Twenty horses are headed to the races today, so grab your most dramatic hat or a delicious mint julep and get ready to watch the 149th Kentucky Derby. This year’s Derby has already exceeded expectations, with four major upheavals in what was originally a 20-horse field. Competitors Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continuar, and Skinner have all been removed from the race list. Horses Mandarin Hero, Cyclone Mischief and King Russell came on as substitutes and leave the field one horse ahead of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
Are you ready to watch this year’s Run for the Roses? The Triple Crown prelude will air on NBC this year, meaning you don’t have to be down south to enjoy the equestrian festivals. Wire cutter? Don’t worry: you can stream the event live on Peacock or Sling Blue (more info on both below). Whether you’re throwing a derby party or planning to bet on your favorite horse, here’s what you need to know about the 2023 Kentucky Derby, including predictions, an updated list of how to watch or stream the derby wirelessly, and more .
Here’s how to watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Date: Saturday 6 May 2023
Race start time: 6:57 p.m. ET
Location: Churchill Downs
TV: ABC
Stream:
What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?
The most exciting two minutes in sport will be easier than ever to watch this year, with a record 7.5 hours of race day coverage airing Saturday, May 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET on NBC and on Peacock is streamed.
But Derby Day coverage actually begins before race day at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 5 with five hours of Kentucky Oaks Day Racing airing on USA Network and streaming on Peacock. Over two days, NBC will present a total of 15 live races from Churchill Downs.
If you already have access to NBC, you should get started! You don’t have to read any further. But if you’re not sure how to tune in to NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage in 2023, then hold your horses tight and check out our suggestions on how best to watch the race, including streaming, cable and more.
(Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Starting at just $5 a month, a Peacock subscription is the easiest way to stream live sports and events that air on NBC, including this year’s Kentucky Derby! You’ll also get access to thousands of hours of shows and movies, including popular sitcoms like Parks and Recreation and The Office, and even current theatrical releases like Cocaine Bear and M3GAN. For $10 a month, you can upgrade to an ad-free subscription that includes live access to your local NBC channel (not just during certain sports and events) and the ability to download select titles to watch offline.
$5 at Peacock
Other ways to watch the Kentucky Derby on NBC
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
You can stream the Kentucky Derby on NBC via the Sling TV blue tier. With no long-term contract, 50% off your first month, and 40 more channels to enjoy, Sling Blue is an easy option for cable cutters who might be missing their cable package but don’t want to pay the big bill again that comes with it is. In addition to NBC, Sling Blue includes USA, Food Network, MSNBC, Fox and more.
$20 at SlingTV
Who is the favorite to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby?
Currently, Forte, a horse trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz, is widely regarded as the favorite to win this year’s Derby. Forte has been drawn for the forthcoming race at position No. 15 and is the reigning champion in the 3-year-old group.
The public loves a dark horse, however, and there will certainly be plenty of people wanting to place bets on a less obvious candidate this Saturday.
Kentucky Derby 2023 Jockeys and Horses:
Junior Alvarado: Rocket can
Rafael Bejarano: King Russell
Javier Castellano: Magician
Gerardo Corrales: Raise Cain
Manny Franco: Hit Show
Tyler Gaffalion: Review
Florent Geroux: Jace’s Road
James Graham: Trust Game
Brian Hernandez Jr.: Sun Thunder
Juan Hernandez: Skinner
Kazushi Kimura: Mandarin Hero
Christophe Lemaire: Derma Sotogake
Jareth Loveberry: Two Phils
Irad Ortiz Jr.: Forte
Jose Ortiz: Kingsbarns
Flavien Prat: Angel of the Empire
Joel Rosario: Disarm
Luis Saez: Tapit Trice
John Velazquez: Rebirth
Jockey TBD: Cyclone Mischief
Let’s recap: Here’s the best way to watch the Kentucky Derby
Originally published May 6, 2023 at 10:44 am