If you’re checking the results for who won the Kentucky Derby today, January 15, 2026, I have some news that might be a bit of a buzzkill. Nobody won. At least, not the actual "Run for the Roses."
The real Kentucky Derby doesn't happen until the first Saturday in May. This year, that falls on May 2, 2026.
I get the confusion. This time of year, the "Derby" is all anyone in the racing world talks about. But right now, we are in the middle of what's called the "Road to the Kentucky Derby." It's a grueling series of prep races where three-year-olds scramble for points to get into that 20-horse starting gate. Honestly, it’s just as intense as the main event, but it’s more like the playoffs than the Super Bowl.
Wait, So Who Is the Reigning Champion?
If you want to know who the "current" king of Churchill Downs is, that title belongs to Sovereignty.
Last May, Sovereignty absolutely dominated the 151st Kentucky Derby. Ridden by Junior Alvarado and trained by the legendary Bill Mott, this Godolphin-owned colt took the win on a sloppy track with a time of 2:02.31. He went off at 7-1 odds and ended up beating a very tough horse named Journalism by a length and a half.
It was a huge deal for Mott. It was his second Derby win, following the 2019 chaos where Country House was moved up after a disqualification. This time, there was no drama—just raw speed.
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Recent Derby Winners
- 2025: Sovereignty (2:02.31)
- 2024: Mystik Dan (2:03.34)
- 2023: Mage (2:01.57)
- 2022: Rich Strike (2:02.61)
What’s Happening Today on the Derby Trail?
While the big race is months away, the "Road to the Derby" is red hot right now. Just a few days ago, on January 3, we saw My World win the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct. He wore down the favorite, Balboa, to win by two lengths. That same day, Strategic Risk romped in the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park by four and a half lengths.
Why do these races matter? Points.
The Kentucky Derby only allows 20 horses. To get in, you have to earn points in these specific prep races. The winners of the Jerome and the Smarty Jones each banked 20 points.
Upcoming Races to Watch
Actually, the next big one is this Saturday, January 17, 2026. It's the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. The field looks stacked. We’re talking about Chip Honcho, Crown the Buckeye, and Quality Mischief. These are the names you’ll be hearing in May, so if you're looking for an early tip, keep an eye on whoever takes the Lecomte.
The Betting Scene: It’s Already Open
If you're looking for "who won the Kentucky Derby today" because you're trying to place a bet, you're actually in luck. You don't have to wait until May to lose your money—or win big.
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Churchill Downs opens Future Wager Pools throughout the winter. Pool 3 actually opens tomorrow, Friday, January 16.
Right now, the "favorite" is basically a mystery. In these pools, the "All Other 3-Year-Olds" option usually starts as the favorite because so much can happen between January and May. Injuries, burnout, or a horse just not liking the distance can ruin a Derby dream in a heartbeat.
Current Top Prospects (Fixed Odds)
- Ted Noffey (9-1)
- Paladin (10-1)
- Further Ado (15-1)
- Cannoneer (20-1)
Kinda crazy to think about, but people are already putting thousands of dollars on these horses before they've even run a mile and a quarter.
Why This Season Feels Different
The 2026 season is the 152nd running. Every year, people say the "vibe" is different, but this year the 3-year-old crop seems unusually balanced. There isn't a "superhorse" like Justify or American Pharoah yet.
Last year, Sovereignty was a bit of a surprise because he hadn't won the Florida Derby—he came in second there. It proves that the "prep" winners aren't always the "Derby" winners.
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Also, keep an eye on the trainers. Bill Mott is trying to defend his title, but guys like Brad Cox and Todd Pletcher always have a massive "army" of horses moving through these January and February preps.
How to Follow the Results Properly
If you're like me and you can't wait for the first Saturday in May, you've gotta watch the leaderboard. The official Kentucky Derby leaderboard is updated every weekend after these prep races.
Don't just look for "who won." Look at the Beyers Speed Figures. A horse might win a slow race in New York, but a horse that comes in third in a blistering fast race in Florida might actually be the better bet for the Derby.
Actionable Next Steps for Derby Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for the 2026 Kentucky Derby, here is what you should do right now:
- Check the Lecomte Stakes results on Sunday morning. Whoever wins that race is going to jump to the top of the conversation.
- Watch the Future Wager Pool 3 that opens this Friday. It gives you a great "temperature check" on what the professional bettors think about the current crop of horses.
- Mark May 2, 2026, on your calendar. That is the day you'll actually find out who won the Kentucky Derby.
- Follow the "European Road" and "Japan Road." Increasingly, we are seeing international horses like Admire Daytona (who ran last year) making the trip. If a Japanese horse wins a major prep over there, take them seriously.
The Road to the Roses is a marathon, not a sprint. We're currently at the part where the runners are just stretching their legs.