2026 Kentucky Derby Betting

Kentucky Derby Betting: Odds, Picks and More

As The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports draws nearer, anticipation for the Kentucky Derby builds with each passing day. The race is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and we at BUSR are raising the stakes to commemorate the 152nd edition.

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Kentucky Derby Race Information

• • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
• • Location: The race takes place at Churchill Downs, located at 700 Central Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky, 40208, USA.
• • Distance: 1 1/4 miles
• • Horse Types: Three-year-old thoroughbreds.
• • Surface: Dirt track.
• • Qualification: Entry into the Kentucky Derby is determined by a global, tiered point system — known as the ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ — from designated races, each time rewarding the top five finishers. The top 20 with the highest points secure their positions, while the ‘Japan Road’ and ‘European Road’ segments specifically provide dedicated entries for horses based in Japan and Europe, respectively.
• • Prize Purse: The Kentucky Derby 2026 will feature a record $5 million prize purse, allocating $3.1M for first place, $1M for second, $500K for third, $250K for fourth, and $150K for fifth.
• • Tickets: One can opt for everything from general admission to diverse dining options and VIP experiences, with full details accessible on the official website. Ticket purchases can be made through Ticketmaster.
• • Attendance Information: Attendance can exceed 150,000 spectators, including infield attendees.
• • Previous Winners: Out of 115 races since 1908, the post-time favorite has won 40 times. Notable victors include Justify (2018), Nyquist (2016), American Pharoah (2015), California Chrome (2014), and Orb (2013). Fourteen horses went on to claim the Triple Crown, among them Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify (2018).
• • Notable Records: Donerail, the 1913 Derby winner, set the record for longest odds at 91-1, closely followed by Rich Strike’s 80-1 upset in 2022. Secretariat boasts the fastest Derby time of 1:59.40 set in 1973. The largest victory margin stands at 8 lengths, achieved by Assault (1946), Whirlaway (1941), and Old Rosebud (1914).
• • Jockey Records: 107 jockeys have won the Kentucky Derby, with 27 securing multiple victories. Isaac Murphy, Jimmy Winkfield, Ron Turcotte, Eddie Delahoussaye, Calvin Borel, and Victor Espinoza achieved back-to-back wins in their respective years. Calvin Borel stands out for winning thrice within four years (2007, 2009, 2010).
• • Trainer Records: 116 trainers have won the Kentucky Derby, with 19 achieving this feat multiple times. Notably, six trainers have won the Derby in consecutive years: Herbert J. Thompson, Ben Jones, Jimmy Jones, Lucien Laurin, D. Wayne Lukas, and Bob Baffert.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is a 1 1/4 miles Grade I stakes thoroughbred horse race annually held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It’s celebrated for its rich traditions — mint julep cocktail, the wearing of elaborate hats, and the draping of the winner in a blanket of roses — and marks the first leg of the American Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.

Millions across the globe place their bets at live tracks and through online sportsbooks, underscoring its significance as one of the most venerable and acclaimed horse races since its inception in 1875.

The Kentucky Derby Post-Position Draw

The Kentucky Derby Post-Position Draw is a critical event that determines the starting positions of the horses at the gate. A traditional drawing method guarantees transparency and fairness; one racing official selects a horse’s name from one set of papers, while another representative draws a gate number from another set, effectively pairing each horse with its starting position.

This procedure is conducted in a public setting to ensure that the allocation of post positions is open and above board to dispel any potential concerns of bias or manipulation.

Where can I watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby?

If you won’t be joining the crowds at Churchill Downs, the 2026 Kentucky Derby remains accessible and immersive with two distinct home viewing alternatives. NBC will broadcast the entire Derby Day live, accessible whether tuned in via antenna, cable, or satellite.

For those who prefer streaming, comprehensive coverage will also be available on platforms like Peacock, YouTube TV, and FuboTV. The excitement begins on May 3 at 2:30 PM ET, offering not just the thrill of the Derby itself but an entire day of races, celebrations, and the electric atmosphere, complete with celebrity sightings and mint juleps aplenty.

Where to Bet on the Kentucky Derby?

BUSR is the best place you can bet on the Kentucky Derby, offering new members a lavish welcome bonus alongside a racebook incentive. Beyond the initial offers, you’ll find plenty of other crypto promotions, cashback rebates, and referral rewards to enhance the race day experience.

Sweetening the pot, BUSR doesn’t make you hold off until May to start your wagers. Kentucky Derby Futures are on offer all year, allowing you to engage with the shifting odds as contenders are added or withdrawn. Once you lock in a future bet, those odds are set in stone and remain active and honored even if prices drop.

Kentucky Derby Betting 101: How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby

Placing Kentucky Derby bets at BUSR is as easy as pie. Simply:

1. Access BUSR and enter your credentials.

2. Navigate to the horse racing section.

3. Choose the Kentucky Derby from the list of races.

4. Check the current odds for each horse.

5. Select the bet type you wish to place. Available bets can vary depending, ranging from the win, place, and show to more complex wagers like an exacta, trifecta, superfecta, etc.

   • • For Straight wagers, enter the amount you wish to risk for Win, Place, or Show.
   • • For Exotic wagers, input the bet amount and select your picks in the provided fields.

6. Confirm your selections by clicking on ADD TO BET SLIP.

7. Review your bet slip — displayed on the right-hand side on desktop or in a ‘Shopping cart’ on mobile.

8. Once satisfied with your bet, click on PLACE BET to finalize the wager.

9. You will receive a ticket number confirming your bet has been posted.

List of the Different Types of Bets You Can Make: Straight & Exotic Wagers

At BUSR, we provide a broad spectrum of Kentucky Derby betting options, ranging from straightforward straight wagers to the complexities of exotic bets. As the big day draws near, stay alert for emerging opportunities and exclusive promotions designed to enhance your race day strategy.