#Channel, race time, odds and more

Twenty horses are headed off to the races this weekend, so grab your most dramatic hat or a delicious mint julep and let’s giddy up and get ready to watch the 149th Kentucky Derby. This year’s derby has already bucked expectations, with four major shake ups in the original 20-horse field. Contenders Practical Move, Lord Miles, Continuar and Skinner have all been removed from the race roster. Horses Mandarin Hero, Cyclone Mischief and King Russell have been subbed in as alternates, leaving the field one horse short ahead of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.

Getting ready to watch this year’s Run for the Roses? The Triple Crown kickoff will air on NBC this year, meaning you won’t need to be down south to enjoy the equestrian festivities. 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 roster, how to watch or stream the derby without cable and more.

How to watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby

When, where and how do I watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023
Race start time: 6:57 p.m ET
Location: Churchill Downs
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock

What channel is the Kentucky Derby on?

The most exciting two minutes in sports will be easier than ever to watch this year, with a record 7.5 hours of race day coverage scheduled to air on NBC and stream on Peacock beginning at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 6.

But the Derby Day coverage will actually kick off prior to 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. Across two days of coverage, NBC will present a total of 15 live races from Churchill Downs.

If you already have access to NBC, then you should be off and running! No need to keep reading. But if you’re not sure how to tune in to NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage in 2023, then hold your horses and check out our suggestions for the best way to watch the race below, including streaming, cable and more.

Other ways to watch the Kentucky Derby on NBC

Who is the favorite to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

As it currently stands, Forte, a horse trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Irad Ortiz., is widely seen as the favorite to win in this year’s derby. Forte has been drawn into post No. 15 for the upcoming race and is the reigning champion in the 3-year-old group.

However, audiences love a dark horse, and there will certainly be plenty of people looking 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: Mage

• Gerardo Corrales: Raise Cain

• Manny Franco: Hit Show

• Tyler Gaffalione: Verifying

• Florent Geroux: Jace’s Road

• James Graham: Confidence Game

• Brian Hernandez Jr.: Sun Thunder

• Juan Hernandez: Skinner

• Kazushi Kimura: Mandarin Hero

• Christophe Lemaire: Derma Sotogake

• Jareth Loveberry: Two Phil’s

• Irad Ortiz Jr.: Forte

• Jose Ortiz: Kingsbarns

• Flavien Prat: Angel of Empire

• Joel Rosario: Disarm

• Luis Saez: Tapit Trice

• John Velazquez: Reincarnate

• Jockey TBD: Cyclone Mischief

Let’s review: Here’s the best way to watch the Kentucky Derby

Originally published May 5, 2023 at 8:49 PM