Kentucky Derby 2021: What to know, where to watch
The Kentucky Derby 2021 picture will continue to come into focus as the May 1 approaches. Here is a primer on this year's Run for the Roses.
When is Kentucky Derby 2021?
The 147th Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown, will be held at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 1. Two weeks later, the Preakness Stakes will be run at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, May 15. The Belmont Stakes, the final jewel, will be contested in New York at Belmont Park on Saturday, June 5.
Who is the Kentucky Derby 2021 favorite?
Undefeated 2-year-old champion Essential Quality is the likely Kentucky Derby 2021 favorite. He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last year and started his 2021 campaign with victories in the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn and the Blue Grass (G2) at Keeneland.
Other top Kentucky Derby contenders include Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Rock Your World, Louisiana Derby (G1) winner Hot Rod Charlie and Florida Derby (G1) winner Known Agenda.
When will post positions be drawn for Kentucky Derby 2021?
The Kentucky Derby post position draw will be held at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, April 27 at 11 a.m. EDT. It will be televised on NBCSN (NBC Sports Network).
What is the post time for Kentucky Derby 2021?
They will be off and running in the Kentucky Derby at about 7:01 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 1. In recent years, it has been run as the 12th race on a stakes-packed program, though it was No. 14 last year.
Where to watch Kentucky Derby 2021?
2021 Kentucky Derby coverage will air on May 1 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. EDT on NBCSN and from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m. EDT on NBC. Coverage also will be available to stream live on NBCSports.com and on the NBC Sports app.