With the ultimate Derby Day almost around the corner, let’s discuss one of horse racing’s most thrilling events: the Kentucky Derby 2023.

The Kentucky Derby is coming up and it’s the kind of event that even non-sports fans can get excited about. I mean, who doesn’t love horses running at top speed while wearing fancy hats?

If you’re planning on putting some money down on the big race, you’ll want to do your homework. Luckily for you, we’ve got all the info you need to make an informed decision. From the schedule to the contenders to where you can catch the action, we’ve got you covered like gravy on biscuits.

So, saddle up, folks, and let’s dive into everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby 2023.

Kentucky Derby – A Brief History

Before we get into the specifics of the upcoming race, let’s take a look back at the Kentucky Derby’s history. 

The inaugural Kentucky Derby was staged in 1875, making it one of the country’s oldest sports events. Race has become a cultural symbol, and it is entwined with the histories of Kentucky and the American South.

The Road to the Kentucky Derby

Since we are talking about the most prestigious race in the world, not everyone has the chance to participate in the race.

Horses must first compete in a series of prep races across the world to be eligible for the Kentucky Derby. The Road to the Kentucky Derby races provides points to the top finishers. 

At the conclusion of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the horses with the highest points have assured a seat in the event.

The Schedule

The Kentucky Derby 2023 will be held on May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is scheduled to begin at 6:50 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

Yet, the Kentucky Derby celebrations normally begin many days before the event. Therefore, if you’re going to attend in person, get there early and soak in all the excitement.

Contenders

We still don’t have the list of contenders that will participate in the Kentucky Derby since there are a couple more Road to Kentucky Derby races where all participants can earn points. However, we can start to see a pattern with horses that stand out and acquired the most points so far.

So, in the Kentucky Derby, we’ll likely see:

• Forte with 190 points so far
• Angel of Empire with 154 Points so far
• Two Phil’s with 123 points so far
• Derma Sotogake (JPN) with 100 points so far
• Kingsbarns with 100 points so far

With that said, the Road to Kentucky Derby races are unpredictable, and if we’ve learned something from previous years is that the official lineup for the Kentucky Derby isn’t decided until the last race of the qualifying. You can check the complete list of contenders here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/contenders 

The Odds: Who’s the Favorite?

As we get closer to the race, the betting odds for the horses will become clearer. The horse with the lowest odds is typically considered the favorite to win. 

But if you are a fan of horse racing and this isn’t your first Kentucky Derby to watch, you’d know that you should never count out the underdogs (horses with higher odds). As we can see from last year, Rich Strike managed to win the derby with 80-1 odds.

Where to Watch the Kentucky Derby

If you’re not able to attend the Kentucky Derby in person, don’t worry, you are not the only one trust me. 

Fortunately, there are several options for viewing the event from the comfort of your own home. The Kentucky Derby’s official broadcast partner is NBC, and the race will be featured live on their network.

NBC Sports Network will also carry coverage leading up to the event, including interviews with riders and trainers, analysis of the contenders, and other features.

People outside of the US can check with their local cable provider since NBC Sports sells the rights to the event to many foreign broadcasters.

If you don’t have access to cable or satellite TV, there are still ways to watch the Kentucky Derby online. NBC will also stream the race live on their website and mobile app, so you can watch on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.