2026 Kentucky Derby: Time-Honored Traditions, Fun Facts, and How to Watch the 152nd Run for the Roses

The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports Returns to Churchill Downs

America's longest-running sporting event is just days away, with the 152nd Kentucky Derby set to take place on Saturday, May 2, at historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known affectionately as the Run for the Roses, the Derby continues a tradition that has endured through wars, economic depressions, and a global pandemic, making it a true cornerstone of American sporting heritage.

The first Saturday in May has long been circled on calendars across the country, drawing more than 150,000 spectators to the twin spires of Churchill Downs and millions more watching from home. The 2026 running maintains the storied legacy that began in 1875, when Aristides won the inaugural Derby before a crowd of about 10,000.

A Rich History Stretching Back to 1875

The Kentucky Derby was the brainchild of Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., grandson of William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. After traveling to Europe and observing England's Epsom Derby, Clark returned home determined to bring a premier horse race to Kentucky. He helped establish the Louisville Jockey Club, which raised funds to build the racetrack that would become Churchill Downs, named after his uncles John and Henry Churchill, who provided the land.

Originally, the race was run at one and a half miles, the same distance as the Epsom Derby. In 1896, the distance was shortened to its current one and a quarter miles. The Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, followed by the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Only 13 horses in history have ever captured the Triple Crown, with Justify being the most recent in 2018.

Traditions That Define the Run for the Roses

Few American sporting events are as steeped in tradition as the Kentucky Derby. The garland of 554 red roses presented to the winning horse has been a fixture since 1896 and gave the race its enduring nickname. The tradition was solidified in 1925 when sports columnist Bill Corum dubbed the event the Run for the Roses, a phrase that has stuck for more than a century.

The singing of 'My Old Kentucky Home' as the horses parade onto the track remains one of the most emotional moments in all of sports. Stephen Foster's song, adopted as the official Kentucky state song in 1928, has been performed at the Derby since 1921, often bringing fans, owners, and trainers to tears as the University of Louisville Marching Band plays the familiar melody.

Then there is the mint julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby since 1938. Made with bourbon, fresh mint, sugar, and crushed ice, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served over the two-day Derby weekend. The bourbon-based cocktail is traditionally served in a souvenir glass that has become a collector's item.

Fashion, Hats, and Southern Hospitality

The Kentucky Derby is as much a fashion event as it is a horse race. Elaborate hats and Sunday-best attire have been hallmarks of the Derby for generations. The tradition of wearing extravagant headwear traces back to the early days when Clark sought to attract a refined, high-society audience by emphasizing the social aspect of the event. Today, Derby hats range from elegant wide-brimmed creations to whimsical floral arrangements, and they remain an essential part of the experience for ladies in the grandstands and infield alike.

Gentlemen typically don seersucker suits, bow ties, and bright sport coats, embracing the genteel Southern style that has come to define the day. The infield, by contrast, has long been known for its lively, festive atmosphere, where everyday racing fans gather for a more casual celebration.

Fun Facts About the Derby

• The race is officially called the most exciting two minutes in sports, with most winners crossing the finish line in roughly that time. Secretariat set the track record in 1973 with a time of 1:59 2/5, a mark that still stands.
• Only three fillies have ever won the Derby: Regret in 1915, Genuine Risk in 1980, and Winning Colors in 1988.
• The Derby trophy is solid gold and is the only annually awarded gold trophy in American sports.
• The Riders Up call from the paddock judge signals jockeys to mount their horses before the race.
• The famous twin spires atop the Churchill Downs grandstand were designed by 24-year-old draftsman Joseph Dominic Baldez and have stood since 1895.
• Calumet Farm holds the record for most Derby wins by an owner with nine victories.

The 2026 Field and What to Watch

The Kentucky Derby field is limited to 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds, with horses earning their way in through the Road to the Kentucky Derby points system. Trainers, owners, and jockeys spend years preparing for this single moment, and the post position draw earlier in the week sets the stage for race day strategy.

The Kentucky Oaks, the premier race for three-year-old fillies, takes place the day before on Friday, May 1, and is another beloved tradition where attendees wear pink in support of breast and ovarian cancer awareness through the Survivors Parade.

When and How to Watch

The 152nd Kentucky Derby will be broadcast live on NBC, with coverage typically beginning in the afternoon and continuing through post time. The race itself is scheduled for approximately 6:57 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, May 2. Streaming options will be available through Peacock and the NBC Sports app for those who prefer to watch online.

For viewers planning their Derby day at home, many families and friends gather for Derby parties featuring mint juleps, Kentucky burgoo, Derby pie, and friendly wagers on the field. Whether watching from the comfort of the living room or making the pilgrimage to Louisville, the Kentucky Derby remains a uniquely American celebration that brings generations together to honor a tradition more than 150 years in the making.

A Lasting American Tradition

Through 151 previous runnings, the Kentucky Derby has remained a symbol of perseverance, elegance, and sporting excellence. As the horses load into the starting gate on May 2, fans across the nation will once again pause to take in the pageantry, the history, and the thrill of the most exciting two minutes in sports.