Renegade Leads 19-Horse Field as 152nd Kentucky Derby Faces Five Scratches

Key facts

• The 152nd Kentucky Derby is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, with post time at 6:57 p.m. ET.
• Renegade is the morning-line favorite with 5-1 odds, followed by So Happy at 6-1.
• The race will be broadcast on NBC and USA Network, with streaming on Peacock and the NBC Sports app.
• The field has been reduced from a maximum of 20 horses to 19 after five scratches.
• The race takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

A Reduced Field and a Clear Favorite

The 152nd Kentucky Derby will see 19 horses charge from the starting gate on Saturday, May 2, after five contenders were scratched from the original lineup. The morning-line favorite, Renegade, carries 5-1 odds, with So Happy close behind at 6-1. The race, known as the Run for the Roses, is set for a post time of 6:57 p.m. Eastern Time at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Broadcast and Streaming Details for the Run for the Roses

NBC and USA Network will provide live television coverage of the Kentucky Derby, while streaming options include Peacock and the NBC Sports app. The dual-platform approach ensures broad accessibility for viewers across the United States. The broadcast will feature the full race card and analysis leading up to the main event.

Scratches Reshape the Contender List

Five horses have been scratched from the 2026 Kentucky Derby, trimming the field to 19. The scratches, announced in the days leading up to the race, remove several contenders from the lineup. The remaining horses now face altered odds and track conditions as bettors reassess their wagers. The full list of scratched horses has been published by race officials.

Betting Guide and Track Conditions

The official Kentucky Derby website provides live odds updates and a complete betting guide, including information on jockeys, owners, and track conditions. Factors such as mudders—horses that perform well on wet tracks—are highlighted for bettors. The morning-line odds serve as the starting point for wagering, with fluctuations expected as post time approaches.

Historical Context and Significance

The Kentucky Derby, first run in 1875, is the longest continuously held sporting event in the United States. The 152nd edition continues a tradition of high-stakes horse racing and cultural pageantry. With a maximum field of 20, this year's reduced number of starters is notable but not unprecedented, as scratches are common due to injury or strategic decisions by owners.

What to Watch For on Race Day

As the horses load into the starting gate, attention will focus on Renegade's bid to justify favorite status and So Happy's challenge. The track condition, weather, and post position will influence the outcome. Bettors and fans alike will be watching for any late changes or surprises that could upend the morning-line predictions.

The bottom line

• Renegade is the morning-line favorite at 5-1 odds for the 152nd Kentucky Derby.
• The field has been reduced to 19 horses after five scratches.
• The race will be broadcast on NBC and USA Network, with streaming on Peacock.
• Post time is 6:57 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Churchill Downs.
• So Happy is the second favorite at 6-1 odds.
• Track conditions and late odds changes will be key factors for bettors.