. MT (5:57 p.m. CT). You can catch all the excitement live on NBC and USA Network, with streaming also available on Peacock—perfect for fans who want to stay in the loop wherever they are.
This year's field has seen some changes, as a few contenders have been scratched due to injuries. Silent Tactic is out with a bruised foot, according to trainer Mark Casse, and will be replaced by Great White. Fulleffort has also withdrawn due to a bone chip, making way for Ocelli. Additionally, The Puma was scratched Saturday morning after developing swelling in the leg from a skin infection, while Right To Party was deemed unsound due to front lameness, allowing Robusta to step in. These shake-ups add an extra layer of unpredictability to an already competitive race.
One horse to watch is Pavlovian, winner of the February 15 Sunland Derby, who earned 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. This strong contender comes in with momentum, and fans are eager to see if he can carry that success to Churchill Downs. The Sunland Derby victory has positioned him as a serious threat in this year's field, making him a horse to keep an eye on as the race unfolds.
For horse racing enthusiasts in New Mexico, there's a notable complication: as has been the case since 2024, wagering on the Kentucky Derby or any other races at New Mexico racetracks won't be possible due to an ongoing simulcast dispute. The Kentucky HBPA has withheld the signal, citing efforts by the state Racing Commission and racetracks to strip the New Mexico Horsemen's Association of its rights. The five affected tracks—Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Ruidoso, Zia Park in Hobbs, The Downs at Albuquerque, and SunRay Park Farmington—will still be showing the race live via the NBC feed, but bets must be placed elsewhere. Fortunately, other tracks like Belmont@Aqueduct, Tampa Bay, Parx, Gulfstream, Woodbine, Fairmount Park, Sun Ray, and Santa Anita remain available for wagering.
Whether you're a seasoned racing fan or just gearing up for the fashion and festivities, the Kentucky Derby is a can't-miss event. Get your gear ready, place your bets where you can, and settle in for a day of heart-pounding racing and unforgettable moments.