NBC Sports will provide extensive coverage of the 149th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The broadcast will run from noon to 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday, May 6 on NBC.
Ask a hundred jockeys what their ultimate goal is in horse racing and, almost without exception, they’ll tell you it’s to ride in (and win) the Kentucky Derby. For those who’ve previously made the Derby starting gate on the first Saturday in May, they describe a feeling unlike any other.
In this year’s race, which will be held on Saturday, May 6, all 18 riders — one aboard each horse that has earned a coveted spot in the Derby — have the chance to leave their mark on racing history.
There is always one major mystery surrounding the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve: How will the 3-year-olds handle the demanding 1 ¼-mile distance? In three of the last six runnings, there was also a second major concern: How will the runners handle a wet track?
Almost every casual sports fan knows about the Kentucky Derby and most can probably also remember that it is held annually on the first Saturday in May, but beyond that it’s always nice stumble across a yearly refresher. For that, we have a handy Beginner’s Guide to the Kentucky Derby, but today let’s narrow the focus a bit.
Since the early 1800s, Australian horse racing has evolved into a thrilling, heart-pounding spectacle that continues to captivate the nation. As the thundering hooves kick up dust on historic tracks, legendary races such as the Melbourne Cup, Cox Plate, and Caulfield Cup carry on the grand tradition, drawing in both seasoned bettors and casual enthusiasts alike.
