The Kentucky Derby is here! The most exciting two minutes in sports is set to take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race will feature some of the best three-year-old thoroughbreds in the world competing for the coveted trophy.
If you're planning to attend the Kentucky Derby in person or watch it on television, you'll want to know what time the race is scheduled to start. Here's everything you need to know about the Kentucky Derby 2023 race time, TV coverage, and other essential details.
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. It is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is 1¼ miles long and is run on a dirt track. The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world and is often referred to as "The Run for the Roses."
what time is the kentucky derby 2023
The Kentucky Derby 2023 will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
- Race time: 6:57 PM ET
- TV coverage: NBC
- Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
- Distance: 1¼ miles
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $3 million
- Winner: (to be determined)
- Most wins by a jockey: Calvin Borel (6)
- Most wins by a trainer: Ben A. Jones (6)
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it is often referred to as "The Run for the Roses." The race is open to three-year-old Thoroughbreds, and it is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Race time: 6:57 PM ET
The Kentucky Derby 2023 is scheduled to start at 6:57 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Saturday, May 6, 2023. This means that the race will begin at 5:57 PM Central Time (CT), 4:57 PM Mountain Time (MT), and 3:57 PM Pacific Time (PT).
The Kentucky Derby is traditionally held on the first Saturday in May, and the race time has been relatively consistent over the years. In recent years, the race has started between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM ET. However, in 2020, the race was postponed to September due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it started at 7:02 PM ET.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, and it attracts a large television audience. In 2022, the race was watched by an estimated 15.2 million people in the United States. The race is also broadcast in over 100 countries around the world.
If you're planning to watch the Kentucky Derby 2023 on television, be sure to check your local listings for the exact start time in your area. You can also watch the race live online at NBCSports.com or through the NBC Sports app.
The Kentucky Derby is a truly unique and exciting event, and it's definitely worth watching if you're a fan of horse racing or sports in general. So mark your calendars for Saturday, May 6, 2023, and tune in to NBC at 6:57 PM ET to catch all the action from Churchill Downs.
TV coverage: NBC
The Kentucky Derby 2023 will be broadcast live on NBC in the United States. NBC has been the exclusive television home of the Kentucky Derby since 1979, and the network has produced some of the most iconic moments in the race's history.
NBC's coverage of the Kentucky Derby 2023 will begin at 2:30 PM ET on Saturday, May 6, 2023. The network's coverage will include live reports from Churchill Downs, interviews with jockeys, trainers, and owners, and in-depth analysis of the race. NBC will also provide live coverage of the undercard races, which will begin at 12:30 PM ET.
NBC's Kentucky Derby coverage team will be led by veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico, who will be calling the race for the 10th time. Tirico will be joined in the booth by analyst Todd Reichert and reporter Donna Brothers. The team will also include reporters Kenny Rice, Carolyn Manno, and Rutledge Wood, who will be providing updates from around Churchill Downs.
If you're planning to watch the Kentucky Derby 2023 on television, be sure to tune in to NBC at 2:30 PM ET on Saturday, May 6. NBC's coverage of the race is sure to be informative and entertaining, and it will help you get the most out of this exciting sporting event.
In addition to NBC's television coverage, the Kentucky Derby 2023 will also be streamed live on NBCSports.com and through the NBC Sports app. This means that you can watch the race live on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Location: Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky
The Kentucky Derby has been held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, since 1875. Churchill Downs is a historic horse racing track that is known as "the home of the Kentucky Derby." The track is located in the heart of Louisville, and it is a popular tourist destination year-round.
- Churchill Downs is a one-mile oval dirt track.
The track is known for its challenging turns and long straightaways. The Kentucky Derby is run on the main track at Churchill Downs.
- Churchill Downs has a capacity of over 170,000 people.
The track is one of the largest horse racing venues in the world. On Kentucky Derby day, Churchill Downs is packed with fans from all over the country.
- Churchill Downs is home to the Kentucky Derby Museum.
The museum is dedicated to the history of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing in Kentucky. The museum is a great place to learn more about the sport and its traditions.
- Churchill Downs is a National Historic Landmark.
The track was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Churchill Downs is one of the most iconic horse racing tracks in the world, and it is a popular destination for tourists and horse racing fans alike.
Churchill Downs is a special place, and it is the perfect setting for the Kentucky Derby. The track has a rich history and tradition, and it is a place where dreams come true. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Churchill Downs, be sure to take it. You won't be disappointed.
Distance: 1¼ miles
The Kentucky Derby is a 1¼-mile race, which is approximately 2,000 meters. This makes it one of the longest races in the Triple Crown series, which also includes the Preakness Stakes (1 3/16 miles) and the Belmont Stakes (1½ miles). The Kentucky Derby is also one of the longest races in the world for three-year-old Thoroughbreds.
- The Kentucky Derby is a test of stamina and speed.
Horses need to be able to run a long distance at a fast pace in order to win the race. The race is also very competitive, and horses often finish within a few lengths of each other.
- The Kentucky Derby is a challenging race for jockeys.
Jockeys need to be able to judge the pace of the race and make the right moves at the right time. They also need to be able to keep their horses calm and focused throughout the race.
- The Kentucky Derby is a race that is full of surprises.
Anything can happen in the Kentucky Derby, and even the best horses can be defeated. This is what makes the race so exciting to watch.
- The Kentucky Derby is a race that is steeped in tradition.
The race has been held every year since 1875, and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world. The Kentucky Derby is a race that is truly special, and it is a race that will continue to be enjoyed by fans for many years to come.
The Kentucky Derby is a truly unique and exciting race, and its distance of 1¼ miles is a big part of what makes it so special. The race is a test of stamina, speed, and skill, and it is a race that is always full of surprises.
Surface: Dirt
The Kentucky Derby is run on a dirt track. This means that the track is made up of a mixture of sand, clay, and silt. Dirt tracks are generally considered to be faster than turf tracks, and they are also more forgiving for horses that make mistakes.
There are several reasons why the Kentucky Derby is run on a dirt track. First, dirt tracks are more common in the United States than turf tracks. Second, dirt tracks are generally considered to be safer for horses than turf tracks. Third, dirt tracks provide a more consistent surface for horses to run on.
However, there are also some challenges associated with dirt tracks. For example, dirt tracks can be more difficult to maintain than turf tracks. Additionally, dirt tracks can become very muddy in wet weather, which can make it difficult for horses to run.
Despite these challenges, dirt tracks remain the most popular surface for horse racing in the United States. The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious horse race in the United States, and it is only fitting that it is run on a dirt track.
The Kentucky Derby is a truly unique and special race, and its dirt surface is a big part of what makes it so. The dirt surface provides a challenging and exciting test for the horses, and it is a surface that is loved by fans of horse racing all over the world.
Purse: $3 million
The Kentucky Derby is one of the richest horse races in the world, with a purse of $3 million. This means that the winning horse's owner will receive $1.86 million, the second-place finisher's owner will receive $600,000, and the third-place finisher's owner will receive $300,000. The remaining $240,000 is divided among the other finishers.
The Kentucky Derby purse has increased significantly over the years. In 1973, the purse was just $100,000. By 1995, the purse had grown to $1 million. In 2005, the purse was increased to $2 million, and in 2019, it was increased to $3 million.
The Kentucky Derby purse is a major source of revenue for the Kentucky Derby Festival, which is a two-week festival that culminates with the Kentucky Derby. The festival attracts over 1 million people to Louisville each year, and it generates an economic impact of over $1 billion.
The Kentucky Derby purse is also a major source of revenue for the horse racing industry. The Kentucky Derby is the most prestigious horse race in the United States, and it is one of the most important races in the world. The Kentucky Derby purse helps to attract the best horses and jockeys to the race, and it helps to promote the sport of horse racing.
The Kentucky Derby purse is a major economic driver for the city of Louisville and the state of Kentucky. The race generates millions of dollars in revenue each year, and it helps to support thousands of jobs. The Kentucky Derby purse is also a major source of pride for the people of Louisville and Kentucky.
Winner: (to be determined)
The winner of the Kentucky Derby 2023 is still to be determined. The race will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Twenty horses will compete in the race, and the winner will receive the prestigious Kentucky Derby trophy and a share of the $3 million purse.
There are several horses that are considered to be contenders for the Kentucky Derby 2023. Some of the top contenders include:
- Epicenter: Epicenter is the current favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. He is a three-year-old colt who has won four of his five career starts, including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile in 2021.
- Zandon: Zandon is another top contender for the Kentucky Derby. He is a three-year-old colt who has won three of his six career starts, including the Blue Grass Stakes in 2023.
- Messier: Messier is a three-year-old colt who has won two of his five career starts, including the Santa Anita Derby in 2023.
- Mo Donegal: Mo Donegal is a three-year-old colt who has won two of his five career starts, including the Wood Memorial Stakes in 2023.
- Cyberknife: Cyberknife is a three-year-old colt who has won two of his five career starts, including the Arkansas Derby in 2023.
These are just a few of the horses that are considered to be contenders for the Kentucky Derby 2023. The race is always unpredictable, and any of the twenty horses could win. That's what makes the Kentucky Derby so exciting!
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world, and it is always a thrilling event. The 2023 race is sure to be no different. Be sure to tune in on Saturday, May 6, to see who will win the Kentucky Derby 2023.
Most wins by a jockey: Calvin Borel (6)
Calvin Borel is the jockey with the most Kentucky Derby wins, with a total of six victories. He won the race in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
- Calvin Borel is known for his aggressive riding style.
He is not afraid to make bold moves, and he is always looking for an opportunity to take the lead. This riding style has helped him to win many big races, including the Kentucky Derby.
- Calvin Borel is also known for his ability to connect with horses.
He is able to get horses to relax and run their best. This is a valuable skill for a jockey, especially in a race like the Kentucky Derby, where the horses are under a lot of pressure.
- Calvin Borel is one of the most successful jockeys in the history of horse racing.
He has won over 5,000 races in his career, including the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. He is a member of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
- Calvin Borel is a true legend of the Kentucky Derby.
He is one of the greatest jockeys to ever ride in the race, and his six victories are a testament to his skill and determination.
Calvin Borel is a true icon of the sport of horse racing, and his accomplishments in the Kentucky Derby will never be forgotten.
Most wins by a trainer: Ben A. Jones (6)
Ben A. Jones is the trainer with the most Kentucky Derby wins, with a total of six victories. He won the race in 1938, 1940, 1941, 1944, 1948, and 1952. Jones is known for his innovative training methods and his ability to get horses to peak on race day.
One of Jones's most famous horses was Whirlaway, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown in 1941. Whirlaway was a brilliant runner who won 20 of his 28 career starts. He is considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Jones also trained Citation, who won the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown in 1948. Citation was another exceptional horse who won 16 of his 19 career starts. He is also considered to be one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
Jones was a master trainer who knew how to get the best out of his horses. He was also a great horseman who loved and respected his animals. He is a true legend of the sport of horse racing, and his accomplishments in the Kentucky Derby will never be forgotten.
Ben A. Jones is a true icon of the Kentucky Derby. He is one of the greatest trainers to ever work in the sport, and his six victories in the race are a testament to his skill and dedication.
FAQ
Have questions about the Kentucky Derby? We've got answers.
Question 1: When is the Kentucky Derby in 2023?
Answer: The Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Question 2: What time does the race start?
Answer: The race is scheduled to start at 6:57 PM ET.
Question 3: Where is the Kentucky Derby run?
Answer: The race is run at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
Question 4: How far is the race?
Answer: The race is 1¼ miles long.
Question 5: What kind of track is it run on?
Answer: The race is run on a dirt track.
Question 6: How much is the prize money?
Answer: The total prize money is $3 million.
Question 7: Who is the current favorite?
Answer: The current favorite is a horse named Center.
Question 8: Who has the most wins as a rider?
Answer: Calvin Borel has the most wins as a rider, with six wins.
Question 9: Who has the most wins as a trainer?
Answer: Ben A. Jones has the most wins as a trainer, with six wins.
Question 10: How can I watch the race?
Answer: The race will be broadcast live on NBC.
We hope this FAQ has been helpful in answering your questions about the Kentucky Derby. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the Kentucky Derby:
Tip 1: Arrive early.
The Kentucky Derby is a huge event, and it's important to arrive early to get a good spot to watch the race. The gates at Churchill Downs open at 8:00 AM ET, and the race is scheduled to start at 6:57 PM ET. If you want to get a good seat, you should arrive at the track at least a few hours before the race.
Tip 2: Dress to impress.
The Kentucky Derby is a fashion event as much as it is a sporting event. Many people dress up in their finest clothes to attend the race. If you want to fit in, you should dress your best. However, it's important to remember that you'll be spending the day outdoors, so you should also wear comfortable shoes.
Tip 3: Learn about the horses and jockeys.
Before the race, take some time to learn about the horses and jockeys who are competing. This will help you make more informed bets and it will also make the race more enjoyable. You can find information about the horses and jockeys in the Kentucky Derby program or online.
Tip 4: Enjoy the atmosphere.
The Kentucky Derby is a truly unique event. The atmosphere is electric and it's a great place to celebrate with friends and family. Even if you're not a big fan of horse racing, you're sure to enjoy the experience.
We hope these tips help you have a great time at the Kentucky Derby.
Conclusion
The Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious and exciting horse races in the world. The race is held annually on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race is 1¼ miles long and is run on a dirt track. The total prize money is $3 million, with the winner receiving $1.86 million.
The Kentucky Derby is a race that is steeped in tradition and is a major cultural event in the United States. The race attracts a large television audience and is also a popular event for people to attend in person. The Kentucky Derby is a truly unique and special event, and it is a race that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
Whether you're a fan of horse racing or not, the Kentucky Derby is an event that is worth experiencing at least once in your life. So mark your calendars for Saturday, May 6, 2023, and get ready for the most exciting two minutes in sports!