Everything you need to know ahead of the 2024 Kentucky Derby
It’s almost time to “Run for the Roses.”
And this edition of the Kentucky Derby is a historic one.
The 150th running of the Kentucky Derby is set for Saturday, and while the horse racing world is starting to settle on some favorites — currently Fierceness listed at 5-2 followed by Sierra Leone listed at 3-1 — a pre-race favorite has not won the last five installments of the Kentucky Derby. So smart players might want to start looking for value elsewhere.
As for the venue itself, historic Churchill Downs has undergone a $200 million renovation project, which has been described as giving the racecourse a “stadium” feel. “It is night and day,” said Chris Galopin, Churchill Downs director of construction. “It just feels a lot more intentional now in this design, walking in, seeing the paddock, seeing the horses. The paddock is bigger. It’s more of an oval now than a tighter oval, as it was in the past.”
However fear not, the twin spires that are staples of Churchill Downs remain.
Here is how, and what, to watch for in the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
Race day begins at noon ET on Saturday, May 4th on the NBC, however there are numerous races ahead of the big one.
Starting at 12 p.m. ET, the event will be on USA Network and Peacock until 2:20 p.m. ET. Then, at 2:30 p.m. ET, the Derby will be broadcasted on NBC and Peacock until 7:30 p.m.
These will change as we approach race time, but here are the current odds for the 2024 Kentucky Derby, as available from Churchill Downs, arranged by the post draw. Note: Three horses — Continuar, Lord Miles and Practical Move — were scratched from the field on Thursday. They have been replaced in the field by Cyclone Mischief, Lord Russell, and Mandarin Hero.
In terms of entertainment this weekend, Kentucky’s own Wynonna Judd will perform the National Anthem on Saturday. “I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions. The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special,” said Judd.
During Friday’s Kentucky Oaks, emerging country artist and finalist on “The Voice” Lana Scott will perform the National Anthem.
If you are hosting a Derby Party you will need a few things. First, the perfect mint julep. Assuming you can find good mint, Alton Brown’s recipe and technique is a good recipe to follow. The Kentucky Derby also has a recipe you can follow.
Second, you’ll need the right menu. The Kentucky Derby has shared the “Kentucky Derby 150 Official Menu,” which includes a herbed grits, bourbon cherry brisket burnt ends, and a shrimp pasta. Their is also their “Kentucky Derby at home” menu, featuring the legendary Martha Stewart.
