How to Watch the Kentucky Derby: Stream on Peacock LIVE
It’s almost time for the Run for the Roses. We’ll help you stream all the fun LIVE from Churchill Downs.
The Kentucky Derby is almost here. On May 4, the top thoroughbreds in the world go head-to-head in “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” That description is both completely accurate and incomplete. The race that caps off the day is thrilling, but the Derby is about so much more than the final two-minute race.
What Is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is, at the most basic level, a horse race. The world’s fastest three-year-old thoroughbreds compete in a 1.25-mile race that headlines a day of festivities. It’s the first leg of the Triple Crown, followed by the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. The greatest honor for a horse and jockey is to win all three races.
The Kentucky Derby isn’t just the first race of the Triple Crown, it’s also the most popular. It draws bigger crowds and more attention than any other horse race on the calendar. The giant hats worn by spectators, the omnipresent mint juleps, and the pure pageantry on display have elevated the race to a full-on cultural event. This is one you’ll want to see live.
Where Is the Kentucky Derby Held?
The Kentucky Derby takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Churchill Downs has hosted the event annually since its inception in 1875. The venue’s twin spires and legendary mint juleps have become synonymous with the race itself.
What Can I Expect from the Kentucky Derby?
That's the fun part of horse racing. You can never truly know what to expect. These races are so fast that anything can happen. Between the condition of a track, day-to-day moods of the horses, and the unpredictability of racing in general, a clear favorite can suddenly lose and an underdog can win it all. A rising star in the sport, Fierceness is capable of lightning speeds, but that may not be enough to win at Churchill Downs. Sierra Leone, Catching Freedom, Forever Young, and many others could easily win it all on Saturday. Another thing you can expect from the Kentucky Derby? Really fun horse names.
Beyond that, there are the traditions that make the Kentucky Derby what it is. We’ve mentioned the hats and mint juleps, but there’s also the band playing “My Old Kentucky Home” as the horses line up at the starting gate. There’s the garland of roses hung around the winning horse and the gold trophy given to the owner. If you really want to get into the spirit of Derby Day early, there’s another tradition that kicks things off the day before: The Kentucky Oaks. Held the day before the Derby, this is a race for 3-year-old fillies, and it’s the perfect build-up to the festivities of Derby Day. You can also catch that race on May 3 at 1p ET on USA and streaming live on Peacock.
What Time Is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday May 4, and coverage starts at 12p ET. Derby Day is more than a two-minute race, though. There are multiple races throughout the day, keeping the excitement high, the stands packed, and the mint juleps flowing. You'll also experience the atmosphere, spot celebrity attendees, and thrill at everything surrounding the races. It’s an all-day party, and you can watch every moment.
Where Can I Watch the Kentucky Derby?
There are two ways to watch the Kentucky Derby. The first is on NBC. Whether you have an antenna, cable, or satellite, you can watch all of Derby Day live on your local NBC station. If streaming is your preferred way to watch, we’ve got you covered. The entirety of Derby Day will stream live on Peacock.