You've got the mint julep in hand. The hat is probably slightly too large for your head, and you're wondering if you actually have time to run to the kitchen before the "Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" actually happens. If you are looking for the post time for the Kentucky Derby today, the number you need is 6:57 PM ET.
That's the official word for the 152nd running of the roses on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
But honestly, if you wait until 6:57 to turn on the TV, you've already missed the best parts. Horse racing is weird like that. The actual "running" is over in a blink, but the buildup is a marathon of fashion, betting drama, and that iconic walk from the paddock.
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What is post time for the Kentucky Derby today?
Let’s be real: "Post time" is a bit of a loose term in Lousiville. While 6:57 PM ET is the scheduled start, the horses often take their sweet time getting into the gate. We are talking about high-strung three-year-olds in front of 150,000 screaming fans. Sometimes a horse gets stubborn. Sometimes a jockey needs a reset.
If you are on the West Coast, you’re looking at 3:57 PM PT. For the folks in the mountains, it’s 4:57 PM MT, and Central time is 5:57 PM.
The Full Saturday Schedule
You can't just show up for the main event. Churchill Downs is a factory of races on Derby Day. There are usually 13 or 14 races on the card, and the Derby is typically Race 12.
- 10:30 AM ET: Gates have been open for a while, and the first race usually kicks off around now.
- 12:00 PM ET: Early coverage starts on USA Network and Peacock.
- 2:30 PM ET: The "big" show moves over to NBC. This is where you see the celebrities and the really expensive hats.
- 6:31 PM ET: "My Old Kentucky Home" begins. This is the unofficial signal to stop what you're doing.
- 6:57 PM ET: The gates fly open.
Why 6:57? Why not 7:00?
TV networks love specific times. NBC and Churchill Downs have this down to a literal science. They need enough time after the 6:30 PM "sentimental" window—where everyone cries during the song—to get the horses loaded but they have to finish the race and the trophy presentation before the 7:30 PM news or prime-time programming kicks in.
It’s a tight window. If a horse flips in the gate, the producers start sweating.
Watching the 152nd Kentucky Derby
If you aren't at the track, you have plenty of ways to see it.
- NBC: The traditional home.
- Peacock: If you’ve cut the cord, this is your best bet for a stable stream.
- USA Network: Great for the undercard races earlier in the day.
Something new for 2026? The Kentucky Oaks (the big race for the fillies on Friday) actually moved to a primetime slot at 8:00 PM ET. But for the Derby today, they are sticking to that late-afternoon, early-evening sweet spot that has worked for decades.
Betting Windows and Strategy
Don't wait until 6:50 PM to place your bets. The apps (like TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing) usually get hammered with traffic in the final ten minutes.
I’ve seen people lose out on a winning ticket because the "Place Bet" button wouldn't load. It's frustrating. Basically, try to get your money down by 6:30 PM. It saves the headache. Plus, the odds fluctuate wildly as the "smart money" comes in right before the gates open.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the "start time" is when the race starts. No. Post time is when the horses are supposed to be at the post.
The actual race usually starts about 2 to 5 minutes after the official post time. Then, 120 seconds later, it's over. You spend ten hours preparing for two minutes of chaos. That’s the magic of it, I guess.
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Actionable Steps for Derby Day
To make sure you don't miss the 6:57 PM bell, here is what you should do:
- Sync your clock: Ensure your streaming device isn't on a 30-second delay. If you hear your neighbor cheering, you’re too late.
- Check the weather: A "sloppy" track changes everything. If it rains in Louisville today, those speed horses might tire out, and the closers will have a field day.
- Set an alarm for 6:30 PM: This gives you time to finish your drink, find your seat, and actually watch the "Walkover," which is one of the most intense moments in sports.
The 152nd Run for the Roses is wide open this year. Whether you’re betting the favorite or a long shot with a cool name, just make sure you’re tuned in by 6:57 PM ET.
Now, go find your binoculars.
Next Steps for You:
Check the local Louisville weather radar to see if the track will be "Fast" or "Sloppy" before placing your final bets, and ensure your Peacock or NBC app is updated to avoid last-minute login issues.