How to Watch the Kentucky Derby Live on Peacock for 2026
Grab your best hat and a mint julep, it's time for the Derby.
Ready or not, the first Saturday in May is almost upon us! The best three-year-old racehorses from around the world will compete for a $5 million purse in the 152nd Kentucky Derby, and you can watch it all live on Peacock on Saturday, May 2 from 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.
The Kentucky Derby, the oldest continuously running sporting event in the U.S., is a 1 1/4 mile horse race at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. for the world’s top three-year-old Thoroughbred horses.
The race was first run in 1875, has never been canceled and has only been moved twice–in 1945 during World War II, and in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Though the Derby is the mane (pun intended) event, horses will race all weekend long at Churchill Downs, and spectators from near and far will don their most colorful outfits and biggest hats while sipping mint juleps made with the finest Kentucky bourbon.
Where is the Kentucky Derby held?
Every year, the Kentucky Derby is run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., mere miles from Kentucky’s rolling hills, where many racehorses are born. Besides the Derby, Churchill Downs is known for its iconic Twin Spires that peek out over the grandstands.
Churchill Downs runs horse races throughout the year–not just on Derby Day. If you ever happen to be in town, be sure to check out the Kentucky Derby Museum, home to over a hundred years of archives and artifacts.
Where can I watch the Kentucky Derby?
Peacock is the streaming home to all things Kentucky Derby! The event will stream live on the service this Saturday, May 2.
What time is the Kentucky Derby?
Post time for the 152nd Kentucky Derby will be at approximately 6:57 p.m. ET, but there will be top-tier live racing all day on Saturday, May 2.
Can’t get enough horse racing? Tune in for the Kentucky Oaks the day before, live on Peacock Friday, May 1. The Oaks, one of the most elite races for fillies (young female horses) in the world, will set off at approximately 8:40 p.m. ET, but Peacock’s coverage begins at 4 p.m. and goes until 9 p.m., with five other races run during that time.
And don’t forget to trot back to Peacock for the Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16, beginning at 1 p.m. ET, and Royal Ascot from June 16 to June 20.
