Kentucky Derby 2022: How to watch, what to know
Thinking of visiting Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Oaks or Derby? Or maybe that's a bit much and watching on TV will suffice, perhaps with a mint julep in hand.
First things first: The Kentucky Derby will be on Saturday, May 7, with a post time of 6:57 p.m. EDT. The Derby is the 12th race of 14 on the card, with the first post time at 10:30 a.m. The Kentucky Oaks is on Friday, May 6, with a 5:15 p.m. post time.
Entries for both races will be drawn on Monday, May 2.
You can get into the Churchill Downs infield for less than $100, or you can spend hundreds or thousands for more comfortable accommodations. You can check out the options on the Kentucky Derby ticket site.
And here's a twist that was introduced last year amid the pandemic: reserved seats include all-inclusive food, non-alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages. This change is intended to reduce the amount of time spent in line and to eliminate the need for cash transactions for food and beverages.
And unlike last year, Churchill Downs will be at full capacity, so you can expect 100,000-plus racing fans to join you at the track.
Where to watch
NBC will provide race coverage and analysis live on TV, NBCSports.com, the NBC Sports app and Peacock before, during and after the Kentucky Derby. Coverage on Derby day runs from noon to 2:30 p.m. EDT on USA Network and moves to NBC from 2:30 to 7:30.
NBC Sports will also air the Kentucky Oaks, with coverage from 1 to 5 p.m. on Peacock and 5 to 6 p.m. on the USA Network, NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app.
A little history
The first Kentucky Derby was run in 1875 at 1 1/2 miles. Aristides prevailed that year in a field of 10.
The original grandstand was built in 1894, with the twin spires following a year later.
In 1896, the race was shortened to 1 1/4 miles, and the winner, Ben Brush, received an arrangement of roses. The red rose became the official Derby flower in 1904.
Regret was the first filly to win a Derby, in 1915.
In 1919, Sir Barton was the first to win what would become the Triple Crown. In 32 days, he won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, the Belmont Stakes – and the Withers. The term "Triple Crown" didn't come into usage until 1930, when The New York Time used it in describing Gallant Fox's accomplishment.
In 1931, the date was set as the first Saturday in May, allowing for a consistent schedule for the other races in the Triple Crown.
The first time the Derby was broadcast on national TV was in 1952; it had aired locally since 1949.
In 1968, the Derby had its first disqualification when Dancer's Image tested positive for an illegal substance.
Secretariat set the record for the fastest time in the Derby, 1:59.40, in 1973.
In 1995, the purse was increased to $1 million. Today, the purse is $3 million.
The largest crowd to attend the Derby was 170,513 in 2015.
The last horse to win the Triple Crown was Justify in 2018.