The Kentucky Derby, America's greatest race, is more than just a single event. Guys, it's a whole festival of horse racing action! Knowing the Kentucky Derby schedule is super important if you wanna catch all the excitement and not miss a single thrilling moment. So, let's dive into the complete Kentucky Derby schedule, covering all the key dates, times, and races you need to know.

Kentucky Derby Day Races

The heart of the Kentucky Derby experience is Derby Day itself! This is when the atmosphere is electric, the fashion is fabulous, and the horse racing is absolutely top-notch. Make sure you get ready for it!

Full Schedule of Races

Derby Day typically features a packed schedule of races leading up to the main event. While the exact times can vary slightly each year, the general structure remains consistent. The undercard races are crucial, building the excitement and showcasing a variety of thoroughbred talent. These races often include graded stakes events, attracting high-quality horses and providing valuable betting opportunities.

The day usually kicks off with the first race around 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM (ET). Then a new race will start almost every 30 minutes. The races will usually get more important and higher purse as we approach the main event.

Key Races and Post Times

Of course, the Kentucky Derby is the main attraction, and its post time is the most anticipated moment of the day. Typically, the Kentucky Derby post time is scheduled for around 6:57 PM (ET). But, of course, keep in mind that post times can be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to double-check on the official Kentucky Derby website or with your preferred sports information source to get the very latest updates.

However, there are so many other races to look forward to! The Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic is a Grade 1 stakes race for older horses on the turf course, a great race. The Derby City Distaff is a Grade 1 stakes race for fillies and mares on the dirt, and it usually delivers a very exciting race. These are just a couple of the races that occur on Derby Day.

How to Watch

For those lucky enough to be at Churchill Downs, experiencing the Kentucky Derby in person is an unforgettable experience! But no worries if you can't make it to the track! The Kentucky Derby is broadcast live on NBC, with coverage usually starting in the early afternoon. You can also stream the race live on Peacock, NBC's streaming service. Several sports websites and apps also offer live coverage and updates.

Kentucky Oaks Day Races

Kentucky Oaks Day, held the day before the Kentucky Derby, is another major highlight of the week. It features the Kentucky Oaks, a prestigious race for three-year-old fillies, as well as a number of other important stakes races.

Full Schedule of Races

Oaks Day has a similarly packed schedule to Derby Day, with races starting in the late morning and continuing throughout the afternoon. The atmosphere is festive, with fans dressed in pink to honor the fillies competing in the Oaks.

The Oaks Day races typically begin around 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM (ET), with races occurring roughly every half hour. As with Derby Day, the races will escalate in importance and purse size as the day progresses, leading up to the main event: the Kentucky Oaks.

Key Races and Post Times

The Kentucky Oaks is the centerpiece of Oaks Day, showcasing the top three-year-old fillies in the country. This race is a classic in its own right, with a rich history and a tradition of exciting finishes. The post time for the Kentucky Oaks is usually around 5:51 PM (ET). As with the Kentucky Derby, confirming the exact post time with official sources is always a good idea.

There are multiple important races on Oaks Day as well! The La Troienne Stakes is a Grade 1 race for fillies and mares, usually 4 years old and up. The Alysheba Stakes is a Grade 2 race for horses 4 years old and up. These are just a couple of the exciting races on Oaks Day.

How to Watch

Like Derby Day, Kentucky Oaks Day is broadcast live on NBC, with coverage also available on Peacock and other sports streaming platforms. Check your local listings for specific times.

Other Key Dates During Kentucky Derby Week

While Derby and Oaks Days are the main attractions, the entire week leading up to the Kentucky Derby is filled with racing and other events. Here's a quick rundown of some other key dates to keep in mind:

• Opening Night (Saturday before Derby Week): The excitement begins with Opening Night, featuring live racing and a festive atmosphere.
• Champions Day (Tuesday): This day honors past Kentucky Derby winners and features a number of stakes races.
• Wednesday: Another day of live racing, with several undercard races to enjoy.
• Thurby (Thursday): Thuby is a newer tradition that is growing in popularity. It features a more local and Kentucky-centric theme, with a focus on bluegrass music and Kentucky bourbon.

Tips for Planning Your Kentucky Derby Experience

Planning a trip to the Kentucky Derby? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

• Book early: Tickets, hotels, and flights can sell out months in advance, so it's essential to book early.
• Plan your wardrobe: The Kentucky Derby is known for its fashion, so plan your outfit accordingly. Think hats, dresses, and suits!
• Study the form: Familiarize yourself with the horses, jockeys, and trainers competing in the races. This will help you make informed betting decisions.
• Stay hydrated: It can get hot at Churchill Downs, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Pace yourself: The Kentucky Derby is a long day, so pace yourself and don't overdo it.

Conclusion

So, that's your complete Kentucky Derby schedule! Now you're armed with all the information you need to plan your trip, catch all the races, and experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby. Don't forget to double-check those post times as the event gets closer, and get ready for an unforgettable week of horse racing action!