A year after being bumped to September because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Kentucky Derby has reclaimed its traditional spot and will once again be the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
The 147th instalment of the Run for the Roses takes place Saturday, May 1, almost a year to the day after its scheduled 2020 iteration, which organizers were forced to postpone, for the first time since 1945, due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
When the race was eventually held on September 5, the stands were desolately empty at Churchill Downs as horse racing followed in the steps of the NBA and MLB and held events behind closed doors.
The historic race track will not be full capacity on Saturday. Still, as many as 48,000 spectators expected to flock through the gates.
Organizers have indicated they will limit infield-only admission from 25 to 30 percent of capacity, with reserved seating capped at between 40 and 50 percent.
Here's all you need to know about the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
When is the Kentucky Derby?
The 147th edition of the so-called Run for the Roses takes place Saturday, May 1.
Traditionally the first leg of the Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby was postponed to September 5 last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Where is the Kentucky Derby?
As ever, the race takes place in its traditional home of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, which has hosted the 1.25-mile race since it was first held in 1875.
Post time
Post time is scheduled for approximately 6:57 p.m. ET.
Kentucky Derby TV coverage
The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live by NBC, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET and encompassing other graded stakes races from Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby live stream
The race will be available on NBC digital platforms, including NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
Kentucky Derby odds
At 2-1, Essential Quality starts off as the clear favorite, followed by Rock Your World at 5-1, Known Agenda at 6-1 and Hot Rod Charlie at 8-1.
The American Champion two-year-old colt of 2020, Essential Quality won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Breeders' Futurity Stakes last year and has already claimed the Southwest Stakes and the Blue Grass Stakes this year.
The omens, however, aren't particularly positive for the Godolphin-owned colt, who drew the No. 14 gate in the post position draw held on Tuesday. In the history of the Kentucky Derby, only two horses have won the race when starting from the No. 14 gate, which last produced a winner in 1961.
Highly Motivated is next in line at 10-1, while Medina Spirit and Mandaloun all start as 15-1 shots.
Post positions
- Known Agenda 6-1
- Like The King 50-1
- Brooklyn Strong 50-1
- Keepmeinmind 50-1
- Sainthood 50-1
- O Besos 20-1
- Mandaloun 15-1
- Medina Spirit 15-1
- Hot Rod Charlie 8-1
- Midnight Bourbon 20-1
- Dynamic One 20-1
- Helium 50-1
- Hidden Stash 50-1
- Essential Quality 2-1
- Rock Your World 5-1
- King Fury 20-1
- Highly Motivated 10-1
- Super Stock 30-1
- Soup and Sandwich 30-1
- Bourbonic 30-1
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Dan Cancian is currently a reporter for Newsweek based in London, England. Prior to joining Newsweek in January 2018, he ... Read more
