The 2023 Kentucky Derby is the 149th running of the annual horse race in Louisville, Ky., and it is scheduled for Saturday, May 6. Everyone will be dressed to the nines at Churchill Downs for the annual Run for the Roses, including celebrities, famous athletes and influencers from around the country.
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Who will be wearing the most ridiculous hats and outfits? There will be more than eight hours of television coverage on NBC for the 2023 Kentucky Derby.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby.
What is the Kentucky Derby?
The Kentucky Derby is the premier horse race in the United States held the first Saturday in May each year. It is frequently called the ‘Run for the Roses’ as a blanket of red roses is placed over the winning horse in the winner’s circle. The field is limited to 20 horses each year, and they qualify for the race through a series of point races. Only horses that are three years old are eligible to race in the Kentucky Derby, and it is open to both male and female horses. A filly hasn’t won the Kentucky Derby since Winning Colors won it in 1988.
How long is the Kentucky Derby?
The race is a 1 1/4 miles long and lasts around two minutes. Secretariat in 1973 set the Kentucky Derby record with a race time of 1:59 2/5. That record was set 50 years ago and still stands today.
Who won the 2022 Kentucky Derby?
In 2022, Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby as an 80-1 longshot.
When is the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
The 2023 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.
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What is the weather forecast for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
The forecast for Saturday calls for a high of 80 degrees, a low of 56 degrees. There’s a chance for thunderstorms late on Saturday.
When is the draw for the 2023 Kentucky Derby post positions?
The draw for 2023 Kentucky Derby post positions was held at 2 p.m. ET on Monday, May 1. Each of the 20 horses in the Kentucky Derby were assigned a starting spot in the starting gate. This can largely affect which horse wins the Derby because some starting positions have a better chance of winning than others. The odds for the 2023 Kentucky Derby or the “Morning Line” will be posted shortly after the draw and bets can be placed starting then.
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To see all of the Kentucky Derby post positions, click here.
What time does the 2023 Kentucky Derby start?
The post-time for the 149th Kentucky Derby is set for 6:45 p.m. The Kentucky Derby isn’t the only race held on Derby Day at Churchill Downs as more than 10 races will be held that day.
How can I watch and stream the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
Television coverage for the 2023 Kentucky Derby starts at noon Eastern on NBC. All coverage can also be streamed on Peacock.
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Who is the favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
Forte was the morning line favorite for the 2023 Kentucky Derby at 3/1, but he was scratched on Saturday morning. Tapit Trice and Angel of Empire are the new co-favorites at 9-2.
What is a mint julep?
A mint julep is a bourbon cocktail that is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. The ingredients for a mint julep include bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice and fresh mint. Some mint juleps substitute simple syrup for sugar.
Here are several mint julep recipes you can make at home.
How does betting on the Kentucky Derby work?
There are many different ways to bet on the Kentucky Derby, and it can be confusing to understand what an exacta, trifecta and superfecta are. It’s also confusing on how actually to place a bet on them.
The easiest way is to bet on the winner of the race. We explained all of the different types of horse racing bets here.
Horse racing uses parimutuel odds, so the odds are constantly changing. And unlike betting on who will win the Super Bowl, the odds you bet at are not the odds you get. The bet pays out at what the closing odds are.
(Photo of Churchill Downs: Brian Spurlock / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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