What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start? What TV channel is it on?
What time does the 2026 Kentucky Derby start? Here's a breakdown of when the race starts and the TV and streaming options available.
Horses compete during a race at Churchill Downs in May 2024. (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press) It’s Kentucky Derby Day , also known as the day everyone waits around for eight hours to watch a two-minute horse race. But that’s part of what makes the Derby what it is … not just a race, but an event.
And maybe 8 a. m. PDT is a little early to begin your neighborhood party, but we’re not judging.
Besides, if you’re reading this in the Eastern Time Zone, 11 a. m. is prime brunch time.
What you really want to know, though, is what time the horses actually will break from the gate at Churchill Downs. For the seventh straight year, the official post time is 6:57 p. m.