Friday, May 1, 2026
Privacy-First Edition
Back to NNN
World

Kentucky Derby 2026: What to know about the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown

Video Kentucky Derby Betting Guide with Chris Fallica | Don't @ Me w/ Dan Dakich Chris "Bear" Fallica joins Dan Dakich to preview the 2026 Kentucky Derby.

The 152nd Kentucky Derby, the home of "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," will take place on Saturday at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky.

The first leg of the Triple Crown is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May. Twenty three-year-old horses will compete for a $5 million purse, with the winner of the 1¼-mile race taking home $3.1 million.

Three horses have already been scratched from this year’s race. Silent Tactic was scratched due to a foot injury and will be replaced by Great White. Fulleffort was scratched with an ankle injury and is replaced by Ocelli. Right to Party was scratched due to right front lameness and will be replaced by Robusta.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Horses run on the track during morning training for the 152nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 30, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Here is what you need to know heading into the race:

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Renegade, who is trained by Todd A. Pletcher, is the current favorite at 4-1. Commandment, who is trained by Brad H. Cox, and Further Ado, who is also trained by Cox, are both at 6-1.

Chief Wallabee, who is trained by William I. Mott, is at 8-1. The Puma, who is trained by Gustavo Delgado, is at 10-1.

The weather is not expected to be a factor. It will be a little cooler than usual in the morning, and there is a chance of rain in the afternoon, but it should be clear for the race. It is projected to be 58 degrees when the race kicks off, which is cooler than the average temperature of the Kentucky Derby at 74 degrees, according to Kentucky.com.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The 152nd Kentucky Derby will be Hall of Fame horse trainer Bob Baffert’s second appearance since being banned for four years. He was handed a suspension after his record-breaking seventh victory at the race in 2021 was later stripped due to a failed drug test.

Cherie DeVaux, the trainer of Golden Tempo, is looking to make history and became the first female trainer to win the Kentucky Derby. Vicki was the last woman trainer to have a horse in the derby, when Hidden Stash finished 13th in 2021. Shelley Riley has the best finish for women trainers, when Casual Lies came in second in 1992.

Smith, the jockey of So Happy, is 59-years-old and looking to become the oldest jockey to ever win the Kentucky Derby. Willie Shoemaker currently holds the record for oldest jockey to win, as he was 54 when Ferdinand won in 1986. Shoemaker died at 72 in 2003.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox.

By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

Read original at Fox News

The Perspectives

0 verified voices · Three viewpoints · Real discourse

Left
0
Be the first to share a left perspective
Center
0
Be the first to share a center perspective
Right
0
Be the first to share a right perspective

Related Stories