Excitement is building for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, horse racing’s most prestigious Triple Crown opener.

The 152nd edition of the iconic race is set for May 2 at the legendary Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, where tradition, pageantry, and world-class competition converge for the annual "Run for the Roses."

Hailed as "the most exciting two minutes in sports," the Kentucky Derby challenges 3-year-old Thoroughbreds to deliver peak speed, stamina, and composure over 1 ¼ grueling miles on Churchill Downs’ storied dirt track.

Among this year’s top contenders, Renegade leads the pack after a commanding victory at the Arkansas Derby. Commandment, sitting atop the points leaderboard thanks to a decisive Florida Derby win, enters as a horse to watch due to his consistency. Further Ado, boasting three qualification wins and a reputation for dominance, completes a trio vying for the coveted garland of roses.

The final lineup of elite contenders will be revealed at the post position draw on Saturday, April 25, and here's how to watch.

More: 2026 Kentucky Derby projected field: Top 20 horses, those outside bubble

When is 2026 Kentucky Derby post position draw?

The post position draw for the 2026 Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, April 25, at 2:15 p.m. ET. This event will establish the starting gate assignments for the 152nd Run for the Roses.

How to watch 2026 Kentucky Derby post position draw

The 2026 Kentucky Derby post position draw will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV and streamed on KentuckyDerby.com. Local viewers in Louisville can see it on WAVE-3.

When is 2026 Kentucky Derby?

The 152nd Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs is set for Saturday, May 2, 2026. Fans can watch the Kentucky Derby on NBC and USA Network, with streaming options on Peacock.

• Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
• Time: 2:30 p.m. ET - 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC, USA Network
• Stream: Peacock
• Location: Churchill Downs (Louisville, Kentucky)

2026 Kentucky Derby contenders and early odds

Odds via CBS Sports.

• Renegade | early odds: 9-2
• Commandment | early odds: 5-1
• Further Ado | early odds: 6-1
• The Puma | early odds: 10-1
• Chief Wallabee | early odds: 10-1
• Danon Bourbon | early odds: 15-1
• Emerging Market | early odds: 15-1
• Fulleffort | early odds: 15-1
• So Happy | early odds: 15-1
• Potente | early odds: 20-1
• River Thames | early odds: 20-1
• Silent Tactic | early odds: 20-1
• Incredibolt | early odds: 30-1
• Albus | early odds: 30-1
• Chip Honcho | early odds: 30-1
• Golden Tempo | early odds: 30-1
• Iron Honor | early odds: 30-1
• Wonder Dean | early odds: 30-1
• Pavlovian | early odds: 30-1
• Right to Party | early odds: 30-1
• Six Speed | early odds: 30-1

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Here’s when the 2026 Kentucky Derby draw happens, and how to watch