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KENTUCKY DERBY

Kentucky Derby: race time, TV coverage, runners, riders and odds for tonight’s Churchill Downs contest

All you need to know about the 144th Kentucky Derby as the famous race at Churchill Downs takes place on Saturday.

THIS year's Kentucky Derby looks wide-open and is attracting more interest from Britain and Ireland than usual as Aidan O'Brien saddles a fascinating contender in Mendelssohn.

Leading jockey Ryan Moore is swerving the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket to ride UAE Derby and Breeders' Cup winner Mendelssohn in the famous race at Churchill Downs.

 Aidan O'Brien has been overseeing Mendelssohn's preparations on Friday
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Aidan O'Brien has been overseeing Mendelssohn's preparations on FridayCredit: Getty Images

When is this year's Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby will be run on Saturday, 5th May.

The race is scheduled for 11.50pm UK time (23:50).

What is the Kentucky Derby and who can run in the race?

The Kentucky Derby is a top rank, Grade 1 stakes race for 3 year old Thoroughbred horses. The race distance is one and one-quarter miles long, and it is run on the dirt racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.


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The 20 horses racing in the Kentucky Derby must first travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, which is a series of 35 races taking place at tracks across the country and the world.

Horses are awarded points for finishing in the top 4 of those 35 races, and the 20 horses with the most points earn a spot in the Kentucky Derby itself.

Who is running in this year's race?

  • Firenze Fire
  • Free Drop Billy
  • Promises Fulfilled
  • Flameaway
  • Audible
  • Good Magic
  • Justify
  • Lone Sailor
  • Hofburg
  • My Boy Jack
  • Bolt D'Oro
  • Enticed
  • Bravazo
  • Mendelssohn
  • Instilled Regard
  • Magnum Moon
  • Solomini
  • Vino Rosso
  • Noble Indy
  • Combatant
 Mendelssohn has been warming up for the race in Kentucky
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Mendelssohn has been warming up for the race in KentuckyCredit: PA

How can I watch the race?

You can watch the Kentucky Derby on At The Races.

Attheraces is on Sky channel 415, Virgin channel 534, and UPC in Ireland on channel 418.

What are the latest odds?

O'Brien's Mendelssohn is the 11-4 favourite for the Kentucky Derby at present.

Aidan O'Brien talks through his 2000 and 1000 Guineas contenders
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