Why this year’s Kentucky Derby is wide open | The Excerpt
This year’s race is wide open and any horse can win it. We break down the horses, odds, traditions and what to watch beyond the race.
On the Thursday, April 30, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: The Kentucky Derby returns with a wide open field and plenty of uncertainty. USA TODAY’s Dana Taylor speaks with Courier Journal reporters Jason Frakes and Kirby Adams about the top contenders, betting angles, fashion, traditions and what defines the Derby experience. Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it.
This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text. Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here Dana Taylor: Every year, the Kentucky Derby turns Louisville into the center of the sports world.
It's loud, it's crowded, it's a little chaotic, more than a little chaotic, and it all comes down to just two minutes on the track. But for longtime fans and first-time viewers alike, the Derby is about more than who crosses the finish line first. It's about traditions, instincts, and the small details that can make or break a race before it even begins.
Hello, and welcome to USA TODAY's The Excerpt. I'm Dana Taylor. Today is Thursday, April 30th, 2026.
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