Grab your fabulously floppy hat, some binoculars and a mint julep, because we’re off to the races! That’s right, Derby Day is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting the race to find out who the best in the business is this year. For those who won’t be attending the event live, we’ve got all the watch information you need right here to make your 2024 Kentucky Derby watch party a winner.
What Date Is the Kentucky Derby 2024?
Prior to the Kentucky Derby is the 150th Kentucky Oaks, which will take place the day before the Derby on May 3, 2024.
How Can I Watch the Kentucky Derby on TV?
Fans will be able to watch the first leg of the Triple Crown on USA Network, NBC and Peacock. For DIRECTV customers, you can find USA Network on channel 242.
To find out what channel number your affiliate NBC station is on, check out this post.
And for those viewers that want even more Kentucky Derby coverage, FanDuel TV has you covered. As laid out in the schedule below, there will be two blocks of coverage on FanDuel TV on Thursday and Friday before the event. DIRECTV customers can access FanDuel TV on channel 602.
Kentucky Derby TV Schedule
Check out the TV schedule laid out below to make sure you record the event to your DVR or know when to tune in live, so you don’t miss a second of the action.
Thursday, May 2
- Thurby Coverage – 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET on Fanduel TV (Ch. 602)
Friday, May 3
- 150th Kentucky Oaks – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET on Fanduel TV
- 150th Kentucky Oaks – 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET on USA (Ch. 242) & Peacock
Saturday, May 4
- 150th Kentucky Derby – 12 p.m. ET – 2:20 p.m. ET on USA & Peacock
- 150th Kentucky Derby – 2:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC & Peacock
On Friday, 13 races will run throughout the day, and 14 will be run on Saturday. The main event at the Kentucky Derby will begin at 2:30 p.m. ET.
What Is the Difference Between the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks?
For those wondering what the difference between the Kentucky Oaks and the more well-known Kentucky Derby is, you’re not the only one. Apart from the slightly different track lengths (1 1/8 miles for Oaks and 1 1/4 miles for the Derby), the main difference between the two are the horses that can compete.
The Kentucky Oaks is restricted to only 3-year-old female horses, or fillies, while the Derby is non-gender specific, but is typically run by male horses, colts and geldings.
Another discrepancy between the two races is the size of the purse: $3 million for the Derby and just $1.25 million for the Oaks.
Who’s Racing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby?
In order to qualify for Derby Day, horses and their jockeys must have earned enough points in designated Road to the Derby races in the prior year. Here is a list of where the top contenders sit right now. Only the top 20 horses will make it to the starting gate come May 4.
The official field will be unveiled on April 27.
| Rank | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Points |
| 1 | Sierra Leone | Chad Brown | Tyler Gafflione | 155 |
| 2 | Fierceness | Todd Pletcher | John Velazquez | 136 |
| 3 | Catching Freedom | Brad Cox | Flavien Prat | 125 |
| 4 | Stronghold | Phil D’Amato | Antonio Fresu | 125 |
| 5 | Resilience | Bill Mott | TBD | 110 |
| 6 | Forever Young (JPN) | Yoshito Yahagi | Ryusei Sakai | 100 |
| 7 | Endlessly | Michael McCarthy | TBD | 100 |
| 8 | Dornoch | Danny Gargan | Luis Saez | 75 |
| 9 | Just a Touch | Brad Cox | TBD | 75 |
| 10 | Track Phantom | Steve Asmussen | Joel Rosario | 70 |
| 11 | West Saratoga | Larry Demeritte | Jesus Castanon | 67 |
| 12 | Just Steel | Wayne Lukas | Keith Asmussen | 65 |
| 13 | Honor Marie | Whi Beckman | Ben Curtis | 65 |
| 14 | Domestic Product | Chad Brown | irad Ortiz, Jr. | 60 |
| 15 | Catalytic | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Jose Ortiz | 50 |
| 16 | Society Man | Danny Gargan | TBD | 50 |
| 17 | Mystik Dan | Kenny McPeek | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 46 |
| 18 | Encino | Brad Cox | TBD | 40 |
| 19 | Grand Mo the First | Victor Barboza Jr. | Emisael Jaramillo | 40 |
| 20 | T O Password | Daisuke Takayanagi | Kimura Kazushi | 40 |
| 21 | Epic Ride | John Ennis | TBD | 35 |
| 22 | Uncle Heavy | “Butch” Reid Jr. | TBD | 30 |
| 23 | Seize the Grey | Wayne Lukas | TBD | 27 |
| 24 | Le Dom Bro | Eniel Cordero | TBD | 25 |
| 25 | Tuscan Gold | Chad Brown | TBD | 25 |
| 26 | Protective | Todd Pletcher | TBD | 25 |
Kentucky Derby 2024 Predictions & Favorites
Based on the list above, there are a few horses that are looking like the heavy favorites, including Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Catching Freedom and Forever Young.
At this point, experts are predicting Fierceness or Sierra Leone to take home the title for the first leg of this year’s Triple Crown.
Watch the Kentucky Derby on DIRECTV
The 2024 Kentucky Derby promises to be another exciting edition of the prestigious race. From the top contenders to the controversies, there is always something to keep horse racing enthusiasts on the edge of their seats.
For those watching from the comfort of your own home, you don’t want to miss a minute of the action and with DIRECTV, you don’t have to. With access to FanDuel TV, USA and NBC, you can record the Oaks and Derby or watch them live.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports!”
Don’t have DIRECTV? Let’s change that.
More About the Kentucky Derby
Here are some additional tidbits of information around the Kentucky Derby for you to use to impress all your friends.
Kentucky Derby Official Drink: Mint Julep – a bourbon-based cocktail garnished with fresh mint. It’s a refreshing drink to sip on while waiting for the big race to begin.
Kentucky Derby Attire: When you think of horse racing, do you think of fashion? If you didn’t before, you will now! The race is the perfect excuse to debut new, flashy styles and wear your Derby best. From large hats and dapper suits to bright colors and fun florals, nothing is “too much” at the Derby!
Triple Crown Races: The three biggest races in the US every year include the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont Stakes and the Preakness Stakes.
Triple Crown Horses: Only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown since 1919, when Sir Barton became the first horse to win all three Triple Crown races.
Kentucky Derby Ticket Prices: Standing room and general admission tickets for the event start at $275 and go up to more than $100K for private suites.
Kentucky Derby Watch Party Tips: Throw together some mint juleps, decorate your space with roses, place some low-stakes bets, order a few race day programs and ask your friends or family to come in their most fabulous attire. Those are just a few ways to make your 2024 Kentucky Derby experience a winner!
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