Get Ready for Race Day! Here's What to Know About This Year's Kentucky Derby
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It's almost time for the Kentucky Derby, aka The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.
Soon enough, race fans will be able to dive right into the their Derby Day meals and countless, refreshing glasses of mint juleps. Just 'cause the race itself is so short doesn't mean the celebrations have to be! Oh, and you don't have to be a dedicated horse race enthusiast to join in on the fun. Leave the "shadow rolling" and "dropping in for a tag" convos for the ultra-passionate fans. You, on the other hand, only really need to know a few things: what Kentucky Derby hat you're going to wear, and what day the actual race is.
If you plan on watching it this year (whether that be in-person or at home from your TV), there are a few things you should know. Like, when is the Kentucky Derby? And how can you watch it at home? Read on for all these answers and more.
What day is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby always takes place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday of May. So that means this year, the 150th annual Kentucky Derby falls on Saturday, May 4. Clear your plans, place your bets, and don't forget the pimento cheese!
Who is favored to win the Kentucky Derby?
There are a bunch of calculations, favors, and opinions—but when it comes to statistics, numbers are numbers. With that said, only 20 horses make the final cut. According to CBS Sports, Fierceness—a colt racehorse—technically has the best odds to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby at 3-1. Following in what's known as the "big three" are horses Sierra Leone (7-2) and Catching Freedom (8-1). Though, according to horse racing expert Jody Demling, the three-year-old colt, Resilience, could shake up the game and win it all come May. This is a bit of a stretch, considering Resilience has 35-1 odds, and hasn't won many races in its career up until this year. Though, the expert has spoken, so take that as you will!
How can I watch the Kentucky Derby?
If you don't plan to be one of the 150,000+ people in attendance—you can watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby at 2:30pm. EST on NBC, NBCSports.com, YouTube TV; fuboTV, and Peacock. While the race is a short portion of the day, these apps and sites will cover the event throughout its entirety—so feel free to keep it on all day if you're having a viewing party at home!
How much does it cost to go to the Kentucky Derby?
And if you *do* plan on joining the large crowd in Louisville, Kentucky, then you're probably wondering how much it'll cost. Well, prices vary... a lot. And it also matters when you buy your ticket, too. While there's no "set price" for a Kentucky Derby general admission ticket due to the official site no longer selling them at this point of the season, it's important to note that this year, The Kentucky Derby has partnered with Ticketmaster for all "fan-to-fan" purchases. While seats are limited right now, you can expect more to open up closer to the event.
For more ticketing experiences and options, you can head to the official Kentucky Derby website.
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