The Kentucky Derby 2027 is on Saturday, May 1, 2027 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 153rd running is expected to go off at about 6:57 PM ET, the same post time used in 2024, 2025 and 2026. NBC will air the race, with live streaming on Peacock. Last year, Golden Tempo won the 2026 Derby at 23-1, and Cherie DeVaux became the first woman trainer to win it.
Quick details for Derby Day 2027:
- Date: Saturday, May 1, 2027
- Edition: 153rd Kentucky Derby
- Expected post time: 6:57 PM ET / 5:57 PM CT / 3:57 PM PT (to be confirmed)
- Venue: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Distance: 1 1/4 miles
- Kentucky Oaks: Friday, April 30, 2027
- TV and streaming: NBC and Peacock
- 2026 winner: Golden Tempo (José Ortiz, trainer Cherie DeVaux)
See the Kentucky Derby post time 2027 page for start times in every time zone. This page will be updated with the 2027 field, odds and post positions once the Road to the Kentucky Derby wraps up in April.
Kentucky Derby 2027 Post Time by Country
The race posts at the same moment everywhere, but local clock times vary by region. The table below lists the expected start time in major countries, based on the 6:57 PM ET post time used in recent years.
| Country / Region | Local Time | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) USA / Canada East | 6:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Central Time (CT) USA / Canada | 5:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Mountain Time (MT) USA / Canada | 4:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Pacific Time (PT) USA / Canada West | 3:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Alaska Time (AKDT) | 2:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Hawaii Time (HST) | 12:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| United Kingdom (BST) | 11:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Ireland (IST) | 11:57 PM | Saturday, May 1 |
| Europe (CEST) France, Germany, Spain | 12:57 AM | Sunday, May 2 |
| India (IST) | 4:27 AM | Sunday, May 2 |
| Japan (JST) | 7:57 AM | Sunday, May 2 |
| Australia East (AEST) | 8:57 AM | Sunday, May 2 |
UK and Ireland viewers catch the race late Saturday night. Fans in Australia, Asia, and most of Europe watch early Sunday morning.
Kentucky Derby 2027 TV Schedule (NBC, Peacock, FanDuel TV)
NBC is the official home of the Kentucky Derby. The network has carried the race since 2001 and holds rights through 2032, the longest media partnership in Derby history. NBC will release the 2027 broadcast schedule closer to Derby Week. The table below shows how the 2026 coverage ran, which is a good guide for what to expect on Friday, April 30 and Saturday, May 1, 2027.
| Date | Time (ET) | Event | TV / Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, May 1 | Morning | Early Oaks Day Races | FanDuel TV |
| Friday, May 1 | 4:00 PM | Oaks Day Show | Peacock and NBCSN |
| Friday, May 1 | 8:00 PM | Primetime Oaks Coverage Begins | NBC and Peacock |
| Friday, May 1 | 8:40 PM | 152nd Kentucky Oaks Post Time | NBC and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM | Early Derby Day Races | FanDuel TV |
| Saturday, May 2 | 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM | Derby Undercard Coverage | Peacock and NBCSN |
| Saturday, May 2 | 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM | 152nd Kentucky Derby Coverage | NBC and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | 6:57 PM | Kentucky Derby Post Time | NBC and Peacock |
| Saturday, May 2 | After 7:30 PM | Final Race | FanDuel TV |
The Oaks airs in primetime on a major broadcast network for the first time in its 152 year history. The NBC broadcast starts at 8:00 PM ET, with the actual Oaks post time at 8:40 PM ET.
How to Watch Kentucky Derby 2027 Live Stream
NBC is the official broadcaster. Peacock is the official streaming home. Most fans have several ways to watch even without cable.
Watch on NBC for Free with an Antenna or Cable Login
NBC airs over the air in every major US city. A digital antenna picks up the local NBC signal at no cost. Cable and satellite customers can also watch free at NBC.com or in the NBC Sports app by logging in with their TV provider account.
Stream the Derby on Peacock
A Peacock subscription gives you the full Derby Day from morning races to the final post. Peacock also carries the Friday night Oaks and every Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race during the season.
Live TV Streaming Services that Carry NBC
The services below carry NBC and give you full Derby coverage. Check each one’s site to confirm NBC works in your zip code before you subscribe.
| Service | Regular Price | NBC Included | Promo |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo | Yes | $67.99/mo for first 3 months (new users, ends 6/30/26) |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99/mo | Yes | No standard free trial |
| DirecTV Stream | $89.99/mo | Yes | 5-day trial |
| Sling Blue | $46/mo | Yes (select markets only) | No trial |
YouTube TV is the strongest pick right now. The new customer promo at $67.99 per month for three months covers the full Derby weekend. Sling Blue is the cheapest plan with NBC, but only in select markets, so confirm your zip code on the Sling site before you sign up.
Free Peacock Through Walmart+ or Instacart+
Walmart+ and Instacart+ memberships both include Peacock Premium at no extra cost. Sign up for either service and turn on Peacock through your account settings. Full time students can get Peacock Premium for $5.99 per month, a 45% discount, by verifying status through Peacock’s student page using SheerID.
Watching the Kentucky Derby from Outside the US
Peacock and NBC streams are blocked outside the United States. US fans abroad can use a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN to connect to a US server and access their existing Peacock account.
Peacock Streaming Plans for the Kentucky Derby
| Plan | Monthly Price | Annual Price | Ad-Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | $10.99/mo | $109.99/yr | No |
| Premium Plus | $16.99/mo | $169.99/yr | Yes |
| Student Premium | $5.99/mo | N/A | No |
Peacock does not offer a free trial for new users. The cheapest path to free Peacock is through a Walmart+ or Instacart+ membership.
2026 Kentucky Derby Results
Golden Tempo came from off the pace to win the 152nd Kentucky Derby by a neck on May 2, 2026, finishing 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.27 on a fast track. José Ortiz earned his first Derby win, beating his brother Irad Ortiz Jr. on the runner-up Renegade. Eighteen horses started.
| Finish | Horse | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden Tempo | José Ortiz | Cherie DeVaux |
| 2 | Renegade | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher |
| 3 | Ocelli | Tyler Gaffalione | Whit Beckman |
| 4 | Chief Wallabee | Junior Alvarado | Bill Mott |
| 5 | Danon Bourbon | Atsuya Nishimura | Manabu Ikezoe |
| 6 | Incredibolt | Jaime Torres | Riley Mott |
| 7 | Commandment | Luis Saez | Brad Cox |
| 8 | Wonder Dean | Ryusei Sakai | Daisuke Takayanagi |
| 9 | So Happy | Mike Smith | Mark Glatt |
| 10 | Emerging Market | Flavien Prat | Chad Brown |
See every past champion on the Kentucky Derby winners list.
Kentucky Derby Week Schedule (2026 Reference)
The Kentucky Derby is more than a two minute race. Each day of Derby Week carries its own theme. Churchill Downs will confirm the 2027 lineup in spring, with Thurby on Thursday, April 29, the Oaks on Friday, April 30 and the Derby on Saturday, May 1. Here is how the 2026 week ran.
| Date | Event | Gates / First Race |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, April 25 | Opening Day powered by LG&E and KU | Gates 11:30 AM / First Race 12:45 PM |
| Sunday, April 26 | Sunday Funday (returns since 2010) | Gates 11:30 AM / First Race 12:45 PM |
| Monday, April 27 | Dawn at the Downs Dining (no live racing) | Gates 6:45 AM |
| Tuesday, April 28 | 502’sDay (general admission $5) | Gates 11:30 AM / First Race 12:45 PM |
| Wednesday, April 29 | Winsday | Gates 11:30 AM / First Race 12:45 PM |
| Thursday, April 30 | Thurby | Gates 10:30 AM / First Race 12:45 PM |
| Friday, May 1 | 152nd Longines Kentucky Oaks | Gates 11:00 AM / Post 8:40 PM |
| Saturday, May 2 | 152nd Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve | Gates 9:00 AM / First Race 11:00 AM |
Sunday Funday on April 26 was the standout new event in 2026. Sunday racing at Churchill Downs is back for the first time since 2010, with brunch options and a relaxed family vibe.
About the Kentucky Derby
The Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, made with Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh mint over crushed ice in a frosted silver or pewter cup. Churchill Downs serves more than 300,000 Mint Juleps over Derby weekend, using roughly 1,000 pounds of fresh spearmint, or about 32,000 mint bunches.
Old Forester is the official bourbon poured into the standard juleps, and Woodford Reserve is the presenting sponsor of the Kentucky Derby and the bourbon used in the $1,000 pewter cup and $5,000 collectible cup charity programs.
The Garland of Roses
The winning horse wears a garland of more than 400 red Freedom roses sewn onto a green satin backing. Louisville florist Grace Walker designed the original garland in 1932 for Burgoo King, the winner of the 58th Derby. Since 1987, the Kroger Company has crafted the 40 pound garland in an overnight public process at its Middletown, Kentucky store on Derby Eve. That is why roses are the best-known symbol of the race.
The Grandstand Spires
The two ornamental spires on top of the Churchill Downs grandstand are the track’s best-known landmark. Louisville architect Joseph Dominic Baldez designed them in 1895 at age 24, and they made their debut at the 21st Kentucky Derby on May 6, 1895. They remain one of the most recognizable sights in American horse racing.
My Old Kentucky Home
“My Old Kentucky Home” plays as the horses walk to the starting gate. It is one of the most emotional traditions in American sports.
Kentucky Derby FAQ
What is the difference between the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks?
The Derby is for three-year-old colts and fillies. The Oaks is for fillies only. The Derby runs at 1 1/4 miles with a $5 million purse on the first Saturday in May. The Oaks runs at 1 1/8 miles with a $1.5 million purse on Friday, May 1. The Derby winner gets a garland of roses. The Oaks winner gets a garland of stargazer lilies. Oaks Day fans wear pink to support breast and ovarian cancer awareness.
What is the dress code at the Kentucky Derby?
Spring colors and big hats. Women wear bright dresses with wide brimmed hats or fascinators. Men wear seersucker suits, sport coats, or smart casual in pastels. Premium areas like Millionaires Row are stricter. The infield is relaxed. Wear comfortable shoes since you will stand and walk all day.
How do I bet on the Kentucky Derby?
You can bet at Churchill Downs with cash, online through licensed pari-mutuel platforms, or at US sportsbooks where horse racing wagering is legal. The minimum bet is $2. Common bet types are Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta. Set up your online account a few days early since verification takes time. Kentucky law does not allow credit cards for on-track betting.
What food do you eat at a Kentucky Derby party?
The classics are Kentucky Hot Brown sandwiches, burgoo stew, pimento cheese, fried chicken, country ham biscuits, and derby pie for dessert. Mint Juleps are the official drink. Bourbon balls work for a sweet finish.
How do I host a Kentucky Derby party at home?
Start at 4:00 PM ET to catch the build up on NBC. The main race is at 6:57 PM ET. Have guests wear hats and Derby outfits. Print the post position list and let everyone draw a horse for a friendly pool. Serve Mint Juleps and Southern food. Stream the race on Peacock or watch on NBC.