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Mine That Bird Visiting KDM Stable

The word is out...the 2009 Derby Champion Mine That Bird is at the Kentucky Derby Museum Stable!

March 27 through April 19

Kentucky Derby Museum Ball

Join us as we toast to 150 years of the Kentucky Derby®!

Friday, April 26

The exhibit underwent a $1 million upgrade to include cutting-edge technology for the immersive jockey simulator, allowing guests to experience what it's like to ride in the Derby.

Biscuits & Bourbon

Enjoy a southern-inspired brunch along with live music, unlimited Kentucky Bourbon, mimosas and Bloody Marys! Top off your brunch with a day at the races at Churchill Downs® Racetrack during Derby Week.

Wednesday, May 1

Barn and Backside Tour

Only on the Backside of the track can you experience breathtaking views of the Twin Spires and see the iconic horse barns up close!

Review of the Week

One of the Highlights of our travels. We got a tour of the grounds, walked through the paddock to the edge of the track and got to stand in the Winner's Circle. The museum itself is wonderful and between it and the tour guide it was very informative. Plus my wife got to enjoy a mint julep in the bar afterwards.

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Churchill Downs Tours

Home > Come To The Track > Calendar Events > Churchill Downs Tours

Tours of the legendary Churchill Downs race track are hosted by the Kentucky Derby Museum. They operate tours a majority of the year with the following exceptions: The Museum is closed Thursday through Saturday of Derby weekend, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. On rare occasions the Museum closes early for private parties View more information on the Derby Museum web site about tour options and to schedule your visit.

Tour Hours:

December 1 – March 30, Monday – Saturday 9:00 am, Sundays 12:00 pm.

April 1 – November 30, Monday – Saturday 8:00 am, Sundays 11:00 am

Things to know

What to expect.

Curated suggestions to help make the most of your experience at Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please find our helpful guide to experiencing Churchill Downs.

Groups & Occasions

Check an item off your guests' bucket lists at Louisville's must-visit venue. Let our team help you plan an unforgettable experience.

Your Expert Guide to Louisville

Make the most of your visit to Churchill Downs home of the Kentucky Derby by exploring Louisville Kentucky.

Churchill Downs Virtual Venue

View various sections to familiarize yourself with historic Churchill Downs Racetrack.

Explore Churchill Downs

Official Kentucky Derby Store

Shop the latest Kentucky Derby fashions, collectibles and more!

Visit the Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is one of the region’s premier attractions, celebrating the tradition, history, hospitality, and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby.

VISIT THE MUSEUM

Visiting Information

Learn more on what to expect during your visit to Churchill Downs.

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Tour Itinerary

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1 SHELBYVILLE / LOUISVILLE

We depart this morning traveling through West Virginia and into Kentucky where we will stop at the Jeptha Creed Distillery in Shelbyville. In this new farm to bottle Distillery, you enjoy an evening on the patio with a Barbecue dinner and live Country Music. There will be dancing and distillery tours – plus a bourbon tasting opportunity. This is one of the most modern bourbon distilleries in Kentucky and we have a festive evening planned here to kick-off the events to the Derby. Afterwards, we will head to our hotel where we will spend the next three nights near Louisville.

2 LOUISVILLE SLUGGER

We have a packed series of events planned for today, We will visit several locations, like the Louisville Slugger Museum. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to love the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. This iconic museum is linked to legends and it is one of Louisville’s best known tourist attractions. This tour is fascinating with interactive exhibits and Baseball History.

Another location we will visit today is the Undulata Farms, a Saddlebred Horse Farm. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places this is where Civil War veteran Harry Weissinger and his sons once bred the great stallion, American Born. This is a private residence and horse training farm, Here we will tour the first two floors of the family home, the horse training facility and actually see training in progress. At this time of the year it is also possible to see a new foal up close and personal.

We will be stopping for lunch today at the banquet room of Claudia Sanders Dinner House. This restaurant is a replica of the elegant, old home opened by Colonel Sanders of KFC fame, in 1959 . It was from this very building that Kentucky Fried Chicken grew into a world-wide organization.

Then its on to visit is the Derby Hat Boutique , where you can buy hats and accessories. Having just the Right derby hat, with the right accessories is a very important part of the Kentucky Derby Experience. You have to dress for the Win, the Place, and The Show. After touring we will return to the hotel to rest up.

We will wrap up the evening with an “Off to the Races” dinner party. The meal is a special “Taste of Kentucky” menu. A plated meal of renowned Kentucky favorites complimented with Derby Pie for dessert. The Derby Museum’s Master of Ceremonies takes over during dinner with Derby Racing fun. We have three pre-recorded horse races that will be projected on the big screen. Consider this a warm up to the big race tomorrow. It’s a chance to make a few bets, cheer for a favorite and share a few laughs. You will be rolling in the aisles with fun.

3 RIVERBOAT RACE / KENTUCKY DERBY

Today’s first event is the Derby Day Riverboat Race, it doesn’t get any better than this! Once onboard there is complimentary coffee and tea, or start the festivities with a Bloody Mary or Champagne Mimosa from the cash bar. Once underway we have experts providing a few insider tips on the Derby Race. They will talk about the Horses, how they run in different conditions, who has the post and what that means, plus information on the trainers, their Derby History and more. You also enjoy a seminar on how to place a real bet at Churchill Downs. At the end of the “How to Bet” lesson, our two private Sternwheelers will turn downstream and with those big red paddlewheels kicking up a feather trail of whitewater they race each other back to Louisville.

Next is the highlight of your trip, The Kentucky Derby. You will be at The Derby all day. Here you can enjoy crowd watching, sample a mint julep and place a few bets. This is one of the world’s greatest and most celebrated sporting events, “The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” and you are on hand to experience it all.

This morning with hat boxes and suitcases loaded, we depart for home with another event checked off the Bucket List, With wonderful memories of Louisville & the Bluegrass state.

Lodging & Tour

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$100 Per Person

$100 Per Person (Area 6)

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2024 Kentucky Derby Tickets

May 3 - may 4, 2024.

August 30 - September 12, 2021

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Upcoming Events

Important sale dates, exclusive american express ® presale.

American Express Card Members will get exclusive access to individual session tickets prior to the general public.

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Individual session tickets available for all stadiums, all sessions.

Mon • Jun 03, 2019

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Verified tickets sold by fans like you. Bought by fans, and sold to fans for safe and secure access.

What are fan-to-fan resale tickets?

These tickets are resold by trusted fans like you. The ticket price is set by the ticket holder, and often exceeds the original face value.

Ticket Options

Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 9:30am EDT Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY

Kentucky derby tickets, all-inclusive reserved and box seating.

All reserved and box seating options at the 150th Kentucky Derby are all-inclusive this year. Outdoor stadium-style or bleacher-style seats are available, and tickets include access to food service concession areas and bars (serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), as well as a raceday program while supplies last.

Dining Hospitality Seating

Reserved dining hospitality tickets are all-inclusive, featuring seating in a hospitality area with a chef’s table, premium bar (serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), and a raceday program while supplies last.

All-Inclusive First Turn & Infield Reserved Seats

Uncovered seating with view of walk over from backside, and either first turn or final stretch of Derby race with access to mutuels and restrooms. Includes food, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Infield General Admission

General Admission access to the Infield of the race track, including a raceday program while supplies last. Please note that there is no track view, no reserved seat, no access to the seating areas, and no access to the Paddock or front side areas. Infield standing room only access as patrons must enter through the Infield Gate only at Central Ave and 4th Street.

Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 9:30am EDT

Kentucky oaks tickets.

All reserved and box seating options at the 2024 Kentucky Derby are all-inclusive this year. Outdoor stadium-style or bleacher-style seats are available, and tickets include access to food service concession areas and bars (serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), as well as a raceday program while supplies last.

Derby Week Tickets

Spring racing tickets.

Aug 31 - Sep 13

Friday, May 3rd, 2024 at 9:30am EDT Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY

* based on primary ticket prices, available beginning may 28, 2019. resale ticket prices may vary and often exceed face value..

2024 Kentucky Derby: Everything You Need to Know

Your working guide to ticket sales, match sessions, on-site activities, and more before this year's tournament.

5 Hats to Wear to the Kentucky Derby, Plus More Derby Fashion Tips

Get to know essential elements of the game and follow along year-round before the 2023 Kentucky Derby.  

The Winner’s Circle: 5 Historic Wins at the Kentucky Derby

Follow the best racers in the sport before they may take the track at the 2023 Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby FAQ

See our complete list of faqs for this upcoming race., will the kentucky derby take place in 2024.

Yes, the Kentucky Derby will take place on May 4, 2024. The traditional first Saturday of May is scheduled to remain the event date.

Will there be tickets available for the Kentucky Derby in 2024?

Kentucky Derby fans can find a variety of tickets and ticket packages available for purchase at Ticketmaster, the Official Ticket Marketplace of the Kentucky Derby.

How much are Kentucky Derby tickets?

Ticket prices for the Kentucky Derby vary by ticket type and when tickets are purchased. Ticket types include two-day packages, dining and hospitality packages, general admission access, and all-inclusive reserved and box seating. Find available tickets for the 2024 Kentucky Derby here .

Where can I buy Kentucky Derby tickets?

A variety of ticket types and packages for the 2024 Kentucky Derby are available at Ticketmaster. Fans looking to sell tickets can do so on Ticketmaster, the Official Fan-to-Fan Resale Marketplace for the Kentucky Derby. Find available Kentucky Derby tickets here .

What is included with a Kentucky Derby ticket?

General admission tickets to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks include a program and access to the infield. Fans attending the Derby with general admission tickets can bring their own chair or picnic blanket to watch the races from the world’s largest 4K video board. There are also all-inclusive packages available that include food and beverage. Find available tickets to the Kentucky Derby at Ticketmaster.

Kentucky Derby History

Churchill Downs is renowned as one of the best horse racing tracks in the world. Aside from the “Run for the Roses,” the track is perhaps best known for the iconic Twin Spires that adorn its grandstand. Accommodating over 165,000 guests, the world-class facilities become standing-room-only as Derby gets fans up on their feet.

Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky

Churchill Downs is renowned as one of the best horse racing tracks in the world. Aside from the “Run for the Roses,” the track is perhaps best known for the iconic Twin Spires that adorn its grandstand. Accommodating over 165,000 guests, the world-class facilities become standing-room-only as the Derby gets fans up on their feet.

The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

And they’re off! The 147th Kentucky Derby is coming down the stretch on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and horse racing fans are set to gather at Churchill Downs for “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” The first jewel of the revered Triple Crown is on every thoroughbred racing fan’s bucket list and as the Official Ticketing Marketplace of the Kentucky Derby, Ticketmaster is the only place to find official Verified Tickets.

The Longines Kentucky Oaks

Fans can kick off the racing fun a day before the Kentucky Derby on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The Derby’s $1 million sister race is the nation’s richest race for 3-year-old fillies. Remember to THINK PINK alongside other attendees and don your brightest pink attire: the Longines Fashion Contest and Survivors Parade presented by Kroger helps raise money for breast cancer charities.

Horse Racing History & Tradition

The Kentucky Derby dates back to 1875, the year that Churchill Downs completed construction. In the inaugural running, the three-year-old colt Aristides became the first Kentucky Derby winner. In 1919, Sir Barton was the first horse to win the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes in addition to the Derby, though it wasn’t until Gallant Fox replicated the feat in 1930 that the term Triple Crown entered the lexicon. Today, the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks remain as popular as ever.

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Tue • May 28, 2019

Verified tickets sold by US Open Subscribers. Bought by fans, and sold to fans for safe and secure access.

Be part of the most exciting two minutes in sports at Churchill Downs!

SAMPLE of a 5-night (Tuesday to Sunday Derby Week) or a 3-night (Thursday to Sunday Derby Week) Kentucky Derby tour package.

Tuesday Arrive in Louisville and transfer to our hotel, the Crowne Plaza Louisville. Tonight mingle with horse racing’s elite at the KTA-KTOB Kentucky Derby Trainers’ Dinner and Cocktail Party.

Wednesday Wake up early for our behind the scenes VIP backside tour of Churchill Downs stable area. Hear some backstretch gossip, enjoy breakfast at the Post Time Kitchen, and watch the morning workouts restricted to Oaks and Derby horses. Next stop is the newly renovated Kentucky Derby Museum and lunch. This afternoon, learn about Kentucky’s rich Bourbon history at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience!

Thursday An exhilarating day lies ahead, with visits to legendary horse breeding farms, magnificent bronzes at Thoroughbred Park, historic Keeneland Race Course, world famous Kentucky Horse Park, and picturesque Woodford Reserve Distillery. Delight in a Southern luncheon feast at Spindletop Hall, an elegant estate.

Friday – Kentucky Oaks Day Off to the races with the spotlight on the Kentucky Oaks. From our private Clubhouse Box Seats, just past the finish line in Section 116, watch the horses up close and personal as they parade right in front of us before and after each race.

Click here for a Churchill Downs Seating Chart and photos of our Private Clubhouse Box Seats in Section 116 near the finish line

Saturday – Kentucky Derby Day The air is electric as we head off to Churchill Downs. Once there, we will enjoy the same spectacular seating as we did on Kentucky Oaks Day. Surround yourself with all the fun and excitement of the 142nd Running of the Kentucky Derby. We return to our hotel after the last race.

Sunday Transfer to the airport as you savor the memories of your Kentucky Derby Tour.

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When is the 2024 kentucky derby how to watch, what to know for 150th derby running.

• Mary Omatiga ,
• Mary Omatiga

The 2024 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Live coverage for the most exciting two minutes in sports begins at 2:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock . See below for answers to all of your frequently asked questions about the event as well as additional live stream information.

The field will feature a total of 20 horses who have all earned a spot through a series of 35 races known as the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The top finishers in each race earn points on a descending scale and the 20 horses that have accumulated the most points earn a spot in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

How to watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby:

• Date: Saturday, May 4
• Time: Live coverage begins at 2:30 PM ET
• Where: Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky
• TV Network: NBC
• Streaming: Peacock , NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

Who are the 2024 Kentucky Derby Favorites?

How to watch horse racing on peacock :.

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the most important and prestigious events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Royal Ascot, and Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series.

Click here to sign up and follow all of the horse racing action.

When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The 2024 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 4 at 2:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock .

Who won the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

Mage and jockey Javier Castellano won last year’s Kentucky Derby finishing the race with a time of 2:01.57. Relive the moment here:

Where is the Kentucky Derby?

Since 1875, spectators have gathered at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, to witness the Run for the Roses.

The initial idea for Churchill Downs sparked in 1872, when Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark attended the Epsom Derby in England. When Clark made his way back to the states, he sought to create a track similar to England’s that Kentucky racers could call home.

A few years later, that desire came to fruition, as “Churchill Downs” was born. The track’s first official race day came May 17, 1875, with three major stakes races – the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Clark Handicap.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

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The 2024 Kentucky Derby: What to Know About the 150th Run For the Roses

Break out the mint juleps and the funny hats, because it’s almost Derby time! 

Break out the mint juleps and the stylish hats, because it’s Derby time! 

If you can’t get to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby , aka the biggest horse race of the year, don’t worry, because NBC will be the next best place to be on May 4. Honestly, if you’ve got the right fascinator, enough mint juleps, and you belt out “My Old Kentucky Home” on repeat, you might not even notice you’re not at the horse track itself. 

RELATED:  2024 Kentucky Derby: Traditions, food, drinks and other iconic customs for Derby Day

Either way, expect good times, incredible people watching, and great racing for the 150th running of the roses. Here’s everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby!

Why Is the Kentucky Derby So Important?

They don’t call it the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” for nothing, folks, and it’s been that way for 150 years now. The annual “Run for the Roses,” which takes place every first Saturday in May, brings together the most impressive 3-year-old thoroughbreds, all striving to be the quickest horse around the 1+1⁄4 mile (10 furlongs) track, and drape that iconic garland of roses around its neck. 

The first leg of the venerable Triple Crown (along with the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes), the Kentucky Derby is the most watched and attended race around, and has come to symbolize the very highest echelon of horse racing (and partying). Along with its sibling race, the Kentucky Oaks (streaming May 3 from 1-6 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock ), they are the oldest continuously held major sporting events in America.

Last year, Mage, ridden by jockey Javier Castellano, won the Derby with a time of 2:01.57.

How Much Money Does the Winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby Earn?

In January, Churchill Downs, the racetrack that has housed the Kentucky Derby since the beginning, announced a $2 million increase in the purse money from 2023, making this year's $5 million purse the highest ever. The winner will receive the lion’s share of that (horse’s share?) with $3.1 million, while the runner-up wins $1 million, third place earns $500,000, fourth gets $250,000, and fifth trots home with $150,000.

“These record purse increases are a symbol of the health of horse racing in Kentucky,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Inc. at the time the purse was announced ( via NBC Sports ).

Who’s Racing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby? 

Of course, gambling on the ponies is all part of the fun during the Kentucky Derby, so who’s the odds-on favorite to win all that sweet purse money? 

While we won’t know who’s actually favored until the post draw a week before the race (which is earlier than previous post draws ), if you’ve been paying attention to horse racing lately, you can make some assumptions based on which horses have earned points in the Road to the Derby races .

And if you haven’t been paying attention, worry not, NBC Sports ’ Ahmed Fareed and Randy Moss can catch you right up! In the video here , they discuss the 2024 Derby’s "Elite 8": Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Forever Young, Catching Freedom, Just Steel, Honor Marie, Just A Touch, and Endlessly. 

RELATED:  Kentucky Derby drinks - How to make a mint julep

We’ll know plenty more when the official post draw drops, along with the opening odds, so stay tuned to NBC Sports for all the latest.

When Is the Kentucky Derby and Where Can You Watch It? 

The race itself is at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC ! You can also stream the Kentucky Derby live on NBCSports.com , the NBC Sports app, and Peacock .

NBC Sports is the exclusive home to the biggest events in horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. 

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When is the Kentucky Derby? Time, how to watch, horses in 150th running at Churchill Downs

We are approaching race day at Churchill Downs.

The 2024 and 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is a few weeks away, but horse racing fans are already gearing up for another fantastic day in Louisville. The field for "The Run for the Roses" isn't officially set yet with the draw still more than a week away, but some horses are already expected to take part in the running with the prep races completed. One of those horses could win the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Here's what to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby with race day less than three weeks away:

When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is at 2:30 p.m. ET on May 4.

How to watch 2024 Kentucky Derby

The 2024 Kentucky Derby will air on NBC and can be streamed on Peacock.

When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby field posted?

The Kentucky Derby field isn't officially set, but it will be unveiled April 27.

How many horses will be in 2024 Kentucky Derby?

There will be 20 horses racing for the opportunity to be draped in roses after the finish line.

Who could be in the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

While the official field isn't set, the Kentucky Derby does have a projected list of horses who could be competing. It is based off the prep race results. As of April 15, the projected field is:

• Sierra Leone
• Catching Freedom
• Forever Young
• Just A Touch
• Track Phantom
• West Saratoga
• Honor Marie
• Domestic Product
• Deterministic
• Society Man
• T O Password

When is the Thunder Over Louisville?

The Thunder Over Louisville is an airshow that serves as the “Opening Ceremonies” of the  Kentucky Derby Festival . The show, which features military and civilian aircrafts, will be on April 20 at 3 p.m. ET this year.

Kentucky Derby ticket prices

Tickets for the 150th Run for the Roses will run as follows:

• About $275 for the  Standing Room Only and General Admission . These tickets include Oaks and Derby program and access to the infield, where you can bring your own chair or blanket.
• Reserved seating tickets  start at about $650, and the  new Paddock seating tickets  begin at $693.
• A private suite  will cost about $135,000 or more.
• Dining experiences  start at about $1,375.

To find Derby tickets, you can visit  kentuckyderby.com/tickets .

Kentucky Derby traditions: Hats, dresses and mint julip recipes

Kentucky Derby  hats  and outfits are a thing, so be prepared to go all out. Churchill Downs even  released a style guide  this year if you need inspiration for what to wear. And don't forget to make mint julips. The cocktail is a staple for derby day. Here's  why and how to make one .

What is the Triple Crown?

The Triple Crown refers to the three major races of horse racing. The three races are: the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. A horse that wins all three races in the same year is a Triple Crown winner.

Since the first winner in 1919, 13 horses have won the Triple Crown. The last to do it was Justify in 2018 .

Contributing: Louisville Courier Journal

Kentucky Derby tickets: Cheapest seats for the Run for the Roses on May 4

• Updated: Apr. 12, 2024, 3:06 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 12, 2024, 3:06 p.m.

The Kentucky Derby will take place on the first weekend of May. Find out how you can get tickets into Churchill Downs for the race. AP

• Andrew Gillis, cleveland.com

The Run for the Roses will take place on May 4, 2024 as the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby will celebrate the long history of the famed horse race.

One of the most anticipated races in sports, the Kentucky Derby field has started to fill out, with betting odds already rolling in for horses. If you’re looking to go to Churchill Downs for the race, tickets can be purchased through major third-party sites like VividSeats , StubHub , SeatGeek , TicketCity and Ticketmaster .

The drawing for the post-position draw will occur on Saturday, April 27, one week before the race.

Here’s more details about the event:

• What : 150th Kentucky Derby
• When : Saturday, May 4, 2024
• Time: Approximately 6:45 p.m. Eastern
• Where : Churchill Downs | Louisville, Kentucky

About three weeks before the race, here are the cheapest single tickets to get in:

VividSeats : $119 (infield general admission)

StubHub : $127

SeatGeek : $163

TicketCity : $132

Ticketmaster : $280

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Everything to Know About the Kentucky Derby 2024: How to Watch, What Time Does It Start and More

There’s a reason they call it the Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.

The 2024 Kentucky Derby is just days away, and with it comes a little something for everyone. Sports fans get the thrill of the race, bettors can wager on everything from winners to whether or not the trainer will cry in the post-race interview, pop culture enthusiasts can pick out dozens of stars from the crowd, and people who love hats can, well, wear funny hats.

Yes, the Kentucky Derby is far more than just a horse race. It’s a cultural touchstone run each spring in Louisville, Kentucky, as the first leg of the vaunted Triple Crown. So, pour yourself a glass of your finest bourbon and brush up on your horse racing lingo. It’s almost time for riders up!

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

Related: See the Stars Who Have Worn Head-Turning Hats to the Kentucky Derby

When is the 2024 kentucky derby.

The 150th Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 4.

What Time Does the 2024 Kentucky Derby Start?

Post time for the 2024 Kentucky Derby will be at 6:57 p.m. ET.

Where Can You Watch the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby, a.k.a. the Run for the Roses, will air on NBC.

How Much Prize Money Does the Winner of the 2024 Kentucky Derby Get?

This year features the largest prize purse in Kentucky Derby history at $5 million. The winner will receive $3.1 million, with the runner-up getting $1 million. Third place will make $500,000, fourth will make $250,000, and fifth will take home $150,000.

Related: Unforgettable Sports Scandals

Who is favored to win the 2024 kentucky derby.

At 3-1 odds, Fierceness is the current Kentucky Derby favorite. Sierra Leone (7-2) and Catching Freedom (8-1) are right behind.

Who Will Sing the National Anthem at the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

Kentucky native Wynonna Judd will perform the national anthem, she announced last week via Facebook.

“From going to the racetrack as a little girl to now singing The Star-Spangled Banner during this milestone year, it’s such a full-circle moment,” Judd wrote.

Who will Give the Riders Up! Command?

Martha Stewart has the honor of giving the “riders up” order as the grand marshal this year. Since 2012, a different celebrity has taken on the ceremonial role, with Patrick Mahomes giving the command last year. Often, it’s been a person with Kentucky ties, with Jack Harlow , Teddy Bridgewater , Laila Ali and John Calipari all serving as grand marshal in the past.

Related: Celebrities Who've Dated or Found Love With Athletes

What celebrities will be at the 2024 kentucky derby.

In addition to Judd and Stewart, you can expect famous faces throughout the crowd at the Kentucky Derby. While we don’t know everyone who will be in attendance, we can look at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala guest list for some clues. Unbridled Eve is an annual charity gala held the night before the derby, and over the past decade, has drawn names from music, TV, sports and more.

This year, the Courier Journal reports the following celebs will be among the guests:

Rauw Alejandro (Grammy Award Nominee) Larry Demeritte (First Black trainer to qualify for Kentucky Derby) John Elefante (Former lead singer of Kansas) Bob Guiney ( The Bachelor ) Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Former NBA player) Lisa Leslie (Basketball Hall of Famer) Madison Marsh (Miss America 2024) Mike Mills (R.E.M.) Warren Moon (NFL Hall of Famer) Dean Norris ( Breaking Bad ) Richie Sambora (Lead guitarist for Bon Jovi) John Schneider ( The Dukes of Hazzard ) J.D. Shelburne (Country music artist) Randy Travis (Grammy-winning country music artist)

What Kentucky Derby Traditions Should You Know About?

Hats : The elaborate hats at the Kentucky Derby provide plenty of opportunity for guests to show their creativity. The Derby itself even has hat suggestions on its website thanks to guest style editor Zanna Roberts Rassi , who recommends starting with the hat and planning the rest of your outfit accordingly.

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Mint Julep : What’s the Kentucky Derby without a mint julep? Woodford Reserve is the title sponsor of the Derby, but grab whatever brand you prefer. You’ll also need sugar, mint and ice.

Hot Brown : With great drink comes great food, and the hot brown is as much a part of the Derby as the horses themselves. The open-face sandwich includes turkey, bacon, tomatoes and mornay sauce atop thick-cut toast.

The Garland of Roses : When the race ends, you’ll see the winning jockey adorned in a blanket of 554 red roses in a tradition that dates back to 1896.

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Martha Stewart

Wynonna Judd

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Judge says Bob Baffert-trained Muth can't run Kentucky Derby

• Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A judge has denied a request by the owner of Bob Baffert-trained Arkansas Derby winner Muth for the colt to run in next month's 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Mitch Perry declined Thursday to grant a temporary injunction to Zedan Racing Stables, which had argued that the ban of Baffert was "illegal."

Muth won the Arkansas Derby on March 30 but is ineligible to receive the 100 points that would have put him in the Run for the Roses because of Baffert's suspension. ZRS sued Churchill Downs days later.

In his ruling, Perry expressed concern about "innocent third parties" having to remove eligible horses from the Derby on May 4 to accommodate the horse trained by the Hall of Famer, whose suspension by Churchill Downs was extended through 2024.

Eric Andrus, a spokesman for ZRS, said an emergency appeal would be filed "as soon as possible."

"The goal of our effort remains to ensure our horse Muth will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the 150th Run for the Roses on May 4th," Andrus said.

Perry's ruling noted that ZRS knew that Derby-eligible horses had to be transferred to a non-suspended trainer by Jan. 29 yet chose to remain with Baffert. The judge also wrote that Churchill Downs has a duty to ensure that rules and regulations put in place to ensure a level playing field are upheld.

"Public trust and confidence in the integrity of the races run at Churchill Downs are essential to its business," Perry wrote. "It is also in the public interest to ensure that all those who attend or watch races at Churchill Downs can be confident in the fairness and integrity of the sport."

Sports | Horse racing notes: Fierceness, Sierra Leone…

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Sports | Horse racing notes: Fierceness, Sierra Leone top Kentucky Derby qualifiers

Santa anita-based stronghold and endlessly are among 20 horses with spots guaranteed in the may 4 race.

SANTA ANITA LEADERS

(Through Thursday)

Jockeys / Wins

Juan Hernandez / 53

Antonio Fresu / 46

Flavien Prat / 42

Frankie Dettori / 34

Umberto Rispoli / 28

Trainers / Wins

Doug O’Neill / 30

Mark Glatt / 29

Phil D’Amato / 28

Bob Baffert / 24

Steve Knapp / 20

WEEKEND STAKES AT SANTA ANITA

• $100,000, Grade III Californian Stakes, 4-year-olds and up, 1-1/8 miles

• $100,000, Grade III Providencia Stakes, 3-year-old fillies, 1-1/8 miles on turf

• $200,000, Grade II Santa Maria Stakes, fillies and mares 4 and up, 1-1/16 miles

• $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes, 4-year-olds and up, about 6½ furlongs on turf

DOWN THE STRETCH

• Kentucky Derby qualifiers are set, plus other horses who could scratch in. Here are the 20 horses for the Saturday, May 4 race, with odds as of Wednesday at the Westgate in Las Vegas (reported by Horse Racing Nation): Fierceness +275, Sierra Leone +325, Catching Freedom 10-1, Dornoch 10-1, Forever Young 10-1, Domestic Product 18-1, Honor Marie 18-1, Just a Touch 20-1, Mystik Dan 20-1, Track Phantom 20-1, Resilience 25-1, Just Steel 25-1, Endlessly 30-1, Stronghold 30-1, Encino 40-1, Deterministic 50-1, Catalytic 100-1, Society Man 100-1, TO Password 100-1, West Saratoga 100-1. Next up if there are dropouts: Common Defense 200-1, Grand Mo the First 200-1, Epic Ride 300-1. Endlessly and Stronghold are the California hopes.

• Santa Anita resumes racing Friday at 1 p.m. after a week off, offering free parking and admission each Friday of the “Hollywood Meet” portion of its season. Racing is scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday through June 16, plus Memorial Day on Monday, May 27, and Thursday, June 13. Big events are the May 27 Hollywood Gold Cup, Shoemaker Mile and Gamely Stakes, and five Cal-bred stakes on California Gold Rush Day on May 25.

• One horse died while racing at Santa Anita during the track’s Dec. 26-April 7 “Classic Meet,” a decline from four deaths in the same period a year earlier, according to California Horse Racing Board data. Santa Anita officials welcomed the decline as a sign of the effectiveness of the program of pre-race veterinary exams enacted after a 2019 spike in horse deaths. A total of nine horses have died at Santa Anita since Dec. 26, same as a year ago, including incidents in racing, training and other circumstances, from musculoskeletal and other causes. Deaths in training from musculoskeletal injuries rose to five from two last year. Cardiac “sudden deaths” declined to one from four last year. The death in a race occurred March 16; Matanzas Creek was euthanized after breaking a foreleg.

• The racing board on Thursday approved Santa Anita’s plan for a new high-payout wager challenging bettors to pick three trifectas in a row in a set of designated races. It will offer minor payoffs for the many bettors who won’t meet that challenge. A track official told board members the “Three by Three” will debut in the next two weeks with a 22% takeout.

• Santa Anita’s stakes Saturday test two sharp horses. The Californian has Judge Miller (Mike Smith riding) trying the stakes level and stretching out after an 11-length romp at a mile for trainer Mark Glatt. The Providencia has 3-for-3 Medoro (Antonio Fresu) seeking a graded stakes win in her first race beyond a mile for Peter Eurton.

• Los Alamitos holds 300-yard trials Sunday night for the Grade II Robert Adair Kindergarten Futurity on May 12. Gynysys, owned and trained by Bobby Cox, comes in with the fastest win, going 220 in 12.056 on March 23.

• I Am Maximus and jockey Paul Townend came through as 7-1 favorites for trainer Willie Mullins in an uncommonly safe running of Britain’s Grand National on Saturday. Reduced from 40 to 34 entrants (32 started), the race over 4 miles, 2½ furlongs and 30 jumps saw four jockeys thrown but no horses fall. A horse had died from injuries each year from 2020-23.

— Kevin Modesti

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