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Derby Week Begins April 26, Oaks Shifts to NBC May 1

4/23/2026

Summary

Churchill Downs Hosts

Churchill Downs will host Kentucky Derby Week beginning Saturday, April 26, with Derby and Oaks draws.
The Kentucky Oaks moves to Friday, May 1 at 8:40 p.m. and will air live on NBC.
Sunday racing returns on April 26, the first Derby Week Sunday race since 2010.
New wagers debut, including Jackpot 8, Odd vs Even and Matchup head-to-head bets.
Tickets cost $30 admission or $149 dining, with marathon medal holders receiving free entry.

Summary

DeVaux Derby Bid

Cherie DeVaux will try to win the Kentucky Derby with first starter, becoming the 18th female trainer to enter Derby.
Wonder Dean won the UAE Derby (G2), giving sire Dee Majesty his first graded-stakes victory.
Six Speed, bought for $304,680 at 2025 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale, will race after a 7,000-mile trip to Churchill Downs.
Post position 17 has never yielded a Derby winner, prompting bettors to watch odds.

Summary

Post-Draw Streaming

The post-position draw takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at about 2:15 p.m. ET between races 3 and 4, which requires bettors to have tiered contender lists and speed-horse cheat sheets ready.
It streams on Louisville’s WAVE-3, FanDuel TV, KentuckyDerby.com, and BUSR Experience for Texas, Florida and California, with NBC not broadcasting it.
Since 2000, over 53 % of winners start from post 13 or higher, prompting X and Reddit users to debate Renegade, Commandment and Further Ado.

History

Historical Context

The Kentucky Derby, first held on May 17, 1875, at what is now Churchill Downs, established a significant American horse racing tradition. With an estimated 10,000 spectators, the inaugural race featured 15 horses, including winner Aristides, ridden by Oliver Lewis, one of 13 African American jockeys. The Derby has since evolved, reflecting societal changes and innovations in the racing industry, including increased female participation.

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Churchill Downs Hosts

Churchill Downs will host Kentucky Derby Week beginning Saturday, April 26, with Derby and Oaks draws.
The Kentucky Oaks moves to Friday, May 1 at 8:40 p.m. and will air live on NBC.
Sunday racing returns on April 26, the first Derby Week Sunday race since 2010.
New wagers debut, including Jackpot 8, Odd vs Even and Matchup head-to-head bets.
Tickets cost $30 admission or $149 dining, with marathon medal holders receiving free entry.

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