The 2024 Kentucky Derby is shaping up to be a historic and highly anticipated event, marking the 150th running of the prestigious race.
This iconic sporting tradition, known as the “Run for the Roses,” is the first leg of horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown and a celebration of mint juleps, seersucker suits, and stylish hats.
The Kentucky Derby Details
Venue: The Kentucky Derby is held at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Racetrack officials proudly boast that the Run for the Roses is the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the United States, dating back to 1875 when the track was called the Louisville Jockey Club.
Race Time: Post time for the 2024 Kentucky Derby is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. EDT.
Traditionally, the race takes place on the first Saturday of May, a tradition that was interrupted only by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when the Derby was moved to September.
Since 2021, the race has returned to its customary first Saturday in May schedule.
Race Distance: The Kentucky Derby has been a grueling 1 1/4 mile race since 1896. While the dirt track at Churchill Downs is only a mile long, the starting gate and finish line are positioned in different locations, allowing the race to cover that extra quarter mile.
Kentucky Oaks Results
The Kentucky Oaks, known as the “Run for the Lilies,” is the prestigious all-filly race held a day before the Kentucky Derby. On a sloppy track in front of a crowd of over 107,000 spectators, Thorpedo Anna emerged victorious, followed by Just F Y I and Regulatory Risk in second and third place, respectively.
The Kentucky Derby Field
The Kentucky Derby field has been capped at a maximum of 20 horses since 1975. If a horse scratches or withdraws from the race in the days leading up to the Derby, additional horses can fill out the field until the scratch deadline. Last year, the Derby field featured 18 horses after five scratched from the race.
Oddsmakers’ Favorites
According to Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia’s morning line odds, Fierceness, the winner of March’s Florida Derby, is the favorite to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby with 5-2 odds.
Updated Post Positions for the 150th Kentucky Derby presented by @WoodfordReserve.
#9 Encino has scratched and #21 Epic Ride will run. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/e22qC8vZYg
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 30, 2024
The bay colt is closely followed by Sierra Leone at 3-1 odds and Catching Freedom at 8-1 odds.
The Complete Kentucky Derby Horse List
- Dornoch (20-1)
- Sierra Leone (3-1)
- Mystik Dan (20-1)
- Catching Freedom (8-1)
- Catalytic (30-1)
- Just Steel (20-1)
- Honor Marie (20-1)
- Just a Touch (10-1)
- T O Password (30-1)
- Forever Young (10-1)
- Track Phantom (20-1)
- West Saratoga (50-1)
- Endlessly (30-1)
- Domestic Product (30-1)
- Grand Mo the First (50-1)
- Fierceness (5-2)
- Stronghold (20-1)
- Resilience (20-1)
- Society Man (50-1)
- Epic Ride (50-1)
Purse and Prize Money
For the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, the purse has been raised to a whopping $5 million, up from $3 million since 2019.
This substantial increase means that the winner will take home a staggering $3.1 million, with $1 million for second place, $500,000 for third, $250,000 for fourth, and $150,000 for fifth.
Ticket Prices and Availability
Tickets for the 2024 Kentucky Derby were still available in the days leading up to the race, with prices starting at $130 for general admission to the racetrack’s infield.
These tickets do not include seating, a view of the track, or access to the front side of Churchill Downs and its newly renovated paddock area.
Fans with these tickets can watch the races on the “world’s largest 4K video board.”
For those seeking a closer view of the action, tickets near the final turn were available for $275, although these also do not include seating or a direct view of the track.
Reserved seating throughout Churchill Downs was recently being sold for Derby day, ranging from $750 to $3,500, with additional service fees applied.
The Kentucky Derby is a multi-race event, with the first race scheduled for 10:30 a.m. EDT and two more races scheduled after the Derby itself.
2023 Kentucky Derby Results
In the 2023 Kentucky Derby, Mage emerged victorious with 15-1 odds, crossing the finish line first with a winning time of 2:01.57. Two Phil and Angel of Empire finished second and third, respectively.
Fastest Kentucky Derby Times
When it comes to speed, Secretariat holds the record for the fastest Kentucky Derby time, completing the 1 1/4 mile race in an astonishing 1:59.40 in 1973.
Before that, the record was 2 minutes flat, set by Northern Dancer in 1964. In 2001, Monarchos recorded the second-fastest Derby time of 1:59.97.
How to Watch the Kentucky Derby
Horse racing fans can catch all the action of the 2024 Kentucky Derby on NBC and streaming live on Peacock.
With its rich history, pageantry, and thrilling competition, the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby promises to be a memorable occasion for horse racing enthusiasts and casual spectators alike.
